kali_gail3 Says:
I was raised in MN and grew up in a family where we called ppl we care about those types of names. If I use even my kids rl names besides an endearing name they think they r in trouble. So, for me, when I call anyone in any area of my life sweetheart, sweetie etc...it simply means that I really like and enjoy them (even if I haven’t met them) If I’m calling anyone only by their 1st names it’s probably a date that won’t happen.
Dave replies:
Hmm, wonder if your family is more German than MN Nice Scandinavians? I grew up until age 40's in Mpls area - Edina, Richfield St. Louis Park- and never heard these terms of endearment just first names.
None of those sweet terms are included in:
WCCO's 10 Minnesota Words & Phrases ASG Visitors Should Know
Minnesota's favorite terms of endearment - GoMN (pal and old pal etc)
Seems to be more German süsse/süsser- vs. conservative with less emotion that "Minnesota nice" is known for.
Shirley Crash Smith-Tillman · University of Minnesota Duluth said: "sweetie or hon or any terms of endearment is just plain creepy.... finally after Two years of going to the same Mickey D’s, I am more comfortable with the same lady called me Hon.... Of course I won’t get mad at anyone (Minnesota nice...), but truly creepy."
Since I am always Dave and not use to such terms "sweetie" is more offensive like flirting vs more serious that respects women vs flirting
I will now duck into a trench to avoid the fire that may come!