Does this grate on anyone else’s nerves? Is it just me? When I hear parents refer to their children as “Buddy” it makes my skin crawl and my teeth itch. The hubby had a tendency towards this abomination when the turtle was born. I remember letting it go a few times. Father-son bonding and all that. Plus my mother said I was always “giving out”. But then one day there was a rather emotional (hormonal?) oubturst along the lines of “He’s NOT your BUDDY! He’s your SON” Cue shell shocked husband. “I know he is. It’s just a term of endearment.” He’s very calm and rational, the hubby. Didn’t help though. “He’s not your buddy. He’s your son. Maybe you’ll be friends, but you’re his Father first. Not his buddy!!! Aaaaaarrrrghhhhh!!” (I tend to stomp to make a point.) So the turtle has never been referred to as “Buddy” since. At least not within earshot of me.
I’m hearing it more and more now. It still make my skin crawl. Even when its not my child. It’s the soft tone that’s often reaches the crescendo of a roar within four repetitions. “Hey buddy. Buddy come here. Buddy? BUDDY!!” It’ll never stop making my ears ring. How do I stop myself from stomping my feet when I hear it? It drives me crazy. It’s just me though, isn’t it?
Written for Sleep is for the weak’s Writing Workshop. Prompt #5: Have a good rant. Go on! You know you want to…
Turtleturtleturtle's Blog 
Hmm, I have not heard either of mine or anyones elses being called little buddy’s here. It tends to be bairn!!
I don’t mind “bairn” so much, that’s baby or child, isn’t it?
Who’s “buddies” with a small child? Grrrrrr!!!!!!!!
Nope, not just you. Can’t say it’s common around these parts but I wouldn’t like it at all. It might just be a term of endearment but it is too close to one of my pet hates. Parents who confuse the role of parent with the role of friend. They are not the same thing in my book.
Exactly.
You’re much more coherent than I am.
I have a similar issue with people referring to their children as ‘mate’.
Great rant!!
“Mate”, there’s another one. And “Pal” too.
I sometimes wonder why people give their children names if they’re not going to use them.
Hee hee. I doubt buddy would get me that pissed off, but then I guess it’s because I never hear it used around these parts!! Is it because I have two girls? You wouldn’t call a girl buddy would you? Not sure. Can’t think what annoys me that much…hmmmm…just thinking. Oh yes, I know – when contestants on various ‘please-vote-for-me’ programmes hold their hand to their ear whilst trying to make it look like a telephone. Er hello, when has a telephone ever looked like that?
There, rant over. Thanks for the outlet!
I don’t know what’s used for girls. BFF? Something sickly and sweet, I’m sure of that.
Come back and rant anytime 😉