Is there anything more condescending than a complete stranger calling you "son" or "sport" or some other 1950s-era pet name? Do people do this to feel older or are they completely out of touch with modern social norms?
by 
Jessicax23
ANSWERS: 10
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Good question, sport.
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Actually, the words themselves don't really bother me... (I get a lot of 'honey' and 'dearie') ...now if the _tone_ is condescending, all bets are off. :)
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What is a modern social norm?
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I actually like to be called 'hon', 'sweetie' everything is in the tone of voice. I call men 'sir' and women 'maam' because it is a sign of respect my parents taught me.
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I have to admit I do that sometimes. Ah well. I guess I'm just out of touch with modern social norms, thank God. Don't tell me I called you "sport", jbarbie23. I know I didn't call you "son". I mean, the 70's and 80's were a lot of fun, but I don't think ALL my brain cells are gone. When I call someone "sport", it's pretty much meant in a less-than-friendly way. Maybe I should upgrade my vocabulary.
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They do it because humans are creatures of habit. There may have been a time when that term was a term of endearment. Once again we get back to what is politically correct. I adore older people. If they say this, usually it is not intended to be derogatory. They believe they are speaking to you probably the way they speak to their own grandchildren. Are they out of touch? I don't know. Maybe we are out of touch with some values from days gone by.
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It doesn't bother me any more than some teenager walking up to me and saying, "Yo dawg, 'zup?" Sport and son are more respectful than that, or any other number of things that are said today.
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Well Darlin', I guess you do take yourself pretty seriously. Loosen up kiddo.
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HAHA! Thanks for reminding me how old I have become! I have noticed "Hon" creeping into my vocabulary, like I was suddenly channeling a 50's hash slinger! Answer: I think it is age related demensia.
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Well i work in a shop and i get a range of names Pet Darlin Sweetness Sweetheart Chuck and the older ones call me Dearie,so no i dont mind everyone does it.
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