Child vs. Kid: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on September 26, 2023
A "child" is a young human being below the age of puberty, while "kid" is an informal term for a child or, originally, a young goat.
Difference Between Child and Kid
"Child" is a term that encompasses a broad age range, typically referring to a human being who has not yet reached the age of maturity or adolescence. It's a more formal term and is often used in official contexts or when discussing stages of human development. On the other hand, "kid" is much more colloquial and is commonly used in everyday speech to refer to a young person, often with a more playful or casual tone.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Both "child" and "kid" can be used interchangeably in many contexts, especially in informal settings. For instance, one might say, "My child is eight years old" or "My kid is eight years old," with little to no difference in meaning. However, "child" might be preferred in more formal or clinical contexts, such as legal documents or medical reports.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Interestingly, the word "kid" originally referred to a young goat. Over time, its usage evolved, and it became a slang term for children. While "child" has always been focused on young humans, "kid" has broader origins, which is a testament to the fluidity and evolution of language.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
In some situations, using "child" can emphasize the innocence or vulnerability of the young person, while "kid" might come off as more relaxed and familiar. Regardless of these nuances, it's important to recognize that both terms can be used affectionately and are both widely accepted when referring to younger individuals.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Child vs. Kid Comparison Chart
Origins
Specifically refers to young humans
Originally referred to young goats
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Usage in Official Contexts
Often used in legal, medical, and official documents
Less common in official contexts
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Child vs. Kid Definitions
◉Child
A young human being.
The park was filled with the joyful sounds of a child playing.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 06, 2023
◉Child
A person who has not attained maturity.
She is still a child and needs guidance.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 06, 2023
◉Child
A person strongly influenced by a particular source.
He is a child of the 90s, always nostalgic about that era.
Elijah
Sep 06, 2023
◉Child
A result or product of something.
This painting is the child of his imagination.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 06, 2023
◉Kid
A young individual of various animals.
The doe protected her kid from predators.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 06, 2023
◉Child
A person who has not attained maturity or the age of legal majority.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
An individual regarded as strongly affected by another or by a specified time, place, or circumstance
a child of nature.
a child of the Sixties.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
(Slang)Pal. Used as a term of familiar address, especially for a young person
Hi, kid! What's up?.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
A product or result of something specified
“Times Square is a child of the 20th century” (Richard F. Shepard).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
A person who has not yet reached adulthood, whether natural (puberty), cultural (initiation), or legal (majority).
Go easy on him: he is but a child.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
A kid aged 1 to 11 years, whereas neonates are aged 0 to 1 month, infants are aged 1 month to 12 months, and adolescents are aged 12 years to 18 years.
Regular chores can be appropriate for both children and adolescents, given age-appropriate limits on difficulty level and time on task.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
(with possessive) One's direct descendant by birth, regardless of age; one's offspring; a son or daughter.
My youngest child is forty-three this year.
His adult children visit him yearly.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
To deceive in fun; fool
I could only hope they were kidding me when they said my car had been stolen.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
To deceive (oneself), especially by allowing one's desires to cloud one's judgment
You're kidding yourself if you think that plan will work.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
To engage in teasing or good-humored fooling
You want that much for your old car? You must be kidding!.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
A person considered a product of a place or culture, a member of a tribe or culture, regardless of age.
The children of Israel.
He is a child of his times.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
A young goat.
He treated the oxen like they didn't exist, but he treated the goat kid like a puppy.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
(computing) A data item, process, or object which has a subservient or derivative role relative to another.
The child node then stores the actual data of the parent node.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
(informal) A child (usually), teenager, or young adult; a juvenile.
She's a kid. It's normal for her to have imaginary friends.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
A son or a daughter; a male or female descendant, in the first degree; the immediate progeny of human parents; - in law, legitimate offspring. Used also of animals and plants.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
(informal) A person whose childhood took place in a particular time period or area.
Only '90s kids will remember this toy.
He's been living in Los Angeles for years now, but he's a Florida kid.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
A descendant, however remote; - used esp. in the plural; as, the children of Israel; the children of Edom.
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May 03, 2023
◉Kid
(informal) One's son or daughter, regardless of age.
He was their youngest kid.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
One who, by character of practice, shows signs of relationship to, or of the influence of, another; one closely connected with a place, occupation, character, etc.; as, a child of God; a child of the devil; a child of disobedience; a child of toil; a child of the people.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
(in the vocative) Used as a form of address for a child, teenager or young adult.
No, kid, you didn't do anything wrong; they did!
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
A young person of either sex. esp. one between infancy and youth; hence, one who exhibits the characteristics of a very young person, as innocence, obedience, trustfulness, limited understanding, etc.
When I was child. I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
(nautical) A small wooden mess tub in which sailors received their food.
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May 03, 2023
◉Child
To give birth; to produce young.
This queen Genissa childing died.
It chanced within two days they childed both.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
a young person of either sex;
she writes books for children
they're just kids
`tiddler' is a British term for youngsters
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
a human offspring (son or daughter) of any age;
they had three children
they were able to send their kids to college
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Child
an immature childish person;
he remained a child in practical matters as long as he lived
stop being a baby!
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
A kind of leather made of the skin of the young goat, or of the skin of rats, etc.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
A small wooden mess tub; - a name given by sailors to one in which they receive their food.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
Among pugilists, thieves, gunfighters, etc., a youthful expert; - chiefly used attributively; as, kid Jones.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
a young person of either sex;
she writes books for children
they're just kids
`tiddler' is a British term for youngsters
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Kid
a human offspring (son or daughter) of any age;
they had three children
they were able to send their kids to college
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Child vs. Kid Frequently Asked Questions
Can "child" and "kid" be used interchangeably?
Yes, in many contexts, especially informal ones, they can be used interchangeably.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is "kid" a formal term for a child?
No, "kid" is an informal term for a child.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Do both words have plural forms?
Yes, "children" for "child" and "kids" for "kid".
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Does "kid" only refer to human children?
No, originally, "kid" referred to a young goat.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is "child" used in legal contexts?
Yes, "child" is commonly used in legal contexts.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Which word is older, "child" or "kid"?
"Child" has older roots in referring to young humans, while "kid" originally referred to young goats.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Which term is more globally understood?
Both terms are widely understood, but "child" might be more universally recognized given its formal usage.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
Why do some people prefer "child" over "kid"?
"Child" is more formal and can emphasize innocence or vulnerability.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can "kid" be used in a professional setting?
It depends on the context, but "child" is typically more appropriate in professional or formal settings.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is "kid" slang?
"Kid" began as slang for a child but has become standard in informal American English.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
