Dearie

HON

Think of a casual term of affection often used in the southern U.S. or by grandparents, short for a longer word.

"Dearie" is a term of endearment often shortened to "hon," which is a casual way to say "honey." The answer "HON" drops the "-ey" sound for brevity, a common trick in crosswords to fit shorter entries. It’s also a nod to regional slang, like in Baltimore where "hon" is a well-known nickname. The clue plays on affectionate language while keeping the answer tight and puzzle-friendly.