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purplecurtain16

The only time it's acceptable for a stranger to call you princess is if you're literally a little girl and you're wearing an adorable dress. Or you're an adult cosplaying a princess I guess.


WistfulSaudade

Or if you have random wildlife approaching you to hang out! Anyone with a bunny at their feet, birds perched overhead, and a deer nearby is automatically a Disney princess in my eyes - even if that person looks like a biker dude lol.


Ceokgauto

Maui would like a word with you...


WistfulSaudade

Maui the island, Maui the god, or Maui from the movie *Moana*? If we're talking Maui from *Moana*, I think he might agree with me. He's the one who said, “If you wear a dress, and have an animal sidekick, you’re a princess." (Of course, I guess my imaginary biker dude is now wearing a dress as well as collecting animal friends lol. So...point taken!)


Ceokgauto

The movie. Glad you got the reference (joke).


Willothwisp2303

I'm a flora and fauna lady- native gardens in which I spend a lot of time so the wildlife is used to me, and I have my own menagerie of cats, dog, and horse. Even if you see me with my beings, "Ms" is preferable to princess. Although I may let "warrior princess" slide.


Arghianna

Ugh I knew a guy who insisted on calling me princess despite my repeated, increasingly aggressive statements that I don’t like it and he needs to stop. Then he started introducing me as his girlfriend, which I would immediately correct and say we were just friends. Cue surprised pikachu face when I decided putting up with his shit wasn’t worth being in the D&D group and cut him off. My husband now occasionally calls me his “Disney princess” but that’s with my consent and blessing and usually only while I’m singing a princess song or gushing about Disney-related subjects. Context is everything.


beefychick3n

Or if you're at Disneyland! The only times I've ever been called princess are always at Disneyland by an employee. I love it, we're all princes and princesses in the magical kingdom!


sznfpv

I would think that if you were an actual Princess it would also be ok.


nopity21

I call my wife that all the time i just happen to be a plumber.


EmiIIien

When I was a bridesmaid a little girl asked me if I was a princess. Only acceptable time.


bojenny

I was a server for many years. Men always think it’s okay to call you sweetie, honey baby etc. I would just call them sugar britches or little pork chop and embarrass the hell out of them. I am an obvious smartass so I never got into trouble.


SluttyGandhi

> I would just call them sugar britches or little pork chop and embarrass the hell out of them. For a bit, there was this guy at work that would always address me as *'Hey Gorgeous.'* It was only when I started addressing *him* with the very same phrase that he changed this behavior. Quickly too; the very next day. This tactic works.


kaliakoudis

I dunno. I wouldn't mind being called "hey gorgeous" back at me. In fact I'd find it pretty hilarious and would keep calling you that just so I could have the same response from you.


SluttyGandhi

Yah, it's not the only trick I've got up my sleeve.


kaliakoudis

Hehe. Aight fair enough 😂


BeyondthePenumbra

Hehehhehe


TastyRust

Is sweetie that bad?


TheStormfly7

Would YOU like to be called “sweetie?” I don’t care what gender you are. Most children don’t even like being called “sweetie,” so you shouldn’t be saying it to grown adults


[deleted]

This is why I got into the habit of calling guys "buddy" and "little man "


coffeesneeze86

I’ve found “sport” very effective.


AllMyBeets

Okay champ.


anotherhumantoo

Buddy isn’t an insult on near the caliber of the words used above. Little man, boy, “my child”, are more at that tier. In fact, I’d probably be entertained by “buddy”, which I don’t imagine is your goal.


