Which cheeky British pet name for your partner is actually the most romantic?

Whether from your Yorkshire nan or the bloke at the chippy, 'love' somehow works for everyone. It's warm, unpretentious, and impossible to say sarcastically.

Ay up, me duck! Confusing to outsiders but oddly tender to those in the know. Nothing says 'I fancy you' like being compared to a waterfowl.

Short, sweet, and delivered with that unmistakable North East lilt. Somehow makes even a text about picking up milk sound affectionate.

Straight out of Love Island and every Essex nightclub. Basic, yes, but there's a reason it's survived every generation since the 90s.

Snuck in via TikTok and refuses to leave. Deeply cringeworthy to some, adorable to others — and definitely a red flag if used by anyone over 40.