- Slang. This word is used somewhat like a pronoun and is similar to 'dude'. The use of this term is a bit confusing though and is determined by syntactic cues. If one is using 'kid' to refer to another person, then they will usually say the person's name first. (This is very similar to the pronoun and referent relationship.) Example: John got a haircut. Kid looks fresh. If referring to the self, there is no need for a referent. Example: Kid got a haircut. This usage of kid probably developed from the northern area of the U.S, specifically New Jersey.
Kid
derivation Noun or Pronoun
1. A reference to oneself. 2. A reference to another person (male). Both references are usually above the age normally considered as 'kid' or 'child'.
Etymology : Arose from the Northern areas of the U.S, specifically New Jersey. This neologism is a derivational change from the modern English word 'kid' meaning a child or baby goat.
Source : "Kid got a haircut." Conversation with a friend from New Jersey; September 2011.
Last modified: 2 December 2011