Sweetheart

[dedicatedenglish]

I notice that some female teachers in the US call grade students "sweetheart". Can male teachers call their grade students sweetheart?

 

[Skrej]

I wouldn't recommend it in today's culture, for male or female teachers. Women can still get away with it, especially with younger children, but it's quite likely to get a male teacher in trouble.

Also, while females can use the term to address males or females, males generally only use the term to address females.

Note that it's also used as term of endearment for someone of romantic interest.

 

[dedicatedenglish]

Note that it's also used as term of endearment for someone of romantic interest.

Is it also true for "sweetie"?

 

[dedicatedenglish]

I also heard female hospital staff use "sweetheart" or "sweetie" to address their adult patients or adult visitors. Is this form of adult address supposed to make you feel personal or belittled?

 

[Skrej]

Is it also true for "sweetie"?

Yes, that's just a shortened form of 'sweetheart'. There are several of these endearment terms based on the notion of sweetness - sweetie, sweetheart, sugar, and honey are a few.

I also heard female hospital staff use "sweetheart" or "sweetie" to address their adult patients or adult visitors. Is this form of adult address supposed to make you feel personal or belittled?

It's going to depend on the individual being addressed. Some would dislike it, while others might find it comforting. It's likely not intended as belittling unless said in a sarcastic tone.

I personally don't find it very professional for teachers or nurses to use it, but then I'm not one for pet names, either.

 

[dedicatedenglish]

I personally don't find it very professional for teachers or nurses to use it, but then I'm not one for pet names, either.

Is it rude if you say to hospital staff "I don't want to be called sweetheart" or "don't call me sweetheart again"?

 

[Tarheel]

I don't think it's rude to make such a request.

 

[tedmc]

It's more polite to say "Please don't call me sweetheart".

 

[Skrej]

Is it rude if you say to hospital staff "I don't want to be called sweetheart" or "don't call me sweetheart again"?

Those exact words are a bit confrontational. If phrased differently, then it's not rude. Tone of voice of course also plays a role.

A few possible alternatives that are less confrontational:

"Please don't call me 'sweetheart'.
"Sorry, but I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't call me 'sweetheart'."
"I'm not comfortable being addressed as 'sweetheart'. Please avoid calling me that."

 

[PeterCW]

The use of endearments when addressing strangers varies by dialect, social class and gender and may be considered patronising or offensive if addressing the wrong person. I would advise non-native speakers to stick to more formal styles of address.

 

[emsr2d2]

In BrE, unless you're planning to hobnob with the aristocracy, I suggest you use no form of address at all! It's out-dated for everyday people to call people "Sir" or "Madam" to their face. There's no need for anything. Just say "Hello" or "Excuse me" or whatever it is you need to say to them.

 

[Rover_KE]

Also, while females can use the term to address males or females, males generally only use the term to address females.

Good point. Some other unusual terms of endearment are encountered in many areas of rural England and the south-west counties. I (a male) have often been surprised at being addressed by female market traders or shop assistants as 'me duck' and 'moy luvver'.

 

[Skrej]

Several generations of a family are gathered for a meal. The youngest grandson and his new wife are still in the giggly affectionate stage of their recent marital bliss. Needing some sugar for his coffee, he says to his bride "Please pass the sugar, sugar". She giggles and does, commenting how tender and romantic her new husband is.

His parents share a knowing look, remembering that stage of their life together, and for fun the father, wanting some honey for his tea asks his wife "Would you please pass the honey, honey?" Mom laughs and calls him a sentimental fool, but passes the honey.

Grandpa turns to Grandma and says "Pass the damn prune juice, ya old prune."*


*other variations on this one are "pass the tea, bag" and "I need some milk, cow"