‘Chérie’ still top pet name list

THE TRADITIONAL mon chéri / ma chérie has topped a poll of favourite pet names, just before Valentine’s Day.

A survey by TNS-Sofres also found a vast array of other ways to address a partner, including “mon coeur” (9%), “mon bébé” (8% and particularly popular with the under 25s), “mon amour” (6%) “ma puce”, “doudou”, “biche”, “minou” , “mon canard” which rougly translate as my love, my honey, my sweet, darling, kitten and my duck.

More unusual names include objects like “boule” or “pitchoune,” which means petite in Provencal.

Around 59% of those polled admitted they used a pet name for their lover but eight out of ten just use their normal name.