This thread makes me laugh a bit because it seems like I'm constantly called these names at work. I live in New York, so it's definetly not just a southern thing. It seems like for every 3 out of 4 women I speak with call me one of those type of names (with the exception of dear, and the inclusion of sweetie). I don't think it's a gender thing, but I rarely got called those names before transitioning. And even though present at work as male at this time, I am getting it a lot, so I don't know if it means something. Usually, it's said by another woman who is older, though girls my own age use it at times too. It doesn't bother me for the most part. As for guys, I never get called those names by them. There are a few guys that have called me babe, but it's not common and it annoys me when I hear that term. It's just so condescending sounding regardless of what gender is calling you it. That's something that should only be called by someone that is very close with you in some capacity. Anyway, most guys call me buddy if anything which is the "male" version of the above terms.