We repeat that the peculiarity of Augmentative and Diminutive terminations (with the exception of the Augment. on, which denotes only increase) is that besides the idea of increase or diminution a further disparaging or endearing meaning is implied although not distinctly defined.
These terminations in many cases substitute the use of adjectives to great advantage, and are largely used by Spaniards, especially the diminutives which, for this reason, should be carefully noticed.
A diminutive noun can also be further qualified by an adjective, as—
Mi padre me regaló este gracioso librito: My father made me a present of this pretty little book.
Diminutives can be made of Augmentatives and vice-versa—
Escoba (broom), Escobilla, Escobillón
Sala (drawing-room), Salón, Saloncillo
If a masculine noun ends in a its diminutive also ends in a—
Un drama (drama), Un dramita
Un poema (poem), Un poemita
But not nouns that indicate male persons—
Papá (Papa), Papaíto