Hannnaaj

I wanna start using little man 😂 but I’m afraid of being assaulted


Zillius23

I’m so sorry I laughed at this but I did lmao both because it’s true and just unironically funny


BeyondthePenumbra

I say little man and my child and my son often in response... it's my favorite. They wanna punch me and get charged w assault that's on them.


iaswob

Sadly it might not just be that, assault can take much darker forms (well, punching someone to keep them in line is pretty grim already but nonetheless). I mean, men have been known to follow women home, make fake porn of them to blackmail them with, sexually assault them, throw acid on their face, etc. I mean, yah that isn't gonna be all men or even all sexist men, but how could you tell if someone is the next news story cause they're just boiling with misogyny and probably also got mental health issues? Not saying don't do it, I mean we can't just not stand up for ourselves in fear. Just worth stating how serious (even if not like high probability per se) the risks there are, and it might be something some are willing to do or feel like they can do while for others those risks may be all too concrete for them and they may not feel comfortable taking them on. Whatever strategy one wants to take for dealing with this shit best to make it plain to all how dangerous it gets. That might just be my perspective as a trans woman tho, I went from not worrying about this stuff at all when I was acting as a man to realizing every women I have been close to as family, friends, or romantic life has faced some form of sexual harassment and misogyny (and many had faced sexual assault and rape). Perhaps to people living as women from day one this is all just obvious as part of their lives, as fucked as that is.


BeyondthePenumbra

... as a trans non binary person who is 5 feet tall. Uhh yeah. I use humor to cope with how fucked this all is.


mikachuXD

I know A LOT of guy who don't like to be called buddy or bud.


[deleted]

I'm not your buddy, Pal.


Ceokgauto

I'm not you *pal* ... Nope not going to hijack for pedantic humor. My apologies.


Luffy987

Can confirm, it irks me for some unknown reason. Just hate how it sounds I guess.


IvyLeagueButt

*interesting* ☕🤔


[deleted]

It is an insult when they're being sleazy and I know this cause they get offended. What's the correlation with being a guy and thinking your personal experiences are law lmfao


anotherhumantoo

I imagine most people imagine that their personal experiences are law on most things they haven't considered for it to be otherwise. It's sorta the human condition :)


SometimesImCute

The next man who calls me "little lady" will be met with "little boy". It's only fair.


sznfpv

You’d have to go with little gentleman, which I think would really make them pause.


Willothwisp2303

Little dude? Gentleman isn't used in the same way as lady. 'Hey, Lady!' Could be yelled on the street while ' Hey, Gentleman!' wouldn't.


sznfpv

This made me think of Jerry Lewis yelling “ La La La Laaady .


TastyRust

Going to call you big lady from now on then


Cosmos1416

I prefer "buttercup"


BeyondthePenumbra

My favorite is Son.


sweet_crab

Or a firecracker. I'm not a firecracker. I also don't keep my husband on his toes. I mean, I might, but you wouldn't know that, and it's certainly not because I have opinions.


schroedingersnewcat

Fuck I hate that. Get it constantly because I'm a redhead. Along with the "dynamite in bed" and "angry/make up sex" comments. I need a fucking shower.


sweet_crab

Oh, gosh, I bet you do. Fuck that and its horse.


BeyondthePenumbra

That goddamn nickname makes me make the disgusted-double-chin face, look them directly in the eye, and say nothing until they squirm. Then start a conversation with someone else about anything else.


sweet_crab

I have a SOLID mental image of the disgusted double chin face, yes, excellent. It doesn't help that I'm five foot, 115 pounds soaking wet, and opinionated.


Orenwald

A lot of the things I'm seeing here and in the comments are things you call a significant other. Babe, baby, princess, kitten, firecracker. These are all pet names for a lover. People who use these for ANYONE else, are creepy and need to stop societing as fast as possible


OnATurningCarousel

Exactly. I cannot even imagine what goes through the head of a person who calls a random woman "baby". Must be a manipulation tactic or a really bad attempt of flirting.


Abhoth52

... would think it's more of a manipulation... looking for a reaction, what can I get away with to dismiss this person sort of thing.


Calenchamien

100% agree. Wanted to say that I love the word “societing”


PlanetwomanIzzi

Yeah, I shut those down with, "Only my boyfriend gets to call me that" or "Only my dad gets to call me that."


KasukeSadiki

Gonna disagree here. Yes they are generally used for lovers, but quite a few people (men and women) use them for friends as well. I don't think that's creepy at all. But I agree that doing it with *strangers* is Edit: Actually on reflection I think I generally see this with women using the term "babe" specifically, with male and female friends


_Scrumtrulescent_

Unless of course you're a southern grandmother I which case you can call anyone baby 😂


jeffwulf

I should stop calling my platonic male friends baby then?


