On being called Darling and Love

I've been called a number of things over the years, some of which weren't exactly friendly, so things like 'darling', 'love', 'duck' don't bother me at all. I used to deliver frequently to a place in Yorkshire and a man used to say 'duck' - "thanks duck" for example. As a man myself, I initially found it odd, but once I realised it was just his way as a local, I had no problem with it at all.

I can, however, appreciate the fact that many people aren't keen on being spoken to with these words. Ultimately, we all like to be spoken to in a manner that we prefer.

I quite like it really. Anything that is kindly meant is welcome.

Not fussed really, in our local it’s mate, as in ‘alright mate’, I'm used to it after over thirty five years, do not like hun, I prefer most forms of address rather than being ignored,
I do agree about Madam in Françe.

Oh gawd, can’t bear Madam!
It’s often Pal here.

I don't mind 'darling' or 'love' but just been called 'my dear'...and that annoyed me.

I really dislike 'hun'.

I cannt stand them and frequently say I am not your darling or your love.

As for Madam, I told a male supermarket manager recently I didn't run a brothel! He was gobsmacked.

I have no problem with colloquialisms and being called Pet in Newcastle, Hen in Scotland and my lovely in Cornwall. I am talking about restaurant staff who spoke to us older ladies using Darling and lovey continuously. Interestingly other guests arriving were greeted as Sir or Madam ( yes I know pretentious for some). Either greet all your guests in the same way or do not use a form of address at all, especially if you are going to single people out by talking to them differently. Perhaps we were to sensitive but the repetitive way it was used was to over the top for us.

Was called ‘babe’ (69 yrs) recently by the brother (40 yrs) of a friend!

merlotgran

It was always ‘me duck’ in DH’s part of Yorkshire as well.

It's common here in Nottingham, too

Fara56

Was called ‘babe’ (69 yrs) recently by the brother (40 yrs) of a friend!

I’m 80. My granddaughter calls me babe 😂

I think it's all about context..who is saying it, whether they are well intentioned/ being themselves and being typical of that regions norms for showing care or respect. Or if they are clearly being patronising and fake.
Personally, in this bleak, hard edged world increasigly run by robots any human kindness is welcome!

"Babe" must have "come back" into vogue!
Like "cool". It stopped being cool to say "cool!" but has returned as OK to teenagers. sign. Keeping up.
"Fab" is back too. 😉

Autumncolours

I rather like it though in our part of Yorkshire everyone is addressed as ‘love’ no matter the age or gender. It would be a shame if regional quirks like this disappeared.

Yes, 'Love ' here in Yorkshire ! Men even call other men 'Love'
or even 'Owd love'.Nobody takes the slightest offence...unless they're not from here !!!

Sweetheart is pretty condescending I think.

Woman at work use to call me cocker. I don’t if that’s a lancs expression or not, but absolutely hated it & asked her to stop.

Madame here, I can’t imagine a cashier calling me anything else in my French town. Only young children receive endearments from outside the family.

When DH and I were first married, he was in the Fleet Airarm at RANAS Culdrose in Cornwall where we were both referred to as 'my lover' in the local shops!! I got totally used to it and really missed it when we moved!

MT62

Woman at work use to call me cocker. I don’t if that’s a lancs expression or not, but absolutely hated it & asked her to stop.

Don’t know. Oh for an edit button 🙄

25Avalon

“My lover” when I lived in Exeter. found it rather odd as an 18 year old but just accepted it as a regional idiosyncrasy. Then in Bristol it was “me babby”.

Oh yes my friends granddaughter was up visiting & just used that expression.
I think shes from Torquay.

I’m north west so ‘love’ happens lots
I’ve been referred to as sweat heart by nurses, supermarket check out staff and others. So far I’ve ignored it but I’m beginning to feel very cross. Tempted to be rude but they mean no harm other than ti make me feel 100

Me old cock-a-lora is the best I've been called.

Judy54 that would have irritated the hell out of me too, especially as she didn’t greet others in that way.🤬
I don’t mind the occasional ducks or darling ( very London, or it used to be) or even the Northern love or West Country me lover😁 but those who use it constantly are annoying.

MissAdventure

Me old cock-a-lora is the best I've been called.

Haha, me old cock sparrer 😂

Here in Derby it’s usually ‘me duck’ but only really with people of my age (60’s) I can’t see it carrying on with my children/grandchildren, although I hope it does. Like you M0nica I can’t abide ‘oh bless you’ accompanied by a little smirk - as if I’m a naughty child. And ‘young lady’ also accompanied by a smirk gets my goat. Patronising or what! I don’t really mind any other endearment- I’ll take what I can get 😂

As a northern lass i call everyone male or female " flower ", its common usage in my area .