Is "thank you sweetie" an appropriate phrase?

[puffca]

Is it appropriate in the area where you live?

Does it matter who uses it?

Does it matter to whom it is used?

I almost said that to a girl working in the Deli where I go for lunch very often, but wasn't sure it was appropriate. She is a very very sweet girl.
(Obama was criticized of saying that to a reporter, I guess that is different.)

 

[Wren]

I think that it is not appropriate unless you are saying it to a young girl (under 10 years old) or your girlfriend/wife.

It is condescending to say that to a grown woman.

 

[Fremdin]

I live in the South and so people down here say stuff like that all the time.
"Thanks, hun" Thanks, sweetie" I also work in cosmetics where you are encouraged to use pet names with people, "Hi, gorgeous!" Stuff like that. Though, seriously whenever I am called one of those names I want to slap the person who uses it. Unfortunately, I am guilty of using pet names all the time. especially Kitten. I call everyone Kitten. It's annoying but I enjoy using it. Because I'm a jerk.

 

[Tink]

I will reiterate that it's normal in the south. Lots of pet names used here. Especially sweetie. I think it's fine.

 

[Wren]

Because Puffca lives in New York, I don't recommend he use the word sweetie. If he lived in the south, I'd agree that it's not a big deal because it's ok in that region.

 

[Fremdin]

Oh I would not use it in New York. Yikes

 

[puffca]

I lived in Virginia for 5 years and heard a lot (mostly "honey" from grandma types in school cafeteria), but wasn't sure how to use it correctly because they never teach you that in English classes.

 

[IDDQD]

The only time I use that phrase is in sarcasm. It -REALLY- angers men when I use it on them. It's funny to see them get all worked up. :v

 

[radhead]

The proper term for men would be "sport" or "pardner"*.

* (Cowboy/western term for "partner".)

 

[GQ Chris]

Honeybunny is a lot better. (like in Pulp Fiction)

 

[cCensor]

Is it appropriate in the area where you live?

Does it matter who uses it?

Does it matter to whom it is used?

I almost said that to a girl working in the Deli where I go for lunch very often, but wasn't sure it was appropriate. She is a very very sweet girl.
(Obama was criticized of saying that to a reporter, I guess that is different.)

It is my opinion that it is fine for an older man to use the term like sweetie to a young lady. A young lady who does not like it won't like the door opened for her either.

I use the term honey or hon towards every girl I run into, even if they are older then me, which does not happen often. I myself would never use the term sweetie, because it just doesn't feel right.

Of course I live in the south, but it would make little difference to me since I have been in every state. If you can say sweetie with respect as I say honey there should be little trouble.

Now I do believe that it is not good for a women to direct those terms even to a young boy.

With respect Censor

 

[Fremdin]

How come, sweetie?

 

[mina]

i think women can get away with saying it to pretty much anyone. Men- not so much, it just sounds funny.

 

[radhead]

I like hearing those terms, but I'm not comfortable enough to say them myself without sounding like a complete idiot. So I just say "Sir" or "Madam."

For a young woman I will say "Miss."

For a young man, hmm, I'm not sure. Maybe "Laddie." Just kidding. (What do you say?)

 

[Teufelhund]

I like hearing those terms, but I'm not comfortable enough to say them myself without sounding like a complete idiot. So I just say "Sir" or "Madam."

For a young woman I will say "Miss."

For a young man, hmm, I'm not sure. Maybe "Laddie." Just kidding. (What do you say?)

You could try "Punk" be sure to ask them if they feel lucky as well...

 

[TheDarkestHour]

I get called pet names alot. I had a co-worker who called me "darlin" everyday & a manager who called me & another girl "honey".

 

[radhead]

You have to say Punk with an appropriate sneer on your face. That was proper use in the 1950's.

 

[ImperialPhantom]

Nope. I live in California. I'm not about to get maced.

 

[Blank123]

its not exactly unheardof for people to say that around here but i think i usually hear it from middle aged women more than anything. not many people my age, male or female, use that term much.

Honeybunny is a lot better. (like in Pulp Fiction)

never saw pulp fiction but

 

[HighwayMan]

Says a lot about modern society that even a word like "sweetie" is considered offensive these days.