Why do some men call their girlfriend or wife “old lady”?

[experience]

I really don't get it and recently I've heard this term from guys a lot... I think most of the women do not like it when they are called old lady, but why do guys call them like that?

[lemonette]

While it might sound a bit strange, especially to younger generations or those unfamiliar with the lingo, it's often not meant to be derogatory. This expression has its roots in older slang and counterculture, particularly associated with bikers and some subcultures in the mid-20th century. Often, it's intended to signal a sense of long-term commitment or deep connection rather than to make a comment on the woman's age.

However, context and intent are everything. Some might find it endearing, and for others, it might not sit well, perhaps coming off as disrespectful or antiquated. If you're the one being referred to as the "old lady," and you're not a fan, communication is key. A simple conversation about why it makes you uncomfortable can go a long way.

[Tenderhearted]

Pretty sure depending on context, it’s a word of endearment. In Spanish we say “viejita” or “viejito” which is like old person but specific to your significant other male or female. And it’s used in love. So I’m American culture it just sounds not as cute lol but it’s usually used out of love., kind of insinuating the longing for a long life together. It’s more common in marriage I feel like, but depending on how long someone’s been in a relationship I mean by all means do your thing. Haha

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

I knew this Family and both couple did the best to make a life for themselves and their Children, sad to say but the Children all grew up, and the parents are all deceased, but this guy would joke with his wife and pound his fist on the table and say Hey Old Lady make a pot of coffee most of the time, they lived on cigarettes and drinking coffee, but they did the best and was wonderful people they did everything for their kids, and he had one daughter got pregnant when she was age 16, well long to behold he shot a hole in the ceiling when his daughter broke him the news but as far as I know she lived with her parents for a while and I do believe she moved in with the guy after she got older but see things happen it's all part of life.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Thanks for MHO :)

[DaveJord]

You know I really don't know why, like it's not a very nice thing to refer to a woman as. Unless the old ladies the one you're married to, and the young ladies the one you're banging behind your back. So you call her like old lady like baby mama. Like no matter who else you're with that's you old lady, that's your ride or die.

So I guess in the 18th century that used to refer to the bank as the old lady. And once you are in debt to the bank there was literally no way to ever pay it back.

So like you were just in debt now for like the rest of your life like with student loans. So men started calling their wives the old lady because their old lady is what put them in debt to the old lady.

[Finchie40]

My guess is probably because they been together for a long time putting up with each others’ shit and staying committed to each other , so by him saying my old lady , he is kind of saying this girl has had my heart for a long time , she stood by me like I stood by her , so she is my old lady that has stood by me for all this time , I don’t think he is saying she is old in general, He is just trying to be funny and sweet at the same time. It’s something i never said but I have heard guys’ say this about their partner that they have been with for a long time

[Anonymous]

Because they can.

When a guy calls his wife or girlfriend "old lady" it's generally when the relationship is established. And at that point he knows she's not going anywhere. Even if she doesn't like it... she'll let it slide.

I have a ladyfriend who's husband left her for a younger woman. And he used to refer to her as "wifey" all the time. She still adored him.

I know this post probably annoys you. That's not the intent. The intent is to get it across to you that just because you value someone does not mean they value you the same way back.

Never love someone so much you tolerate any kind of treatment. People not just guys will generally act however they think they can get away with.

[sage2021]

I lived in San Francisco back in the 70"s hippie days ant that is what guys called their woman. This was not strange or unwanted by woman back then. In fact it felt good when a guy would call you that or say it ti their friends. It let everyone know hands off - she's my old lady.

[Jersey2]

Yes, the term has been around a long time. Biker gangs use it a lot to signify that a woman is in a serious relationship with him not just a hang around chick that anyone can hit on. Even Elton John and others have it in their songs:

https://youtu.be/NagnbRHdh-0

[Paulalove98]

I don’t think people do that often till the couples reaches 55 and up lol. If they do that while the woman is in her 20s that’s WAY too young to be saying that, 30s she’s not that young but she’s not a senior citizen, 40s she’s a middle aged adult, and 50s ehh okay but yeah even then I don’t think it’s as common to say that as it was back then.

[JayFromEngland]

As long as the girlfriend/wife is genuinely okay with it, I don't mind it. It's not necessarily an insulting term (although it can be).

It isn't uncommon for kids to call their fathers "the old man". As long as it isn't intended to disrespect the person then I think it's okay.

[Anonymous]

It’s just a term. Women call their husbands their old man lol I’m sure that it came from somewhere, but it’s not that important for me to look up. I look at it as a term of endearment. He doesn’t literally mean she’s old. Maybe it’s just comical too. Plus if you’ve been together a long time, just seems to fit. I don’t look at it as a put down. Wayne’s Worlds, “Who’s the old lady? That’s my old lady!” Lol

[Drewtate]

Just a term of endearment like a woman calling her husband her old man or calling her man daddy or pappi.

[ohsheeT]

Because when you ride blkes. And wear leather. With a patch on the back
Your bad ass. And when your bad ass. You don't say girl friend. Or wife. That's weak.. You say old lady

[molonski2]

I called my mother that , so personally I'd never use that terminology , haven't heard that used in quite a while..

I think its an old one , stemming from 50s or 60s.

[OlderAndWiser]

It is intended as a term of endearment without the speaker thinking about the impact it has on his partner.

[exitseven]

I alwyas tell me wife that I should get a Harley and she could be my old lady. She says that she already is.

[Wonderingguyy]

I’ve never heard that before but I’m sure no girl would like that… I’ve got no idea why a guy would refer to their girl as an ‘old lady’ lol

[KingOfMe1]

Lol. !!! It's an old term man. Like saying my old man aka my dad. I don't know why old lady means girlfriend though

[joeND]

I hear people call their Dad my old man and mom old lady. Maybe the guy wants a mother figure for a lover. I rarely hear a spouse called that.

[ProbablyClueless]

Maybe that's an age group thing. I don't hear too many guys say that at all.

[FunkyMonkee]

Same reason women call their hubby their old man.

[magiusX26]

the term is actually "ole lady" not "old". roughly the same as "ye ole tavern".

[Jamie05rhs]

Not sure. I have personally always thought that was dumb. I would never call my woman that.

[KatherineJ]

I don’t know. I would be really annoyed if my husband called me “old lady”.

[peedy]

I couldn't tell you how that ever got started there's probably a pretty good story behind it too hopefully someday I hear it

[serious_miss419]

I've heard it around lots. Often, rednecks or hicks will use it

[Grovermint]

It originated from the Scottish as in "me ole lady", referring to her as his love.

[scooogy]

I once met an older man who called his wife "his shadow"

[dolemite58]

i’ve always thought it was funny, like saying the old ball and chain

[spartan55]

I don't know, I think it's stupid.

[rachel776]

it sounds like a 1950s thing or something

[NewgodOmega]

Coz they behave as one

[Anonymous]

cause they're old

[legalboxers]

terms of endearment

[BLP11520]

No clue it’s been going on forever

[zveryhorny82]

It’s a inside guy joke or a guy thing