I refer to people that way sometimes myself, but I do know that some find it
offensive.   I use those words as terms of endearment, but only with friends.

In a message dated 02/17/2001 10:37:37 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

>
>    "Not necessarily so down here in the Southern US. I have been called
>  "honey" and "sugar"(pronounced, "suguh") by female waitresses. It really
>  depends on who uses such and the context in which they are used. But,
>  geneally it is demeaning. Also, the male counterpart here is "buddy",
>  "bubba", "guy", "son"  and "boy".
>
>


Betty
aut viam inveniam aut faciam
"I will either find a way or make one."