- An intense but relatively shallow romantic infatuation, typically experienced by adolescents or young teenagers. It's seen as immature and likely temporary.
Explanation
Origin
- Compares the feelings to the seemingly intense but fickle affection of a young puppy.
- Puppies are known for their boundless enthusiasm and affection, which can seem deep but changes focus quickly.
- The term implies sweetness and innocence but lacks the depth and maturity of adult love. It often carries a slightly dismissive or patronizing tone when used by adults describing younger people.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Major crush
- Head over heels (Describes intensity, not necessarily immaturity)
- Being smitten
- Mooning over someone (Implies lovesick behavior)
More Neutral/Clinical:
- Adolescent infatuation
- Early romantic feelings
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Can sound dismissive or patronizing if said directly *to* the person experiencing the feelings. Best used when talking *about* young people's relationships.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood. The main nuance is the implication of immaturity and transience.
Examples
- They're not really serious; it's just puppy love.
- I remember my first case of puppy love in middle school.
- Don't worry, it's sweet, but it's probably just puppy love.
Dialogue
Mom: Sarah seems absolutely smitten with that boy Mark. She talks about him non-stop.
Dad: Ah, puppy love. It's sweet at that age.
Mom: I know, but try telling her it's not the real thing!
Social Media Examples
- Post: Watching my little brother navigate his first 'girlfriend'. Total puppy love phase, adorable and dramatic! 😂 #teenagers #firstlove
- Comment: Remember our middle school 'romance'? Peak puppy love lol. #TBT
- Tweet: Is it puppy love or the real deal? Sometimes hard to tell when you're young. #relationships
Response Patterns
- Aw, that's cute.
- Yeah, probably. (Agreeing it's not serious)
- Maybe, but it feels real to them. (Defending the feelings)
- We've all been there. (Nostalgic agreement)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Discussing the young couple involved.
- Sharing one's own experiences of early infatuation.
- Speculating on how long the relationship will last.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually used to comment on an observed situation or reflect on the past.
Intonation
- Often spoken with a gentle, sometimes slightly dismissive or nostalgic tone.
- Emphasis on PUPPY love.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood, but perhaps used more often by adults (30+) describing younger people's feelings. Teenagers themselves are less likely to label their own current feelings this way.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions. Calf love is more UK-centric and less common now.