What Do Guys Like to be Called? 20 of Their Favorite Nicknames (2024)

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Co-authored byJohn Keeganand Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: September 16, 2023Fact Checked

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1. Tell him he’s gorgeous to make him blush. You might think it’s mostly used to describe girls, but plenty of guys are absolutely gorgeous too! It’s an extravagant and knockout way to say you think he’s a ten.

   • “You’re drop-dead gorgeous.”

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1. “Good-looking” is a safe but flirty option for a nickname. It lets him know you think he’s attractive, but it also isn’t too intense. You could even say this to a friend, so just be sure to make it flirty enough that he knows you don’t want to be just friends.

   • “What’s new, good-looking?”

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1. “Cute” isn’t just for baby animals, it’s perfect for guys, too. You can also get creative and mix it up for bonus points: “Cutie,” “Cutie-Pie,” “Cutie-Patootie.” This one is better for new relationships, since it’s light and flirty.^[1]

   • “What’s up, cutie?”
   • “Has anyone ever told you how cute you are?”

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1. Calling him “Handsome” is a classic way to let him know you like him. It’s playful and flirty, but it could also come across as a fun joke between the two of you, and is great if you’re dating or just interested.^[2] This one’s a good go-to.

   • “Hey handsome!”
   • “How’d you get so handsome?”

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1. Call him “sugar” to make him feel sweet. Cakes, pies, chocolates–who doesn’t love a delicious treat? Let him know he’s your treat! This is a time-tested pet name that’s still cute no matter how many times you use it.^[3]

   • “Give me some sugar, Sugar!”

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1. “Hot Stuff” is just cheesy enough to make him smile. It’s also a flattering nod to his looks. Just like any superficial compliment, though, it can help to follow up by saying something about his personality. Try also commenting on his smarts or how funny he is!

   • “How’s it hanging, hot stuff?”
   • “Howdy, hot stuff.”

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1. Use “hunk” to let him know you’re attracted to him. Guys love to be complimented on their looks, especially if the compliment is about their physique. Just be sure you’re not overstepping or objectifying him.

   • “I can tell you work out, hunk.”
   • “You’re such a hunk.”

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1. Calling him sexy is a good way to make a move. It doesn’t get much clearer than “sexy” –this nickname lets him know you’re crazy about him.^[4] But be careful how you use it! This one is best with your partner, not so much with guys you don’t know very well.

   • “I can’t believe how sexy you are.”
   • “Can’t wait to see you, sexy.”

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1. Call him “my hero” to really flatter him. Superheroes are handsome, well-built, reliable, and, well, heroic. Let him know he’s your knight in shining armor, and that you’ll be looking for him to save you if you’re ever in a tough spot.

   • “Here comes my hero to save the day!”

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1. Call him “King” or “Prince” to make him feel like royalty. These nicknames are sure to make him feel like he belongs on a throne, and they’ll let him know that you belong right there beside him. If he’s the king, that makes you royalty too, after all!^[5]

   • “Anything for you, king.”
   • “Here comes my prince!”

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1. Babe or Baby are common go-to pet names. They’re great to drop into casual conversation with your boyfriend, or during a more romantic date. They work in any situation, and are sweet and snappy.^[6]

   • “Hey baby, where’re we going?”
   • “What’s up, babe?”

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1. “Hubby” is extra cute, and you don’t have to be married to use it. It’s bubbly and sweet, and makes him sound like a big teddy bear, which isn’t a bad thing to be. Use this when talking about your boyfriend to other people, but make sure you’re committed first!^[7]

   • “That’s my hubby over there. Yeah, the adorable one.”

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1. “My Love” and “Beloved” are great names for a more romantic situation. These nicknames are full of affection, and are a bit more serious than the cheesier pet names. They’re simple and to-the-point, and sometimes that’s what’s best.^[8]

   • “I can’t wait to see you tonight, my love.”
   • “I’ve been thinking about you all day, beloved.”

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1. “Honey” is a sweet nickname that’s great for a more casual tone. It’s the favorite pet name for many couples, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! The best part is that you can say it anywhere and in front of anyone, without sounding corny.^[9]

   • “Honey, I’m home!”

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1. “Sweetie” is simple and reliable. Drop it into conversations at dinner, while shopping, or just when you want to get his attention. This familiar nickname is comfortable to use with a long-term partner, and easy to say without even thinking about it.

   • “How was your day, sweetie?”
   • “Sweetie, come and see this!”

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1. Use “sweetheart” to be a bit more affectionate. “Sweetheart” calls to mind all sorts of things, like candy and Valentine’s Day. It’s a romantic nickname that’s a little more intense than “sweetie” without being too much.

   • “How’s my sweetheart doing?”
   • “You’ll always be my sweetheart.”

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1. Call him “dearest” as a cute call-back. It’s a little dated, sure, but it’s a classic for a reason. It tells him that he’s your favorite, but makes it sound that much more romantic. This one is cute for long-time partners and new boyfriends alike.

   • “Dearest, I’m obsessed with you.”
   • “Can I have a kiss, dearest?”

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1. It’s hard to beat “light of my life” when talking about the person you love. It lets them know that they’re everything to you, and that you value them more than anything. It’s best to call committed partners this–don’t just use it on any guy!

   • “I’m so happy I found you, light of my life.”

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1. It doesn’t get much more casual than “dude,” and that’s not a bad thing. Maybe you’re not ready to be romantic, or maybe you just want to get a feel for the guy before you go all-in. “Dude” is an easy nickname for someone you see every day, but to whom you feel awkward just saying their name without any flair. Alternatively, this can be a cute and funny way to address your long-term partner, once you’ve gotten over the first-date phase.

   • “Yeah dude, I’d love to hang out!”
   • "I love you so much, dude."

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Use his first and last name

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1. Guys love to be called by their first and last names. We’re not talking classroom roll-call here. If you get flirty with it, saying his full name can be a striking way to get his attention.^[10] This is a good one to try when the two of you are just starting out, but can also be a killer move later on in a relationship.

   • “You’ve got the best eyes, Henry Owens.”
   • “Max Miller, you’re a sight for sore eyes.”

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