# I'm looking for some friendly type names to call people **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 13, 2014, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518 "2014-11-13T09:55:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Wayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/1 "2014-11-13T09:55:25Z")
I’d like to find a source of some of the various names that one stranger might call another when greeting them. For example: Buddy, Chief, Pal, “Shorty”, “Big Guy”, etc. Very often, I will walk into a store and one of the employees will greet me by saying, “Hi Buddy” or “Hi Chief”. I’m sure you get the idea. I’ve tried to use Google but I obviously don’t know what to search for because I can’t seem to find any lists of these kinds of names. If anyone has any suggestions that seem to produce these kinds of names, I’d be very grateful if you would post them. ---
**Author:** ![Stinky\_Pete](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@Stinky\_Pete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stinky_Pete)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 10:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/2 "2014-11-13T10:37:15Z")
This is pretty subjective. I meet strangers regularly in my job. In your examples you have “Shorty” and “Big Guy” and I really recommend you don’t use those. Personally I don’t like it when guys call me “Chief”. And “Buddy” or “Pal” can be good or bad depending on context. “Brother” is the best name any one uses on me. IMO do not use any name when greeting a stranger. Most important thing I think you can do to make a good impression is a good firm handshake, eye contact for the right amount of time, and a friendly tone of voice. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/3 "2014-11-13T11:41:52Z")
My Mum used to call my brother: Bugalugs. Some ironic olde worlde hipster terms (adjust for appropriate gender): Fella-me-lad. Steadfast fellow. Stout yeoman. My good man. Young master. My Lord. Boyo. Matey Potatey. Curly Joe. ---
**Author:** ![Cazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cazzle/32/75_2.png) [@Cazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cazzle)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/4 "2014-11-13T11:47:47Z")
Champ Chip Sonny Sport Matey Bud ---
**Author:** ![bienville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/5 "2014-11-13T12:12:20Z")
Hoss Dawg Poindexter ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/6 "2014-11-13T12:45:58Z")
Why do you need this at all? What’s wrong with just ‘Hello’? I dislike being called ‘buddy’ or ‘mate’ by a total stranger. If you don’t know someone’s name then, until you find out what it is, don’t use anything. In the UK we have, over the last few years, been re-educating nursing staff to use patient’s names and to not take the lazy alternative of ‘dear’, ‘love’, ‘duck’ or any other local alternative. Of course there is always the old fashioned ‘sir’ or ‘madam’ to fall back on. ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/7 "2014-11-13T12:56:43Z")
Any random military rank: Lieutenant, Colonel, Ensign … Maybe toss in a last name along with it. If you do this often enough that they remember they had a different rank last time, be ready with a “you got promoted, good job!” or “you got demoted for that ‘incident’.” ETA: > [@bob++](#): > > I dislike being called ‘buddy’ or ‘mate’ by a total stranger. It sounds like the door greeter is the one initially using ‘buddy’ or ‘mate’. They certainly can’t complain if **Charlie Wayne** then does the same. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/8 "2014-11-13T13:22:34Z")
I often forget peoples’ names if we are not super close. My fallback is “dude”. The other day I ran into Jason, but couldn’t remember his name, so I said, “yo, dude” and shook his hand. Just then, his gf approached (still can’t remember her name) so I said, " and the lovely dudette!" (She truly is lovely) ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/9 "2014-11-13T13:25:12Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > In the UK we have, over the last few years, been re-educating nursing staff to use patient’s names and to not take the lazy alternative of ‘dear’, ‘love’, ‘duck’ or any other local alternative. Duck? “Mind the Gap” is all kinda cool, but “duck”?😕 ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Wayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/10 "2014-11-13T13:26:15Z")
I’m afraid I may not have been clear as to what I was asking. I know that it is a bad idea to call people names that reflect on their physical appearance such as “shorty” or “big guy”. But, I’m asking if you can help me find a list of some common names that people use. Personally, I strongly dislike whenever anyone calls me any of those names. But, I’m writing an article and I’d like to list some common names and my hope was that someone would know a search term for Google that would find a list of some of those names. I thank the people who replied for trying to help me. If anyone has any idea how to find such a list, I would sure appreciate that. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/11 "2014-11-13T13:36:23Z")
They’re called “terms of address” or “terms of endearment”. ---
**Author:** ![campp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@campp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/campp)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/12 "2014-11-13T14:06:42Z")
Mostly I get Sir or Bud or Buddy. Dislike Chief, that’s too dated. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/13 "2014-11-13T14:37:38Z")
I’ve used “Mate” as a friendly term since my days with the Aussies. I’ll use “Cowboy” if I mean to be slightly jocular. Oddly enough, the general term I draw most is “Boss” - and I pretty much ain’t nobody’s boss these days. Being a transplanted CT Yankee, though, I kind of like it. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dereknocue67](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@Dereknocue67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dereknocue67)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/14 "2014-11-13T14:47:29Z")
If it’s a guy, try “Sarge” or simply “Boy”. Sure to be a hit. For a gal, they are always fond of: Little Lady Cutie Pie Babe Hot Momma Chickadee Nice Bazookas (with this one, keep your eyes on their chest - never make eye contact) You’re sure to make an impression. ---
**Author:** ![notquitekarpov](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/71c47a/32.png) [@notquitekarpov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notquitekarpov)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/15 "2014-11-13T14:51:10Z")
If you article is US-centric then I can’t help you. But if your interest extends to international terms of endearment to strangers then in the UK, in addition to the aforementioned and universal ‘dear’ and ‘love’ we have ‘duck’ and ‘babs’ (Midlands), ‘hen’ or less commonly now ‘doll’ (both Scots - obviously for use to ladies only), ‘hun’ or 'hinny and ‘pet’ (NE England), ‘my lover’ (SW England - esp Bristol), ‘chuck’ (Manchester area), kid or kidder (Liverpool), babes (Essex), Boyo (Wales - for men only but rare now only using used by English taking the piss), ‘cocker’ or ‘cock’ (parts of northern England) and finally ‘princess’ or ‘treasure’ (parts of London). ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/16 "2014-11-13T14:56:06Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I often forget peoples’ names if we are not super close. My fallback is “dude”. The other day I ran into Jason, but couldn’t remember his name, so I said, “yo, dude” and shook his hand. Just then, his gf approached (still can’t remember her name) so I said, " and the lovely dudette!" > > (She truly is lovely) Another vote for [Dude.](http://www.empireonline.com/100-greatest-movie-characters/default.asp?c=7) ---
**Author:** ![CT\_Damsel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CT\_Damsel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CT_Damsel)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/17 "2014-11-13T15:46:53Z")
I call all males Fella, as if “Hey, Fella” or “Excuse me Fella” All females are Miss ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/18 "2014-11-13T15:56:54Z")
Since the OP is looking for suggestions, let’s move this to IMHO. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Wayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/19 "2014-11-13T16:00:13Z")
I have often tried to use “gorgeous” when talking to a lady - especially if she really is gorgeous. She doesn’t seem to mind that if only the two of us can hear. But if other people are within earshot, then she usually objects to my calling her that. I can understand that. ---
**Author:** ![hotflungwok](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/edb3f5/32.png) [@hotflungwok](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hotflungwok)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518/20 "2014-11-13T16:02:58Z")
Homeboy Homeslice Homeflame Homecheese Guy I worked with high school talked to everyone like this. He was white. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-some-friendly-type-names-to-call-people/704518.md?page=2)