Are the terms “Hon” and “Boo” generally accepted as affectionate things to call friends in parts of the country?

17 comments

1. I would associate these phrases with older generations, but I do hear them whenever I go into smaller NC cities

2. Parts. Very specific parts. I’d say most the country, especially younger generations, don’t use these words

3. Hon, yes.

   I wasn’t aware people still said “boo.”

4. Generally, I’d say yes. There are some situations in which it can be used sardonically or in a condescending fashion. It also seems to be something that older generations use to speak to younger generations, and less with friends, in my experience

5. Honestly, if I use “hon” toward another woman my age I kind of mean it as an insult

6. “Hon” or “Honey” are still very common in my state, New Jersey. “Boo” is never used. I think that’s more southern.

   “Honey” is not just limited to older women. It’s not only a term of endearment. Often it’s used by waitresses or clerks or cashiers to sort of make the interaction kinder. Like it would be used more often if there was a really long line and you got to the front, and you were tired and frustrated, and the cashier says, “What can I do for you, hon”

7. Like every other answer in this sub since it started: it depends on specific location, context, person, and relation.

8. Hon is standard Baltimore slang.

9. Friends? I don’t know. The only people who call me “hon” are servers in diners. And I don’t think my friends would call me “boo.”

10. My wife accidentally called me Boo in front of friends. Now they all call me Boo, 10+ years and running.

11. I haven’t heard the term “boo” since the Usher/Alicia Keys song came out back in the early 2000’s.

12. I’ve never called my friends either of those things and my circle does t use them, either.

13. Depends on region, individual and context.

    I would never use either of those and don’t hear them much around my area, but I have heard people from other regions use them.

14. Not in my circles.

15. That sounds like a good way to seriously make me want to punch you. They come off so grossly condescending and nasty to me.

16. I don’t think I’ve called anyone boo, maybe Hon in a southern accent but not “for real”. Generally it tends to be older women saying those things

17. I live and work in New Orleans, and have heard these all day every day. Along with “cher”, “Mah beh-beh” which translates to “my baby”, “love”, “sweetie”, and “mah frenn”, translating to “my friend”. Co-worker calls some people “cherub” and “darlin'”. I have heard “angel”, “sugar”, “dear”, and SUCH a compliment one time, where an old lady told me I looked like a ripe mango!

    So if you need some verbal caressing, come to New Orleans.