Definition of kid

The word "kid" has a complex and multifaceted origin. The term has been used in reference to a young human, especially a child, since the 14th century. This sense of the word is thought to have originated from the Middle English word "kide" or "kyd," which was used to describe a young goat or kid goat. In Middle English, the word "kide" was also used to refer to a young human, likely due to the perceived similarities between the growth and development of young goats and humans. This sense of the word was later influenced by the Old English word "cyd," which meant "young one" or "chid." The word "kid" has evolved over time to encompass a range of meanings, including a young person, a child, or a minor. Today, the term is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts.