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is "nighty night" too childish to say to an adult friend?

Camyllu200
So, I was texting with a friend, she's not a native english speaker (we're both italian and 20) but we sometimes use english words during our conversations, also consider that she teaches english and her english is so good, almost native level. This night, right before going to bed I texted her a "nighty night" with some emoticons and stars. I wanted to sound cute, casual and funny, but I have fear that she might interpreted it as childish, as if i'm treating her like a child. What do you think? Would a native (or in this case a very fluent person) consider it too childish?

29 comments

strange1738•
I think that would definitely come across as cute, casual, and funny. I say that pretty often to close friends/ partners
ExistentialCrispies•
It's definitely something generally said to children, but you can get away with saying it to someone you are very familiar with. You'd probably only say it ironically, trying to be funny, and that's how it was probably received.
somuchsong•
It is a cutesy saying that is most often used with children but I'd also use it with close friends or family, to be playful, like you intended. I can't say how your friend, given she's not a native speaker, would have interpreted it but if she's a friend, I wouldn't worry too much. It's not like she's your boss or professor or anything.
ItsRandxm•
It definitely does give off a childish vibe. I would really only say that to someone who I'm really close with (or more than likely not at all), but it's not really a big deal.
SnooLemons6942•
Well, yes, it's a silly, childish phrase. That doesn't mean you can't use it though. I could see myself saying "nighty night 😴" to be silly and cute.  I don't think it would get interpreted as you treating them like a child though—just that you're being a little silly.
Few_Recover_6622•
It that context it's fine and I would think it was intended to be cute and casual.   I wouldn't think anything of one of my friends texting that.
MarsMonkey88•
That’s fine with a friend who is a peer in a casual setting. Sounds fine! If she has an issue with it, I’d chalk that up to her not being a native speaker. (It doesn’t feel childish, it feels casual and it’s the kind of thing you say if you’re close to the person.
InstructionDry4819•
It’s a cutesier version of goodnight for sure, but it isn’t too babyish in that context.
GiodeKC•
usually it would be taken as a cutesy joke :)
TripResponsibly1•
I wouldn't see this as weird coming from someone I care about. I wouldn't text my boss that, or my teacher, though. It's informal and cutesy, but not inappropriate among friends.
A_Baby_Hera•
It's fine, and comes across (generally) how you want. I personally might just say "night night" for that cuteness and casualness with a little less of the childishness of "nighty night"
Miitama•
My friends and I all say "nini" "nighty night" and "sleep well" to one another, so it's more endearing than anything.
IwannaAskSomeStuff•
I will personally go whole hog and say, "Nighty night, sleepy tight, don't let the bed bugs bite!" It's absolutely childish and cutesy, though 
honkoku•
You might try "night night" -- to me that's still casual and somewhat cutesy but doesn't sound as childish as "nighty night".
Visible_Midnight_368•
That’s totally fine. Too childish would be “It’s time for beddy-by!”
DawnOnTheEdge•
I would tell most people, “Good night,” or “See you tomorrow.” “Nighty night” is for people you're very close to, but I wouldn't worry. She knows you’re a learner and won't read too much into it.
ThirdSunRising•
It’s definitely childish, but adults playfully say stuff like that to each other all the time. Perfectly all right.
Imightbeafanofthis•
I think that since she's not a native English speaker she's unlikely to take it amiss. As an American I would take it as casual, cute, and funny. otoh my dad used the same phrase from the day I was born until the day he died. . .
madeusingAI•
(Native speaker, American English) I would find it a little odd if an adult *native* speaker said it to me, unless they were close family. It’s not condescending though (unless it’s clearly supposed to be, in context); it’s more on the same level as saying “bye-bye” instead of just “bye”.
Prestigious-Fan3122•
It's a casual, playful thing when said between adults. I'm very particular about language, and wouldn't think twice if someone said "nighty night" to me.
fjgwey•
Not at all; it's common for some people to use 'childish' expressions, specifically to be cute or funny. Particularly women, but not just them of course. I wouldn't worry about it.
onlysigneduptoreply•
When my now husband and I were dating we would text PJs x at bed time as a play on words as a nightie is a woman's ( usually) sleepwear.
SteampunkExplorer•
It's definitely baby talk, but it also wouldn't be weird for an adult to say it half-jokingly. It doesn't sound condescending.
No_Pen_3825•
It’s fine. Typically, kids say nighty night while adults say night night (dropping the y).
lanterns22•
It would be a bit silly, but if you were saying it to a friend, they wouldn't think anything of it. If you're worried about it seeming a bit too silly or childish, you can balance it out by elaborating on the phrase with more adult vocabulary. For example, you might say, "nighty night, don't forget to do your taxes." Or you could always let them know that you want to be taken more seriously by swearing a little, like, "nighty night, motherfuckers." I often choose the latter so that my friends won't forget who's in charge while I maintain a chill and casual vibe.
InfravioletUltrared•
My friend and I (both native speakers) do this to be cute. It is child-like, but I don't think it's *too* childish.
Ice_cream_please73•
Good night sleep tight don’t let the bedbugs bite is another similar silly thing to say
SnarkyBeanBroth•
Not if you mean "Knighty knight" - then you are just being geeky. Source: I do this. I am lame.
GiveMeTheCI•
It's childish or cute. I think it's fine with someone you are close with, but if not close, depending on the person they could take it as being flirty, or perhaps effeminate/gay if you're a guy. (I'm not saying it *is* these things, but I think that's how someone you're not close friends with may interpret it.)