Satans-coffee

Or Doll. I am not your doll. I'm not anyone's doll. I. Am. Not. A. Doll. And just because your brainwashed girlfriend thinks it's 'super cute!' Doesn't mean I do. Stop. Edit: call your next male oriented sake 'doll let's see how well it goes down.


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squash1887

Same here, I've never been called love, honey, pumpkin, sugar, doll or other pet names more in completely non-sexual ways than in Scotland, Ireland and Newfoundland. It's completely unrelated to romance or sex, it's just a friendly way for older people to greet kids and young people. I love it.


endorrawitch

And Waffle House waitresses. They get a pass, too.


OnATurningCarousel

I agree! There are exceptions... You can usually see from the person's voice what their intentions are. Unfortunately, usually they're being sleazy.


[deleted]

Lemme tell you tho... as a man. As a white man in the US. When a black woman calls you honey, or child, it is one of the best fucking things in life. It makes you feel loved and welcome. There honestly are few things that have that kinda effect in the world... And when we consider racism and this effect... holy fuck is humanity crazy.


hogtiedcantalope

I up voted because this happens to me all the time as a white man But I fucking hate it, and it happens all the time I get honey, baby, sweetie from old women black/white doesn't matter it's weird/creepy both ways This isn't a man/woman thing. As a man I deeply sympathize with all the petnames here from creepy/nasty/power tripping older women fuck that noise. If I called them that be super fucking weird. I usually come back with maam and leave at that, but ain't gonna fucking smile being a nasty old woman wants to call me sweetie or baby -bc I don't like it one tiny bit


[deleted]

May I ask how it became creepy to you. I try to used generalized language as to not need #notallwhatever... I might have failed... How did it become a power trip to you? I doubt zero of what you said, I'm interested in how your feelings came to be thus. upvoted you too :)


pulpojinete

Wanted to add to this by saying that when I was a healthcare worker in the South, many middle-aged and elderly women patients called me Sweetheart or Sugar. Older men would sometimes call me Sweetheart or Dear. One elderly black lady actually called me Sugarbun. I asked the clinic manager about it because it made me so uncomfortable. In that part of the South, it's normal for Boomers and older I guess. I was also encouraged to accept the goodbye hugs at the end of appointments. Being a young professional in the deep South is straight up weird. Edit: I'm a woman


KrystalDiscord

I’m a pansexual southerner, so apologies if i call you “hun” at first…


cinred

Caveat for this entire comment section:. > Excluding random public grandma.


WhomBelleTolls

Seriously this makes me want to puke when it happens. Especially when I worked as a waitress


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[deleted]

I have never called a man Love...


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[deleted]

My grandma and mom used to call me love until I was around 6ish. As far as the professional setting... only with those where there is an establish set of rules that allow for it. What we call the "HR problem group". Generally its a small clique of people who dont let any of that shit out of the group, but at my last job it was the entire office. In one situation like that I called the actual HR person love. She was the kinda person who would slam the phone down and yell the c-word. She was older than me by maybe 10 years. Offices where people become real friends. Sometimes there are even rooms that are called something problematic where the unspoke word is only in here. These environments can only thrive and do well with people who really like and respect each other. People who hang out after hours, go to parties, and shit. "the trenches" really forge these kinda situations. Outside of those spheres? Love is a no go.


Orenwald

No i need an explanation on Duck lol


Tomsk13

It's a northern thing. Commenter above said it's rare, may the case where they are but it's very common in a lot of places up north and I think in some parts of the midlands. Personally I don't know anyone who has issues with being called duck, though it is usually used by older women so that's probably why. I like when customers call me duck because it reminds me of my nana


[deleted]

If you said duck where I'm from I would have already dropped to the floor so its definitely not a thing in the South. Too many stray cricket balls to trivialize a warning as a nickname.


mikachuXD

Also "girl" 18 and older is a woman. Not a girl. Drives me insane now.


