English DU'ers: a question

[Writer]

I have a question about some slang... can you help me out?

The term "babe" used as an affectionate noun... "Hi, babe..." Is this strictly a romantic term, like "Hi, dear?" Can it be used in family relationships, like between a father and daughter, etc.?

Americans say "babe" too, of course, but more as an objective noun: "She is such a BABE!"

But in the English sense, how should I interpret a person who uses it... especially in my direction?


Writer.

[Gormy Cuss]

1. Americans use 'babe' as an endearment too.

Use of 'babe' to mean a hotty seems to be more common these days, but with the over 65 set it was used to mean more like 'sweetie.'

[Writer]

2. I just remembered growing up...

my mother used to refer to me as "babe" during my youngest years. And I'm an American. :)

[supernova]

3. Sonny and Cher

"I've Got You, Babe"

They weren't the first to say it, but they imortalized it. I think everybody got called "babe" after that.

If someone's calling you a "babe," then go out with them! :D ;-)

[mr blur]

4. Well, in 50 years of being English,

I've never heard an English person use it. Always thought it was an Americanism.

[Writer]

5. That's weird.

I heard it on television by English men and women referring to their sig. other's... :shrug: Maybe it's regional?

[Anarcho-Socialist]

6. It's used a lot by couples in their 20s and early 30s

at least where I live in the English north east.