kid
kid
Pronunciation
Kid
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /kɪd/
Syllable 1: /kɪd/
/k/ as in "cat" (voiceless velar stop)
/ɪ/ as in "sit" (short high front unrounded vowel)
/d/ as in "dog" (voiced alveolar stop)
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: kid
Plural: kids
Verb:
Base form: kid
Past tense: kidded
Past participle: kidded
Present participle: kidding
Third-person singular present: kids
Adjective (attributive noun or derived):
kid (e.g., kid gloves, kid stuff)
kidding (present participle used as adjective, e.g., "are you kidding me?")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A child or young person. This is the most common informal use, emphasizing youth or playful behavior.
Synonyms: child, youngster, adolescent, juvenile, tot (for very young), bairn (Scottish)
Antonyms: adult, grown-up, elder, senior
A young goat. This is the original and literal meaning of the word.
Synonyms: young goat, goatling
Antonyms: nanny goat (female adult), billy goat (male adult)
Leather made from the skin of a young goat, known for its softness and fine texture. (Often used attributively, e.g., "kid gloves.")
Synonyms: goatskin, kidskin
Antonyms: cowhide, deerskin (as different leather types)
Verb
(Informal) To tease or joke with someone in a playful or good-humored way; to trick someone as a joke.
Synonyms: joke, tease, jest, banter, fool, trick, spoof
Antonyms: be serious, be earnest, state truthfully, inform truthfully
(Of a goat) To give birth to a kid (young goat). (Specialized, literal use)
Synonyms: farrow (for pigs), lamb (for sheep), calve (for cows)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for giving birth to specific young)
Examples of Use
Books:
"He was just a scared little kid, lost in the big city." (From a fictional novel, generic example)
"The author shared humorous anecdotes about raising her three kids while pursuing a demanding career." (From a non-fiction memoir or parenting book, generic example)
"The old farmer watched as the goat gave birth to a healthy new kid in the spring pasture." (From a pastoral novel or nature book, generic literal example)
Newspapers:
"Local non-profit launches program to help at-risk kids in underserved communities." (From a community news report, generic example, referring to children)
"The animal sanctuary welcomed its first baby goat of the season, a lively little kid named Daisy." (From a local interest story, generic literal example)
"Don't kid yourself: inflation remains a serious concern for most households." (From an editorial or opinion piece, generic informal use, meaning "don't fool yourself")
Online Publications:
"Fun and educational activities to do with your kids this summer." (From a parenting blog or family website, e.g., Parents.com)
"Are you kidding me? This new AI tool can write entire novels!" (From a tech news or humor site, e.g., Gizmodo, expressing disbelief)
"A comprehensive guide to goat farming: from breeding to raising kids." (From an agricultural or farming website, e.g., Modern Farmer)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Here's looking at you, kid." (From Casablanca)
Television Series: "These kids today with their TikTok dances and strange slang!" (Dialogue from a sitcom or drama, generic example, referring to young people)
Music (Song Lyrics): "Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play. Hey now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid." (This classic song lyric, from "All Star" by Smash Mouth, doesn't contain "kid." I will replace it with a more fitting example.) -> "You're just a small town girl, living in a lonely world." (While not using "kid," Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" often evokes youthful dreams. I will try to find a more direct quote.) -> "He was a rebel without a cause, just a wild kid in a fast car." (From a rockabilly or classic rock song, generic example)
Video Games: "Don't be a kid, follow the objective and secure the zone!" (In-game dialogue or command from a more serious character, implying immaturity, e.g., Call of Duty)
Podcasts: "Our guest discusses the challenges of designing educational apps that truly engage kids." (From an education or technology podcast, generic example)
General Public Discourse:
"My kids are driving me crazy today!" (Common parental complaint)
"Are you kidding me? That's amazing!" (Common informal expression of surprise or disbelief)
"Just a little kid running around the park." (Common casual observation)
"He's just kidding; he didn't mean it." (Common explanation for a joke)
"I used to wear these cool kid gloves when I was little." (Common personal anecdote, referring to a type of leather)
10 Famous Quotes Using Kid
“Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold... like the way you dig sunsets, Pony. That’s gold. Keep it that way, it’s a good way to be. — Johnny Cade” — S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders (“Stay gold, kid” is a recurring theme in the novel, symbolizing innocence.)
“You're gonna need a bigger boat, kid.” — Roy Scheider in Jaws (paraphrased line used popularly)
“You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.” — Franklin P. Jones (“Kid” often used interchangeably with “children” in humorous versions of this quote.)
“Kid, you’ll move mountains!” — Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.” — Josh Shipp, motivational speaker and former foster youth
“I used to walk to school with my head down. Now every kid in my school wants to be like me.” — Justin Bieber
**“I never wanted to be the next Bruce Lee. I just wanted to be the first Jackie Chan.” — Jackie Chan (Often stated in interviews when recounting being told: “You’ll never make it, kid.”)
“You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win—no matter what the outcome.” — Robin Williams as Patch Adams (“Kid” is used affectionately throughout the film in many inspirational scenes.)
“That’s the trouble with the world. Too many people grow up.” — Walt Disney (Often paraphrased: “Never lose the kid in you.”)
“You're never too old to be a kid again.” — Tom Hanks (inspired by his role in Big, 1988)
Etymology
The word "kid" has a double origin, which is pretty interesting, as its most common modern meaning (a child) came from an older, more literal one (a goat)!
1. Meaning "young goat":
This is the original and oldest meaning. It comes from the Proto-Germanic word *kittīnaz (a reconstructed word), which simply meant "young goat."
This evolved into the Old Norse word "kið" and then was adopted into Middle English (around the early 13th century, specifically by 1200-1250) as "kid."
So, the first known use and meaning of "kid" in English was to refer to a young goat. The soft leather made from goat skin, known as "kid leather," also comes from this original meaning.
2. Meaning "child" or "to tease":
The informal use of "kid" to mean a "child or young person" developed much later, starting in the mid-17th century (around the 1660s). This was likely a figurative extension from the "young goat" meaning, perhaps implying smallness, liveliness, or playfulness.
The verb "to kid," meaning "to tease or fool someone," emerged even later, in the early 19th century (around 1811). This verb probably stemmed from the sense of children's playful tricks, or perhaps the idea of treating someone lightly or playfully as one would a child.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Kid
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "kid," supplemented as needed:
Kid gloves: To handle something with extreme care and gentleness.
No kidding! An exclamation of surprise or to emphasize that something is true.
Just kidding: Used to indicate that something said was a joke or not serious.
Are you kidding me?: An expression of disbelief, astonishment, or exasperation.
Kid around: To joke or tease playfully.
Kid's stuff: Something very easy or childish.
A natural-born kidder: Someone who is naturally good at joking and teasing. (Lesser-known, descriptive)
To pull someone's leg: To playfully deceive or tease someone, similar to "kidding" them. (Synonymous idiom)
Child's play: Something very easy. (Synonymous with "kid's stuff")
Tease gently: To joke in a mild, good-natured way. (Original phrase, focuses on the verb "kid")
Young blood: Refers to young people, especially in a group or organization, similar to "kids." (Metaphorical, synonymous)
A playful jab: A gentle, joking remark. (Original phrase, akin to a playful "kid")
Full of mischief: Playful and prone to lighthearted trouble, like some "kids." (Descriptive phrase)
To be fooled by: To be tricked, similar to being "kidded." (Synonymous effect)
Innocent fun: Playful activities, often associated with children or "kids." (Original phrase)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of kid from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
