old dear

Olddear   Fri Dec 09, 2005 7:53 pm GMT
How bad is it when you are called an "old dear"? Is it a very degrading name?
Thanks.
Uriel   Fri Dec 09, 2005 8:02 pm GMT
It's not a term I hear often, but it tends to be affectionate rather than derogatory.
Terry   Fri Dec 09, 2005 8:17 pm GMT
I think so too, Uriel. I've never heard "old dear" used as anything but a term of endearment. Now "old bat" and "old fart," they're bad.
Kate   Sat Dec 10, 2005 6:29 am GMT
I don't think it's degrading...especially since the word 'dear' was part of it. How did you hear/see it used?
olddear   Sun Dec 11, 2005 5:24 am GMT
Hi kate,

Do you mind checking this out:
http://www.allwords.com/word-old%20dear.html

I thought derog means derogatory; maybe I'm wrong?
Kate   Sun Dec 11, 2005 8:32 am GMT
Hm. Yeah, I think 'derog' means 'derogatory' there. It's just I've never heard 'old dear' said in a mean way. Maybe it depends on the region?