Love (as a form of address)
LUV /lʌv/
Informal Polite
What it really means
Shop staff, bus drivers and older people may call you "love", "dear", "duck" or "pet". It is a friendly habit, not flirting, and is common across much of England. You do not need to use it back.
Chinese explanation
店员、公交司机和长辈可能会叫你 love、dear、duck 或 pet。这只是英国人（尤其英格兰很多地区）表示友好的习惯称呼，不是调情，你不必回称对方。
Example conversation
A: That's three fifty, love.
B: Here you go. Cheers.
A：一共3镑50，亲。
B：给您。谢谢。
All British Slang
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake