Adult Females only...Do you?

Question

find it insulting when another female refers to you as honnie; sweetie; doll etc.. I personally find it a put down, and quickly remind them of my name. Do you?

Answer 1

I am a working American mother of one, and ..............
Yes i do find it rude when someone calls me 'out of my name'.... and will go even further and say that it is also a way for someone to show dominance over you.
If someone calls you honey, sweetie or doll or my personally hated one... kid........ think about what they are doing:
1 Setting up a situation where they dont ever have to learn your name, which is a side stepping away from the respect you deserve
2 They take the liberty of 'naming' you, which is an insult to your parents
3 It is completely unprofessional not to mention anti-social
4 It shows a lack of intelligence and social grace on their part.
5 Shows that they cannot follow and do not wish to try to follow the rules of proper etiquette.
6 All of the above give them power over you and the situation, leaving you to feel as if you need to 'defend' yourself and your honor

Social rules are so lax and forgotten in our society that it is starting to effect the way the world thinks of us as Americans. I think that we should all be more concerned about teaching and encouraging good social skills among our citizens and children.

Answer 2

It really depends on the situation and if that's how they mean to use it.

If something bad has happened and I'm upset and they're trying to help me, if somewhere along the lines something like "Oh honey, things will be better." then obviously I don't find it insulting.

If the other female that calls me that is 20+ years older, then I figure it's because they somewhat consider me a child still. I grew up in the town I still live in and often run into people who say "I know that little girl!" when they see me. It's no big deal.

Most of the time people don't mean it as insulting when they say it. If they do use it to be insulting then I do get upset. Who wouldn't?

Answer 3

Often it is meant as an insult, yes. I think of it as the equivalent of a man calling another man "boy" or "son." But sometimes, it's just because of where they're from. They grew up around people who called them that and still will occasionally call me that.

It always catches me off guard. I don't usually say anything because even if it was meant as an insult, I probably won't ever see that person again, so they're not worth my time to worry too much about.

Answer 4

I think it all depends on the context and the person. My sister has a "friend" who only refers to other people as honey/sweetie when she says things like, "Oh no, honey, that's not the right answer," which I find incredibly demeaning and insulting.

Sometimes, though, people I know will use it as a genuine term of affection and I don't mind at all.

Answer 5

Well to be politically correct. Yes ppl should not be calling you as such, because you do have a name.
On the other hand, if your family or loved one calls you those types of names, why fight it, it's never going to change.

If your offended by someone calling you that I would ignore them. And if they keep calling you that, say excuse me? Were you talking to me? And tell them my name is Ms. Fanny , or Ms. Panny. First name or last it's a matter of respect.
Someone had posted a question on nurse's in a retirement home call resident's Honey, cutie, doll etc. They are older and it's more respectful for them to call them by there last name or first because they have earned it.
As for males call you this, those types of men don't have respect for women.
Good Luck, but stand your ground, because all women should be treated with respect.

Answer 6

I find it more annoying than insulting. Sometimes, depending on the mood I'm in, I'll say, "You're welcome honey." Or, simply ignore it. Women who refer to other women as honnie, sweetie, etc. do that because the other woman has some advantage over her (looks, personality, intelligence, better body)
Don't sweat it.

Answer 7

I say that all the time to other men and women. I am a woman and I'm also from the south where we sweetie and honey everybody. I hope it's not offensive because I never mean it to be. I think of it more as a term of endearment.

Answer 8

I usually don't find it insulting. I live in a rural area and think it is just a part of this culture. But it all depends on how it is said, the tone and body language. I think all women know when someone says "honey" the endearing way, and when they just need bitchslapped.

Answer 9

No, I don't care for doll. But, honey or sweetie, does not bother me. If someone is insulting me, they use much harsher words.

Answer 10

Male chiming in here... try this" do the same females that do this to you also do it to the males they work with? I've know ladies that call me this, even when now in my 40's. I think it's just like guys calling people dude, man, guy etc, but a bit nicer.

(sorry, I'll leave now)