We need a new word for "adult child"

[LauderSyme]

For no real reason it annoys me that there is no decent alternative to "adult child/children" for sons and daughters aged over 18.

Words like offspring and progeny always sound like mild piss-takes in every day use. But adult child is a literal oxymoron!

I think my vote is for a new portmanteau word : adulren. Or adren? Or shall I just get a life? 🤔 😁

AC? Adult children such as DC is dear children 😁

ooh I like neologisms and I like adren. Get it out there!

Chadult?

Adulren is too like adultery for me. Adren, chadult both work for me. Other than that - got nothing 🤷🏻‍♀️

But adult child is a literal oxymoron!

It isn't an oxymoron, because 'child' has two meanings. It's always obvious from context what is meant.

Grildren? (Grown up children.)

Perhaps we just need to work hard to establish offspring as a useful. non-piss-takey term. It is a pretty wonderful word, really. A being that leaps from my parental care like the release of a coiled spring.

This! 💕

But offspring can be babies/toddlers/young kids. We need a word specifically for adults who are our children.

Maybe something around 'fledgling', although that makes me think of birds rather than humans.

What about Kidult. Or is that already a word?

Apparently kidult means an adult who enjoys juvenile things.

What's wrong with son or daughter?

I like chadult! Dh and I were just saying how although they’re technically adults they so aren’t really adults. Ours are all between 20 and 27 so the 27 yo is slightly more adult!

Yes you are right about the two meanings of child. It's clumsiness still bothers me though!

Maybe something around 'fledgling', although that makes me think of birds rather than humans.

That's for when they've 'left the nest' but still squawk for help feeding etc.

Tbh OP, I think the English language has managed fine for centuries with the words we've got so I think 'get a life' is your best option.

Issue

I like Chadult. In two years time I’ll start referring to dd1 as a chadult.

Yes, son and/or daughter work fine too.

I like chadult too!

‘Historic cost centre’

Dh and I were just saying how although they’re technically adults they so aren’t really adults.

My daughter is 25, she's an adult. A young one, who has the sense to ask our advice on occasion. As to other 'childish' behaviour, I'm liable to join her in it given the opportunity.

I'm a former child

True. Perhaps we should blend them, in the manner of labradoodles etc.
Saughter (too close to slaughter perhaps) or daughn.

Chadult is good. Some other dumb ideas..

Loin-ups,
Offsprung,
Spawn-ups,
Choldren.

ooh, offsprung is brilliant.

I think 'chadult' is a good one.