hok382@homxa.UUCP (P.CARSTENSEN) (03/20/84)
I have a question for women, particlularly in New Jersey. I only recently moved here, and I seem to get called "hon" (S. Jersey) and "doll" (North Jersey) a lot--by my dentist, guys at toll booths, cashiers, and just about anyone with a certain amount of gray hair. I don't really mind, but would like to know if it is my appearance (about 6 yrs < my age) or my accent (pure Midwest) or what. Pat Carstensen houxa!homxa!hok382 (new address)
pcl@hlexa.UUCP (Paul C. Lustgarten) (03/21/84)
I know that Pat addressed her query to women, but.... When I moved to New Jersey a year ago, (my first time to live in the eastern US), I also noticed being called 'hon' a lot (e.g. by sales clerks in the stores). While I know there are dialects where this is a common form of address, 1) I didn't think the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. was where these dialects lived (at least, not this far north), and 2) I thought it was only used in addressing women. (Well, I do get taken for a women on the phone sometimes, but I think in person the thick bush of hair on my face would preclude any confusion. :-) ) Paul Lustgarten AT&T Bell Laboratories, Short Hills, NJ ihnp4!hlexa!pcl