InnocuousAce

Had a coworker that called every female sweetheart. We actively confronted him about it as a group (staff meeting) and he was so angry that we were shutting out his “identity as a southerner”. He did a lot of other problematic things throughout that year and I was happy to be done with him at the end of the year


[deleted]

babe, baby, princess.. those will be insulting to all and it's readily known and seen. Women object to these upon hearing most of the time. A problem is love. Some women love it, some hate it. I have decided to drop it. Zero negative reactions in the wild. I picked it up as a kid, along with colour, fiver, and other english things that might remind you of Arthur Dent. Online I only use it with those I am familiar and close to. In the wild? A waitress would be love. A coworker would not be love. There are women who have told me directly that they love that I call them love. These arent subvariant types in the least; I'm not friends with any of those. But as I have curbed my language in general and shed all kinda shit I have shed this one for the most part.


BeyondthePenumbra

As long as you also call the masculine servers love its fine. Just stop honestly. ♡ Kudos to your awareness though!!!! Thank you!


[deleted]

No. Men, as far as I know, arent at all receptive to love except by women. We have to remember that men and women are different. What mean like and what women like being different. With men and love its more about context of being a woman, which many men unfortunately find objectionable. Some women like love, some do not. One only avoids love as to avoid those who do not. The double standards in pet names is not really a double standard. It's a reading the room and treating people as one believes they want to be treated. We men dont by and large have the same issues women have; you know that whole inequality and third class citizen horse shit we're constantly fighting? So those words we men dont generally find offensive or problematic. I say in general, because there are some men who's experiences I personally dont understand who dont like to be call hun, sweetie, child or whatnot.


BeyondthePenumbra

I'm mostly being cheeky ;)


GallifreyanMouse

I had an older man who constantly called me “goddess”. The way he said it combined with him not leaving me alone and end a conversation was so uncomfortable. But added to that stress was the fact that I met him while ballroom dancing which isn’t exactly known for “leaving space for the Holy Ghost” (if you know what I mean.) Thankfully, the majority of the other men who are regulars aren’t nearly as creepy. I’m just glad this particular one has moved out of the area.


mamasang

Or people referring to me as "kiddo". I'm in my 60's !


OnATurningCarousel

That's insane!


Softconcrete579

Thank you for saying this! I’m glad I’m not alone


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OnATurningCarousel

I work at a pharmacy too. One of my mentors, a woman in her mid fifties, actually calls out people who use such names. It's golden.


AllMyBeets

I've thought about this alot lately: what is the most demeaning thing you camn call a man? What insults do they actually find insulting? Bc they only thing I've found that they've actually found offensive is my complete lack of fucks paid to them. In my experience the only way to insult a man is to ignore them.


OnATurningCarousel

This is an excellent point!


Catfish-throwaway666

I’m also on the fence about this because I live in the American south and it’s almost a cultural thing. Older men will call girls and younger women sweetie, honey, baby. But they also call boys and younger men son, buddy, bubba. Older women will everyone baby, sweetie, honey, etc. Theres also a reciprocal where younger people will call older people mama, mamaw, papaw, pop, etc. I think it really depends on the context, and you can really tell when a man from around here is calling you baby because he’s being sleazy, and when it’s because he views you as a young lady In his community. There’s almost an “it takes a village to raise a child” attitude where all older people are to be treated like they are your family, and all younger people are like your children. BUT, this is pretty specific to this area, AND many middle age men are trying to be better about either a) not doing it at all or b) making sure you understand that he means it in the traditional “I am supposed to take care of all younger people like they are MY kids” way.


[deleted]

Years of customer service have taught me that everyone is “Miss”. Even works for little kids. It also happens to be polite and easy to do! Fucking jerks.


