What is with strangers calling you "hon"?

[theworldneedscolor]

Ugh, I hate being addressed as "hon"; it seems incredibly patronizing to me. That might be because I do say that to some of the kids I work with, so for me, it is something adults say to children (or their significant other, but obviously that is in a different context). It is also very uncommon in general in the Pacific Northwest.

 

[Caskett616]

It doesn't bother me. I'd rather be called hon than ma'am, but since I'm getting old, I don't even mind ma'am that much anymore.

 

[22Tink]

Hmmm, it's never really bothered me. Perhaps if it was someone much younger than me it might seem weird, but in my experience, it's always been women older than me that have called me that. I never really think twice about it. I don't think there's any disrespect meant by it at all! I really hate ma'am though!!

 

[Dizlvr]

It only bothers me when someone younger than me calls me "hun". Not really bothered, I just think it sounds weird coming from a young person.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Wow, I am from the South... and 99.9999% of the time, this would not be offensive, would not be meant to be offensive, or bother me at all.
And, also referring to somebody using names that some might feel reserved for the older/elderly would also be heard, and not offensive at all.

Of course, there are the cases where it is not quite used innocently and appropriately.
(one post also mentioned actual unnecessary and unwanted physical contact as well, and that is NEVER okay by most any regional standards)
But, those would not be as common.

I do have a problem with people who demand a certain 'treatment', and would be offended by innocent regional differences.
I've seen that too.
And, just honestly, to me... that comes off as a bit...

 

[littlejimmy]

Ugh, I hate being addressed as "hon"; it seems incredibly patronizing to me. That might be because I do say that to some of the kids I work with, so for me, it is something adults say to children (or their significant other, but obviously that is in a different context). It is also very uncommon in general in the Pacific Northwest.

sounds good babe

 

[DeaverTex]

It doesn't faze me. I've been called hon, honey, sweetie, darlin', sugar, babe, sweetheart, luv (by pronunciation), sweetie pie, and many other things all my life. Usually it's by women in the role of cashiers, waitresses, store clerks, and receptionists. It just makes me smile, but then I'm a native Texan. Mrs. Tex took a little time to get used to it, but it was easy for her because she heard it too in Michigan.

As far as sir and ma'am, that's how both of us were raised. It's just simple respect shown to superiors or elders. All of our time in the Army drove it in to the point of ingrained habit, too. The only time sir or ma'am bothers either of us is when it comes from some young lady (for me) or young gentleman (for Mrs. Tex) that we've found really cute/attractive. And the only reason it bothers either of us is that it just reminds us that we're not that young any more!

At least, not on the outside!

 

[low-key]

and here I thought it was only me and I was getting hit on all the time

 

[diznymom]

It is huge in Texas. If someone does not call you by some endearment, they are either mad at you or just rude.

 

[BillBrasky]

It doesn't happen in Boston. So much as make eye contact with a stranger here and you're either hitting on them or trying to sell the something or both? But I like it that way... when we choose to interact it means something. No phoniness. That doesn't look like how you would spell that word.

 

[theworldneedscolor]

sounds good babe

Not sure if there's supposed to be humor in this? But it comes across as creepy, frankly.

 

[DisneyLuver2013]

I really like when someone calls me hun or sweetie or whatever. Whoever is saying it (most of the time) isn't trying to act like you are beneath them, it's just something kind to say. I guess I would rather hear someone being called hun rather than ***** or ******* or **** or any of the other "lovely" names that a person could be called...

If being called hun or sweetie is all you have to worry about, I would say your life is pretty dang good!

 

[DisneyLuver2013]

sounds good babe

Okay, now babe is a little different to me, but only because it is very similar sounding to calling someone "baby", which is patronizing. I would not want to be called "babe" except from family or a SO.

 

[theworldneedscolor]

Okay, now babe is a little different to me, but only because it is very similar sounding to calling someone "baby", which is patronizing. I would not want to be called "babe" except from family or a SO.

And usually "babe" is used in a romantic or sexual way, so when a stranger calls me that, it is creepy/skeevy.

 

[emma'smom]

In Baltimore, this is standard regional language.....everybody is "hon"....they even have a restaurant dedicated to this tradition (called the Cafe Hon no less)....

 

[TLSnell1981]

A non issue for me. I don't mind being called "sweet" names.

 

[Disney Doll]

I've been a nurse for 30+ years. If you heard some of the things I've been called, you 'd be doing backflips of joy if someone called you "hon".

 

[littlejimmy]

I've been a nurse for 30+ years. If you heard some of the things I've been called, you 'd be doing backflips of joy if someone called you "hon".

sounds good doll

 

[winterman]

A non issue for me. I don't mind being called "sweet" names.

Although it's not the way I talk, I take no offense from this and I'm quite sure that none is intended.

 

[Kellykins1218]

I love it! They can call me hon or sweetie any time. I don't find it patronizing or condescending. I think it's very sweet.