I'm probably not spelling it anywhere near correct, but I've only heard it in a few British series and I'm guessing it's not a nickname but just something affectionate like "sweetheart" or "baby doll" or "hunny bunny". Anyway, how's it spelled and where did it come from? Poffin, or puppin, or....? My hearing is pretty bad so that ain't helping either.
"how's a fella go about gettin' a holt of the police?" -Karl
It's been a while since I watched this series and I honestly don't have a clue what word you're talking about.
Maybe "poppin"? It's a term of endearment in the UK akin to "darling" or "sweetheart", like you say. It's somewhat condesecending and typically something you would say to a child or a pet rather than a lover or an equal.
http://twitter.com/solmaquinashare
That sounds right to me. Thanks!
"how's a fella go about gettin' a holt of the police?" -Karl
I think the expression you're hearing is 'Poppet' which is used as a term of affection here in the uk.
"Stop listening to music made by poofs - Stick on some Elton John".