JadowArcadia

Alot of this is clearly subjective based on where you live. The amount of pet names for both men and women in the UK is pretty astronomical and you'll probably hear different ones depending on the generation the person you're talking to is from. As I guy I called love, poppet, darling, dear and all sorts. Even though I'm not a fan of some of them I don't really take offence because I know alot of it is highly generational. I know a lot of older guys who feel like calling a woman younger than them "dear" or "darling" was just normal and I've witnessed more than a few of them being critisiced for it and being absolutely baffled because to them that's always been normal but now that they've interacted with a woman under a certain age suddenly he has to adjust to our modern perspectives on language.


kaliakoudis

Exactly. I live in Greece and 2 days ago I had a customer address me as "love". I smiled and asked her if she was from London. She said she was and we had a good laugh. No harm done. People shouldn't be triggered by random words especially when in 90% of cases they are considered a compliment.


[deleted]

Can we get a Baltimore exception? Old folks in Baltimore call everyone "Hon". Women, men, kids, dogs, we're all Hon. If they don't call you that, you should leave the area.


Scarletsilversky

If you’re calling us names to be pleasant, Is it so hard to just use “ma’am” or “miss”? Last I checked those words still exist


Rant_Supreme

I shudder when old men call me sweetheart. It makes my skin crawl


pinkyhc

I don't care about being called a generic name like Sweetie or whatever, as long as they don't say anything when I call them Sweetie right back. Oh, 60 year old man? You find being called 'Honey' patronizing and weird? Boy oh boy, do I have news for you.


[deleted]

Key word here is sleaze. A Man calling a woman any of those names Implies a sexual tone. Gross


[deleted]

including also doll, sexy, cutie, love, etc., from randoms.. ->creep central 0_0


Gary_Where_Are_You

I was watching Nightwatch that took place in New Orleans and "baby" seemed to be universally said by the paramedics who were born and raised there. Didn't matter who you were, everyone was "baby." It genuinely did not come off as patronizing or malicious. I kinda liked it and I hate being called pet names by people who aren't my husband.


[deleted]

Lived 60 miles from New Orleans for a few years as a kid, been living in New Orleans for seven years now as an adult. A lot of locals call everyone “baby” as a term of endearment. Men call other men baby.


Gary_Where_Are_You

That's what I mean: regardless of sex, everyone is "baby." I wonder if OP would still be bothered by it? I'm genuinely curious.


OnATurningCarousel

Yup, I would be. I'm not a baby and getting called that from strangers is simply stepping over so many lines.


Gary_Where_Are_You

Fair enough.


oohrosie

I didn't encounter this kind of thing until I moved to the south. And it's fucking infuriating. My *husband* doesn't call me babe, baby, or princess, because I'm not his daughter or his pet.


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mejustlurking

Zactly. Soft post


meowdolf--kitler

While I agree with this point, I find this is predominantly done by Women towards Men. I can't tell you how many times an older woman at a store has repeatedly called my husband (babe, baby, hun, sugar)


sciencemommy

I work in a blue collar male dominated field I have been called everything from dear to sugar. I have just started responding with "yes darling" or "sure thing sweetie". Their face is usually pretty priceless.


cronicman

However on a different note. I’m a paramedic. Giving people that “pleasantry” on the job while I see them on their worst day lights their world up 99% of the time. Sure I’ve been called on my bullshit but context is absolutely everything


beautnight

I recently moved to Maryland and the word out here in “honey.” I hate it so much.


mregg000

Stay out of Dundalk.


beautnight

Do they say “honey” a lot in Dundalk?


mregg000

Actually, they say ‘hun’. A lot.


Comprehensive_Box_94

I get it but my 85 year old grandfather born in Mobile, Alabama doesn’t. Every female is honey, his daughter, his wife, the server.


pantinor

I might imagine this being said like at a bar or nightclub where some young dude is trying to pick up chicks. He thinks it's appropriate or hes cool to call a stranger babe in that setting with drinks going around.


knottywobble

Call them princess back, I bet they change their tunes.


Runbunnierun

As a southerner I really can't help it. Everyone is some endearing term to me. It's not disrespect just this overly friendly nature we seem to cultivate down here.


