Since “pedophile” has a sexual meaning, what word could be used? I’m looking for a non-hyphenated, single word.
I don’t think there is a general word for in English for someone who generally just loves (non-sexually) children, even non-related ones, since the context of “love” varies so much.
“mom”?
[QUOTE=lawoot]
“mom”?
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Parent was my thought.
“Likes kids” is, I think, probably the standard way of saying this.
I’m wondering if the word “pedophile” is itself a misnomer. Normally, the “-philia” suffix denotes something you have an affinity for, or a strong interest in, but NOT necessarily in a sexual way. For example, I’m definitely a videophile and an ailurophile, but I have no desire to have sex with my DVDs or my cats.
[QUOTE=KGS]
I’m wondering if the word “pedophile” is itself a misnomer. Normally, the “-philia” suffix denotes something you have an affinity for, or a strong interest in, but NOT necessarily in a sexual way. For example, I’m definitely a videophile and an ailurophile, but I have no desire to have sex with my DVDs or my cats.
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True but it’s much too late to rescue “pedophile.”
Boy scout leader,coach?