Preadolescent, informally

TWEENIE

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue **\"Preadolescent, informally\"** with the answer **\"TWEENIE\"**:\n\n*\"Not quite a teen, but not a little kid—add a playful suffix to the word for this age group.\"*\n\nThis hint guides the solver by:\n1. Reinforcing the idea of an in-between age (not a teen, not a young child).\n2. Suggesting a common suffix (\"-ie\" or \"-y\") that makes words sound informal or cute.\n3. Avoiding direct repetition of the clue while making the answer more accessible.\n\nIt nudges the solver toward the answer without giving it away outright."]

The clue **"Preadolescent, informally"** leads to the answer **"TWEENIE"** through the following breakdown: 1. **Definition**: The word "preadolescent" refers to a child who is not quite a teenager but is transitioning from childhood. This age group is commonly known as **"tweens"** (typically ages 9–12). 2. **Informal Language**: The clue specifies "informally," indicating that the answer is a casual or slang term rather than a formal one. **"Tweenie"** is a playful, informal variation of "tween." 3. **Wordplay**: The suffix **"-ie"** (or **"-y"**) is often added to words to make them sound cuter or more informal (e.g., "doggie," "bookie"). Thus, **"tween" + "-ie"** forms **"tweenie."** In summary, the clue combines the definition of a preadolescent with the informal, affectionate suffix to arrive at **"TWEENIE."**