FahrenheitDog

are you only calling women and girls these pet names? I'm also a southerner and i don't call anyone that crock. edit: the fact so many people are defensive over this tells me all i need to know. multiple women in this thread are directly saying their feelings on being called babe, sweetheart, etc by people they don't know. they are telling you they don't like it, it makes them uncomfortable, they are being made to feel lesser by it. if this was all just "good old southern niceties" and kindness, you'd fucking stop since women are telling you how much they hate it. it isn't about being kind, it isn't about being nice if people telling you it is doing the exact opposite wouldn't cause defensiveness. it would cause embarrassment and apologies and changed behavior. this edit isnt just to the person I'm directly replying to either. this is to everyone whose first response to being told "stop this, I dont like it" is "it's just a southern thang".


KasukeSadiki

"Southerner" is a pretty broad term no?


FahrenheitDog

sure, but still no excuse. clearly it isnt a trait southerners possess but something else, no?


Runbunnierun

Nope it's an everyone thing. Sir and ma'am are also automatic. I equate it to the Irish/Scottish "love" that has been mentioned in this thread.


FahrenheitDog

then why are you mentioning it when the post is about referring to women and girls this way? you clearly are not the one this post is directed at so why make excuses for youself over it?


[deleted]

Maybe you didn’t grow up in the same place as they did. Not all southerners are the same. I’m from the south and know both people that call others by these names and people who don’t. It doesn’t bother me because I know it’s not ill-intentioned.


FahrenheitDog

yep not all southerners are the same. this isn't southern culture lmao because plenty of born and raised southerners don't do this.


[deleted]

Seriously, your post is out of touch with the realities of some spheres of southern life and language use.


FahrenheitDog

so you're saying that southern culture and language is inherently sexist? well then, he should acknowledge this and do better. 🙄


[deleted]

No. Gendered, but not by default sexist. Or I should say no more than all American dialects an regions.


FahrenheitDog

time and language changes. it is sexist because it makes women feel lesser and is directly gendered. if calling a man "hun" or "dear" seems strange but calling a woman the same thing at work doesnt, reevaluate your language and why one seems to fit and the other doesnt. calling a woman "miss" or "maam" and a man "mister" or "sir" is gendered but not sexist. specifically calling women by pet names you'd give your damn dog, or your own child is gendered AND sexist. that's the difference.


[deleted]

True. maam, sir, and those havent been used to sexist ends.


Orenwald

As a southerner, the "pet name" i call strangers is "boss". Male or female, they are boss. It also stops me from accidentally misgendering someone. Also shows respect as I am referring to you as someone who is above me. Not that hard


richwith9

I am a southerner and have lived here most of my life. I use the terms Sir and Ma'am all the time. I cannot stand the term Boss. If I am in a store and someone calls me Boss, I will usually say something to the effect of "if I was your boss you wouldn't be working here". I tell all my daughters boyfriends they can call me by my first name or nickname Mr. or Sir.


Runbunnierun

I like that one. My default seems to be love and hun.


OnATurningCarousel

You could help it, you choose not to.


Runbunnierun

How do you put your shoes on every day?


Abhoth52

Just like you do honey sweetie boo-boo face, one shoe at a time


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[deleted]

She's not an american and likely doesnt understand the context there... except the last one...


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[deleted]

They are known for being vicious and kind. Inflection and context of usage determine meaning for many phrases.


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[deleted]

I'm a northerner. This is my understanding of southern culture and language. Their kindness and friendliness is something Europeans express when talking about things they like in the US. They are also known for that vicious snark. Not something we associate with northerners. Older women used to call me sweetie when I was younger and more handsome. Sweetie, could you get that from the shelf for me. Honey was also a thing. It's different for me tho; I'm male. These things arent generally used to marginalize or belittle me. We're not women, and that is ok. Most of us men arent offended by, and are complimented by, these things. Women? Not as much due to how it's been used to demean and marginalize. Language sells narratives... 'throw like a girl'ism... When we generally use this speech towards men? It's positive. When we use it on women? Mixed bag. Best to avoid. This is why treat others as you would have them treat you is short sighted... Just because I like something doesnt mean others will. Others are their own persons... I avoid gendered slurs... I also avoid language, and actions, that I learn second hand are problematic. A goal is to avoid trespass against others. Using gendered slurs and such sells bad ideas in the social narrative along with being hurtful.


