CathInfo.com

Just an FYI.  I am originally from California and I am the type of person who thinks strangers shouldn't use such a familiar term.

Generated from AI

Calling someone "honey" is a common cultural habit across America, but its meaning changes depending on the region and the setting.

Regional Differences
• The American South and Midwest: People frequently use terms like honey, sweetie, or darling as casual greetings. Older women, servers, and shopkeepers often use them to show warmth, friendliness, and hospitality to strangers.

• The Northeast and West Coast: People in these regions often view the word as overly familiar or too intimate. Strangers using it here can sometimes feel uncomfortable or intrusive rather than friendly.

Social Perceptions and Etiquette
• From Strangers: Many accept it as a harmless expression of local culture or kindness. Others dislike it, feeling that affectionate names should be reserved for family and close partners.

• In the Workplace: Using honey in professional settings is generally discouraged. Colleagues or customers may perceive it as condescending, unprofessional, or patronizing.

It was a woman who called you honey on the other thread. I think she was trying to be supportive! Maybe she’s from another part of USA or not from America at all? In uk we say darling, sweetie, love or mate. Occasionally honey. Northern England they seem to say ‘duck’ for some reason 😁😁Like ‘alright me duck’ I wouldn’t let it bother me, as long as they’re not calling me anything abusive I’m fine with it.

I just don't like leaving conversations open. 

I didn't feel this conversation should have continued on the other thread.

To me it doesn't matter the gender. I just wanted to set the record straight.

Another random thought.  Did you know the UK is the size of Oregon?  I bring this up because my logical part of my brain, yes I am not completely emotional thinking. 

My brain keeps asking if it is fair to compare UK to US as if they are the same size.  I know that is probably not what you intended.    Sometimes I can't get my brain to stop until I post.  

When I went to college I went to one in the middle of the state and it was interesting to see the difference in conversation from Northern California and Southern California.  

Here is what I am talking about generated by AI

Vocabulary and Slang
• Hella: This is the ultimate Northern California marker. People in NorCal use "hella" (meaning "very" or "a lot") constantly. Southern Californians understand it, but rarely use it.

• The City: In Northern California, "The City" specifically refers to San Francisco. Calling any other city by this name is a dead giveaway that you are not from the Bay Area.

• Stoked and Bro: Southern California speech leans heavily into surf and beach culture vocabulary, featuring words like stoked (excited) and bro as a term of endearment.

Freeway Terminology
• SoCal Freeway Naming: Southern Californians always add the word "the" before a freeway number (e.g., "take the 5" or "get on the 101"). This habit originated from historic names like "the Hollywood Freeway".
• NorCal Freeway Naming: Northern Californians generally omit "the" and instead say "Interstate 5," "I-5," or "Highway 80".