R2OK!

iwarburton · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 2133 Location: Northumberland

This morning Wogan mentioned someone who at 52 was a bit taken aback at being addressed as 'mate' by a youth at his local garage.

As one of even greater antiquity, I am frequently addressed in the same way in the same circumstances.

Actually I quite like it, as, whilst I know that it's not meant literally, it helps to break any barriers a bit.

The more standard mode of address amongst the older locals round here is 'hinny', which appears to be an asexual term of regard.

Does anyone particularly like or dislike any terms of familiarity?

Ian.

Behind Geddon's Wall · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 12:20 pm Post subject:

In god's own county, the term is 'love', and provided it is not overused, I have no great objection to its use.
_________________
Geddon

You simply mustn't blame yourself -- the days were perfect
And so were exactly what I was born to spoil
For I am the Rider to the World's End
Bound across the cinder causeway
From the furnace to the quarry
Through the fields of oil

RockitRon · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646

"Mate" seems to be universal and I can't see any objection to it. I've never quite got used to the local use of "duck", especially when it comes from a bloke. When young women half my age call me "darling" or "sweetheart" it can make me feel a bit mature, because they wouldn't use it if I was their age, but it does make me smile.

The day someone calls me "old chum", though, might take me over the line to Victor Meldrew territory.
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Ron

SantaFefan · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 1:50 pm Post subject:

Personally, although I wouldn't object to being called mate by an unknown, I would prefer to be called Sir by anybody providing me with a product or service. It's just the done thing in my book. I'm 55 and I would address anybody I didn't know as Sir or Madam.

In my Residential Home for the elderly, we forbid our staff to call any resident "my darling" or "sweetheart". I find this to be patronising and demeaning.

I wouldn't want to be called sweetheart by a younger female.... maybe it's just a fear of being seen as old! Laughing

One thing really winds me up watching the Police programs on tv is the way the officers call the villains "Mate" they're not their mates, they're low life!

RockitRon · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646

Yes, I have to say that I don't use these terms, and I think that, rightly or wrongly, it depends upon what service is being rendered as to whether it's permissable. I don't mind it from a market stallholder, for example, but wouldn't expect it from my dentist or financial advisor!

Now I come to think of it, when my father was in a residential care home the staff always called people by their first name, rather than using an endearment, so they've been well trained.
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Ron

iwarburton · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 2133 Location: Northumberland

Meant to say that 'pet' is pretty widespread round here.

Ian.

SantaFefan · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 7:37 pm Post subject:

Yer'allright Bor? - Norfolk
( as in "a'yer gotta light bor?" - Singing Postman ) Laughing

gfloyd · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 7:48 pm Post subject:

iwarburton · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 2133 Location: Northumberland

More on this topic on Wogan today reminded me of another much-used term round here--bonnie lad.

Ian.

iknewdavidjacobsmum · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 336

Down in East Sussex, the real Oldies of both sexes call Men and Women "My Lover"
Tad unnerving till you get used to it!

gfloyd · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 9:00 pm Post subject:

iknewdavidjacobsmum · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 336

Well, when you see burly Hastings fishermen use that term, there ain't no arguing, my Lover .
Just don't come here and ask to buy Winkles!