Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Offensive, rude & disrespectful b/c implies a familiarity that does not exist between the strangers. Often when you are paying for a service from the person. Though I know that in many cases, they person using those terms does not intend to disrespect. Nevertheless, intent does not change the outcome. To me, it's unacceptable in a customer or business situation. Now, what sweethearts want to call each other, is completely up to them, as they do have that familiarity with one another.
There's another thread around here somewhere with the same issue, even longer than this one.
It depends on the tone and loudness of the person. I get very insulted when they use a loud baby talk sugary tone.
I am old, not yet diagnosed with dementia, which is what that tone implies.
If they use their normal speaking voice land tone it does not bother me, because that is just the way a lot of people talk here. It took me a little time to "get it" when we relocated here, but finally saw that it was
meant in a casual, friendly way.
A waitress called me baby doll (I'm a female); it was a restaurant where they sit down next to you when taking your order (I suppose to project a certain familiarity with the customer). I thought it sounded stupid, as did others at the table.
On the other hand, I kind of liked it when I visited Texas and a man said, "thank you darlin'" when I held the door open for him.
As another poster said, it depends on tone and context.
I'm probably the only man here who doesn't like it. Those are terms you use for people you're dating and if I'm not in a relationship with you I'd appreciate if I wasn't called those terms.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
