Why do girls call each other "honey" and "sweety" in a condescending way?

[Prof_Don]

This is something that I never was able to wrap my head around.

Being as detailed as you want (please use paragraphs)...why do females use words like "honey" and "sweety" in an insulting fashion?

What is the origin / reason behind using those words in that way?

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Thanks for your input. :)

[Amorina]

My use of similar words may be seen as condescending to those who fail to understand it but are meant in a loving fashion. I call everyone "darling". It's just something I do to people I care about. I have a friend who uses "sweetie" all the time and I can totally see how someone might see it as condescending but, because I know her, I know that she does it with love.

It may seem to be condescending because we often use the words to soften a blow, so to speak. If you are gonna say something that might be a little harsh, but still honest and real, a word like that makes it sting less.

However, when my friend's are drunk and I am taking care of them, I TOTALLY use it in a condescending manner. It is because, in that situation, I am playing the roll of mother when it is SO not my job. lol If you put me in that position, I should be able too sass you a little bit.

[Amorina]

*to sass

[Dakotagirl900]

I never understood that as well! I mean come on, if you don't like the person don't make them think you like them! but yeah I assume it is more passive aggressive,if you are somewhat nice to some people.. it'll just make them even more mad, which can be fun:)

[slipslender]

hmmm... because it's passive aggressive. a lot of women are passive aggressive. it's much more lady-like to use the words 'honey' and 'sweetie' condescendingly rather than to outright call a girl a 'bitch' or 'slore.' (merriam-webster dictionary defines slore as a noun, an amalgamation of the characteristics of a slut and whore, hence--->slore). I personally like to insult people by calling them plebian fools and the like.

[wowzas]

i feel like slore is further perpetuating the stereotype that us women are trying to change. why give men the satisfaction of telling us we can't be anything more? by calling other girls this you're telling them its acceptable in a way

[tinadea]

It's sarcastic. It's the same type of logic as calling someone "Einstein" after they say something dumb, or calling them "Sherlock" after they point out something obvious. I also want to point out that girls are not the only ones who do this. My dad always refers to females as "sweetheart" in a snide, condescending manner. It doesn't matter who it is: older women, women in power, etc. It's always said sarcastically.

[ScreamMeALoveSong]

It's a very bitchy way of being aggressive, without full on slapping the other. By passively hissing "honey" or "sweety" to one another, we look like ladylike, well-mannered, and calm and collected. We use these words instead of unleashing stronger words like "****" or "twat", which in most situations, are just as bad as what we're actually saying.

[pr3ttybr0wn]

Psychologically, I want to let the girl know I feel she's inferior to me.

[Prof_Don]

please help me understand...

...

...in the female mind, how can "honey" or "sweety" be ciewed as negative terms?

[pr3ttybr0wn]

Depending on the tone of voice you use, it's like talking to a child or someone weaker or more dimwitted.

[Anonymous]

Some girls just think it's cute to be b*tchy and they think using those terms sarcastically is apart of it. I'm tired of this culture of girls who think it's cool and desirable to be a straight up,tactless, rude b*tch.

[smilenbehappy]

i have no idea. :S never used those terms