little friend—
1. is used of a pet animal as a term of endearment:
- All of us are or have been attached to a small animal. I am going to talk to you about my little friend.
2. (euph.) menstruation:
- Women have no shame connected to their “little friend” every month. Your museum is a powerful tool in increasing acceptedness of menstruation.
small friend— = little friend 1:
- My dog leapt into my arms and licked me with wild abandon. I cried for the reunion with my small friend.
Note:
a) Neither expression correlates in meaning with the phrase petit ami—(Fr., euph.) the partner for a male homosexual:
- Your petit ami was calling me a horrid baggy little man.
b) Neither expression correlates in meaning with the phrase petite amie—(Fr., euph.) a sexual mistress (of a middle-aged man):
- His petite amie had raised the subject of marriage.