English-to-Toddler Picture Dictionary

Kids say the darndest things, don’t they?

Thankfully, we aren’t at the stage where the girls say horribly embarrassing things about strangers at full volume. Madeline and Emily are in the “See how cute she says ___” stage. And it’s awesome.

For a while, I did that thing you’re not supposed to do and compared my twins’ lack of vocabulary to the extensive vocabulary of other twins their same age. Our girls are definitely not as well-developed in the language department as other toddlers are. However, not all children learn at the same pace, and it seems that they are increasing in language every day so I’m not concerned. Their toddler talk is so much fun to listen to.

I’d like to share some of their toddler vocabulary, and invite you to explore the language of an average 2-year-old. In case you meet Madeline and Emily in the near future, included in this post is a picture dictionary so you have a visual to go with the toddler nonsense that comes out of their mouths.

Via clipartpanda.com

sandwich : souwart

I actually got a text from the babysitter about this one, asking “what are “souwarts”? Emily wants one.” :lol:

Via clipartpanda.com

giraffe : dragon

You gotta admit, giraffes are weird-looking.

Via clipartpanda.com

fly : butterfly

Via clipartpanda.com

bee : butterfly

Via clipartpanda.com

dragonfly : butterfly

Via clipartpanda.com

butterfly : butterfly

Are we noticing a trend? :razz:

Via clipartpanda.com

flower : flaller

This particular one would be a “piddy lellow flaller”.

Via clipartpanda.com BTW, it is super hard to find clipart for applesauce. Instead how about you imagine this apple, peeled and mushed up.

applesauce : applescott

Via clipartpanda.com

octopus : applescott

Apparently the same word applies to both 8-limbed sea creatures and a bowl of pureed apples. Go figure.

Via clipartpanda.com

upside-down : up-a-down

Do not be confused, they don’t want to go up AND down, it means they want their head to be where their feet are. I have made this error before, they are not amused.