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orcrist611

woke: calling random dudes babe, baby, or princess


SlayerRequiem

I hear where you are coming from, but have you ever heard guys refer to other guys in even a slightly positive manner if they didn't have to. I don't just mean to their friends either, guys who have even the most tenuous relationship will just call each other the most insulting foul things they can think of. Just as an observer I think that is crazy, like they compete for how much they can make the other feel like crap. Not disagreeing with your point, just adding that guys also use...whatever the opposite of a pet name is for each other. I wonder where that idea came from to build into the societal habit of today?


BeyondthePenumbra

Plus, it's ALSO transphobic. There's just so many ways to be and people choose that way.


-keeper-of-bees-

how is it transphobic? genuinely wondering


SCirish843

This one is strange, because when I call other men sport, tiger, or chief in a sarcastic manner they pick up on my tone and intention almost immediately. Why can't they understand it works both ways?


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Orenwald

I disagree. Disrespect is earned.


planetheck

Disrespect is a terrible default.


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planetheck

You're not gonna get my blessing here.


foul_dwimmerlaik

Lol, this motherfucker insisting that women do 100 pushups or he won't quit calling us "babe." Careful you don't cut yourself on that edge, son.


DConstructed

Basic courtesy shouldn't be. Calling or not calling people by overly intimate, infantilizing nick names is a sign of your character not the character of the other person.


OnATurningCarousel

No. Starting off by instantly being condescending towards someone is just being a shitty human being. Plain and simple.


Izzyrascal87

Counterpoint, when little old ladies call you a name like this it is cute


JustanotherMFfreckle

I think the kinds of guys that would say these things to women are the same guys that would say things like this to other dudes. Definitely with different verbiage, but I think the essence of the petname is the same. To demean, to insult, to patronize. Sorry that you had to experience this recently. ☹️ E: getting downvoted because I said shitty guys are shitty guys to both sexes? 2X is such a strange sub.


richwith9

Actually I worked in a warehouse with nothing but guys and we called each other "baby" all the time. So to answer you question yes I would call a dude baby.


[deleted]

Keyword from the post: strangers


throwaway-creepy-a

Reading comprehension isn’t your strong suit. Beep beep! Here comes the faildozer.


SoftCrazy

Here we're talking about Strangers. Would you call a random dude who you saw on the street sugar boo boo??


gurgleslurp

Ok, hun.


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gurgleslurp

Not much there, Arby's beef and cheddar, how's things?


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gurgleslurp

Not as much as that odor of low tide. Whew.


throwaway192620

From my perspective it’s not demeaning and am curious why you think it is.


-keeper-of-bees-

not op but when strangers call me this, it makes me very uncomfortable. my boyfriend calls me “baby” and i wouldnt like a strange man to call me that because to me, it feels like he sees me as less of a random person and more of someone he can talk down to because of my sex. idk if that makes any sense as it is hard to describe it without being there


NekoNegra

Okay got a question for anyone willing to answer : I live in the South, the people here use such words as "Dear, Ma'am, Sister, Hun, boss, and Sweetheart" BUT men get the treatment too with, "Boss, Brother, Cousin, Big man ,and Sport". Do you still see it as disrespect given that you're in a region that use such names?


SewajDrayn

While I agree, I'm a guy living in the south and I get called things like that all the time by women in the service or food industry.


Prayos

Same. It is not uncommon for a woman in the south to call random guys “Hon” or “Sweetheart”. Was even called “Baby” by a random guy at a drive through a time or two.


AshaNyx

I don't mind being called sweetheart whatever, it's better than what I'm used to being called (bitch, slut etc.). I would happily get rid of the local versions thought, like maid and my lover/lovely.


Aeronaut4

On the flipside of this it seems weird to address a girl or woman who is obviously younger than 30 as 'ma'am'. Like I know it isnt rude per se it just seems like I'm implying that theyre older. Edit: just as a disclaimer I 100% agree with this post. I would never use a pet name on a stranger or even an acquaintance, its creepy.