Lifestyle Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. “Pookie”, “McSteamy”, or “Babycat” aren’t exactly cute in the public sphere, but those weird nicknames aren’t just silly; they’re a sign your relationship is thriving.

We all want to roll our eyes when we hear couples throwing around baby talk or cringeworthy nicknames in public. But as much as you want to vomit in your mouth, there is an excellent reason that 75 per cent of us admit to dropping these (borderline embarrassing) terms of endearment. Baby talk and weird nicknames are the building blocks of a stronger connection.

And guess what? The more bizarre the nickname, the tighter the bond. So, if you’re still calling your partner by their actual name, it’s time to step up your game. The secret language of love (yes, It’s cringe-worthy) According to a study in the Sage Journal, couples who use pet names, baby talk, or made-up words are onto something.

It’s known as a couple-specific language. Couples in this verbal play feel more satisfied and connected in their relationships. It’s as if you’re communicating in code, a secret language only the couple knows.

This private vocabulary creates a more profound sense of intimacy. These silly names reflect the security, comfort, and trust you’ve developed with your partner. Five reasons weird nicknames matter #1.

They build your “culture of two.” When you and your partner create a language, yo.