While working on my thesis, I became distracted with the concept of using foods as terms of endearment. If you know me, you know I have some interesting terms. One such term being “babycakes.”
You can’t whip this one out on anyone. Believe me, I've tried. When the words “thanks babycakes!” instinctively poured out of my mouth after talking to my 25 year old brother, I decided to use caution. Especially before I thanked the 55 year old male, UPS delivery handler on impulse. It came out “thanks baa-okay, thanks!!” That could have been awkward. Even more so if I had stopped after babe…
- Sweet Pea
- Pumpkin (Pie)
- Sugar
- Honey Bun, shortened to Honey (not to be confused with Hunny)
- Sweetie Pie
- Babycakes..? What does that even mean? The thought of it really kind of creeps me out
They’re all sweets!
I think I genetically inherited this trait from mama murph. (Of course after my awkward endearment encounters I have to look to my parents as a source of blame). But in all seriousness, she came home from work and recounted a conversation with an 80something year old that included several such terms of endearment only to be interrupted by the 80something year old saying “I’m confused, why are you calling me foods?”
Why? Because they’re all sweets! Translation: you’re sweet. ie: “Thanks sweetie!”
It's interesting to me that sweets became associated with positive affirmations/positive pronouns. Or just positives in general, ie: “niiiiice, sweet deal!”
Then somewhere in the 90s people started using “fatty or phat” to describe their “fatty deals” and “phat girlfriends.” You know that last one came about by some panicked boyfriend who was being interrogated by his girlfriend regarding a “not so sweet” comment he had made.
Anyways, back on track…So I think I’m going to test drive a vegetable as a term of endearment. Translation: You’re looking healthy and fabulous! I less than three (<3) your healthy heart. I hope your diet is reducing your chances of adverse cardiovascular events!
“Parsnip” and “turnip” came into my mind probably because they’re still starches (made of glucose=sugar=sweet) but I may have to opt for the really hardcore vegetables.
This holiday season I’m going to approach my cousins with “Hey, broccoli! How are you?” If it works on them, I may have to include it into my appreciative "thank you" for my male, mail carrier in hopes that he will carry it on. Handling others hearts with care. Doesn't this idea just bROCKoli..?
Too far? Did I take it too far?
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