childness

English

Etymology

From child +‎ -ness.

Noun

childness (usually uncountable, plural childnesses)

1. The manner that is characteristic of a child; the quality of being childlike, especially those aspects of childhood that are positive, such as innocence, playfulness, trust, and openness.
   • c. 1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Winters Tale”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]:

     He makes a July's day short as December, And with his varying childness cures in me Thoughts that would thick my blood.

   • 1994, Michael Phillips, A God to Call Father:

     There is a childness into which we must all learn to grow, as well as a childhood we must all leave behind.

   • 2020, Donelle Ruwe, James Leve, Children, Childhood, and Musical Theater:

     Analysis of the promotional campaigns which have framed Matilda the Musical since its first performance in 2010 indicates how they draw on this concept, as the company has sought to maximize its appeal to an adult crossover audience by encouraging them to connect with their "childness," as the production suggests that self-esteem—and pleasure—may be accessed by modeling Matilda's energy and agency.