word for "significant other"

I know there are other words for someone who is a significant other, boy/girlfriend, partner etc. Years ago I recall that a monthly AWAD newsletter made mention of such a word. I have been unsucessful in locating it and am hoping that someone will recall what it is. Thanks.

I had a look for you. The people I know tend to use "partner" but that always sounds a bit businesslike.

Lots of the words in AWAD could find a new meaning and be used:

How about my Superfluous?
My Shangri-la
For the "Ladies" - My Panspermia
For the "Gentlemen" - My Bluestocking

I'm sure we can find some others if we look hard enough

one that gets bandied about by word junkies ::twitch:: is posslq, pronounced pos/sel/cue -- it's actually an acronym coined by either the tax or census folks, Person of the Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters.

Not quite what I had in mind although I'm sure these terms will find there way into conversations.
I seem to recall the word I am searching for as not being a term generally used in English. I mean to say that it was from a different culture. At the time I thought, "How perfect!" I wish that I had written it down then.

I suppose this could be it. Although I am so dissapointed that it is not of a more exotic origin.

With such sweet words, indeed it does.
Thank you.

In reply to:
Person of the Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters

What about if you're gay or not actually living together?

How about "loved one"? Or just use his/her name. Eventually people will work out what the relationship is.

Bingley

Katie--
Darn, I missed your first post! Belated welcome.
Been looking thru Archives--what about consort?

>What about [1]if you're gay or [2]not actually living together?

1) pssslq (pz zel cue) Persons of the Same Sex Sharing Living Quarters

2) that's not quite so significant, at least to the census folks.

>>How about "loved one"? <<

That's near enough the literal translation of the mainland Chinese term for 'spouse' - loved person.
Unfortunately in Taiwan (at least ten years ago it was the case) the same word means 'lover' in the carnal sense.

The English word 'lover' seems equally slippery in meaning.

Personally, I use partner in day-to-day speech. A large number of people assume this means I am lesbian. (Just as a large number of people assume that because I use Ms I must be divorced!)

WHen I think I can get away with it (when Steve's not there!) I have been known to refer to him as my 'not so good quarter'.

What about "TOCT" (The one committed to) - or something along those lines. Doesn't sound so romantic does it!!

The issue is a real one, also in the German language/culture, as I experienced over the last 22 years. I ended up using the first name of the "lady" concerned. Hardly anybody asks for further explanations...

Thank you for the welcome Jackie.
It seems that I am looking for a word with a certain "flavor", if you will. Husband/wife signifies a strong commitment, hopefully love and a legal tie. (Atleast these words signify that to me, others may disagree based on their own life experiences.) I seek a word that signifies committed bond and love without sounding business like as in "partner", formal as "consort", or transitory as in boy/girlfriend. "My beloved" is too personal in everyday conversation although perhaps in this day it wouldn't hurt to bring a bit of personal softness into the circles of our everyday lives. With no really appropriate word pinpointed, I have used his name. Yes, it does seem that folks work out the details themselves. Perhaps that is because there is a certain inflection in my voice, a look on my face or a feeling that I project when I say it. Perhaps I am searching for something that doesn't exist. Although I hope not. (By the way, his term for me which I find very endearing is "my sweetie.)