lieflingEtymologyEquivalent to lief + -ling (compare darling = dear + -ling), perhaps from or modelled after Afrikaans liefling (“darling”), German Liebling (“darling”). Compare also loveling.liefling means one held as lief or dear; a darling. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 88 out of 100.nounOne held as lief or dear; a darling.“'Really, liefling?' she says. Tell me what happened.'”