Why Does My Child Call Everything “Foofoo?” Are Made-Up Words Real Words?
Updated: Aug 25
In this article we will discuss:
Do your kids ever make up words? What do you do if your child has a speech problem and is using non-standard words - should you correct them? How do you manage speech development when everything is "Foofoo!"
Why do children make up words for things?
When there is a gap in someone's language knowledge or the ability to create the word for something, they may make up a word or sound in its place. This is usually temporary
until the knowledge or ability increases. So in children, we see this when children start to label objects and try to communicate. They know what they want to say, but are not yet able to make the sounds. Or, they have decided to call an object by a certain sound or name because they don't yet know the correct word.
For parents of kids who use made-up words, what is the best approach? Should you correct them? Tell them they're wrong?
The short answer is: no.
What makes a word a "real word"?
Words are the building blocks of language, and children use them to communicate with each other. Words can be anything - sound or symbol-that describes an object in some way. And so, if your child uses a sound or word consistently, then we would say that is a true, or "real" word.
For the purposes of speech and language development, a real word is a word that is used consistently to mean one specific object. Regardless of what the name of the object really is, if someone is using that sound or word to only refer to that thing or object, we consider that a real word.
For example, if a child looks at a rubber duck, and the child says "Du-du, Du-du." Do they always call the duck Dudu? What if sometimes it's "u-uk" and sometimes it's something else?
If Du-du is consistently used when they see that rubber duck, then we can refer to that as a real word. Even though the word is supposed to be Duck, for that child, that is a Du-du.
continues...
Help your child with his/her speech development
Let's say that every time you go into the kitchen and get ice cream, and your child sees the ice cream, they say "Foofoo." To them, Foofoo means ice cream. If it's a consistent usage, that is considered a real word.
But now, what do you do about Foofoo? The best thing you can do is to accept, acknowledge and augment the word.
Accept: If you can, understand that they mean ice cream.
Acknowledge: Instead of telling them no, you can simply acknowledge that you understand what they mean, for example, responding with "Ok, let's go get ice cream."
Augment: Using the correct word, go ahead and build on it and use it in different ways, such as "what flavor of ice cream should we have? Okay, here is your ice cream. Should we use a spoon to eat our ice cream?"
Over time, they eventually will come to understand that Foofoo is really ice cream. Perhaps you may discover that Foofoo is a flavor or color of ice cream.
What to tell your speech-language pathologist about the words your child is using?
One of the questions that your SLP, your speech-language pathologist, will ask you about your child is how many words they are using. At each stage of your child's development, it is expected that they will be able to say a certain number of words.
Be sure to include all the real words your child is using. And that should include the words or sounds that they are using that may not make sense, but are consistently used for a specific object.
At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for toddlers to make up their own words for things?
Yes, absolutely! Many toddlers create personal words, often called idiomorphs, as they experiment with sounds and communication. It is a natural part of language development and shows your child is actively trying to express themselves. Most children gradually replace made-up words with conventional ones as their vocabulary grows through experience and exposure.
At what age should I be concerned if my child is still using made-up words instead of real ones?
If your child is past age 3 and still relying heavily on made-up words while struggling to pick up conventional vocabulary, it may be worth a professional evaluation. A speech-language pathologist can assess whether there is a delay or underlying concern. The sooner you get guidance, the more effectively you can support your child's language growth.
Should I correct my child every time they use a made-up word?
Gentle modeling works better than correction. When your child says their made-up word, simply repeat the idea back using the real word in a natural, warm way, such as saying 'Oh, you want the ball!' This approach keeps communication positive and helps your child learn without feeling criticized. Over time, consistent modeling builds their vocabulary naturally.
Could my child's made-up words be a sign of a speech or language delay?
Made-up words alone are rarely a red flag, but combined with limited vocabulary, difficulty being understood, or frustration during communication, they can signal a delay worth investigating. Better Speech connects families with licensed speech-language pathologists quickly, with no waitlists and insurance-ready care, making it easy to get answers and support without a long wait.
How can I encourage my child to use more real words at home?
Read together daily, narrate your activities out loud, and respond enthusiastically when your child communicates, even imperfectly. Offering two clear choices, such as 'Do you want juice or milk?', gives children low-pressure practice with real words. Playing word games and singing songs also builds vocabulary in a fun, stress-free way that keeps kids engaged and motivated.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
