"MY DEAR-----------": when you're addressed in this manner on Q & A, how do you interpret it?

Question

"MY DEAR------------": ((Not, Dear, but MY DEAR-------------)).

How many different interpretations can you assign to this manner of address, when you or another employ(s) it, here on this very public forum?

Let me state that I've never employed it on Q & A; but a number of users have addressed me such: "My dear Alberich-----,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,".

"Dear Alberich" -- "My old friend Alberich" -- etc., etc., etc., does not carry the same connotation.

"Dear" can be just a formal address, or one of presumed affection; as can a referenced, "My old friend Alberich---------": I interpret the last, second expression as carrying a connotation of respect, and perhaps even some degree of affection.

But, "MY DEAR Alberich", suggests to me a connotation of at least a degree of: -------"exasperation"; "annoyance"; or maybe, simple "irritation".

What's your interpretation, when you or someone else is addressed as, "MY DEAR-------?

Alberich

Answer 1

It depends who wrote it. A very old person my use "my dear..." in a very affectionate way. Whereas a person in his/her 30s might use it in a patronizing way.

Answer 2

My rule of thumb is never try to over analyze someone else.



Could be completely innocent. They just start typing with the caps and never correct their error, or they could be patronizing and condescending. You can't make snap judgments. You have to know someone and their habits.



Anyhow, it appears that you have be over analyzed in another answer. Learn from his mistake and apply the lesson.

Answer 3

"my dear" carries the respect connotation just not as formal as "dear"



at least that's how I see it...

Answer 4

Hmmmm. This is a tricky one, Alberich. It's hard to tell by looking at the phrase on its own, I think it probably depends on the context in which the term is used.



On its own, it strikes me as a somewhat archaic term of endearment - kind of "Old English," perhaps - Austin or Wodehouse or someone...



When I was in England years ago, I have a clear memory of visiting a quaintly old-fashioned (but not old) Londoner, and she greeted me with these words: "My dear Hafwen, may I offer you a small sherry?" Being a thoroughly "hip" Antipodean, I simply regarded this woman's greeting as a charming quirk of speech.



I don't know, I doubt I'd take offense, though if the words "MY DEAR" are typed in capitals, the phrase reeks of sarcasm and would thus indicate some exasperation. "My dear Alberich" looks far more benign to me :o)



Interesting question, though...



Hafwen xoxox



PS. Oh - and MY DEAR Fizzy, get a life, mate.

Answer 5

I see it as phony and condescending. Nobody talks that way in real life--why would it be okay here???

Answer 6

Don't listen to Fizzy, he doesn't understand life. I think my dear in that situation is like "oh, poor you"



I hope you don't have OCD though.



EDIT: Mr Jock, yes I'm talking to you. Change that stupid picture. You're not cool.

Answer 7

MY DEAR seems a bit strange. Rather like they are irritated.... Perhaps they left the caps lock on?



But alberich, when I call you my dear or dearest, I mean it "nicely" as you ARE dear to me, and surely to everyone on here.

Answer 8

Who cares? Why don't you stop over analyzing. You're one of those pathetic nerds that meticulously analyze every conceivable detail, especially when it comes to women, because you have no skills and no natural rapport w/ them. It's just an expression, man, get over it. I say the word "love" a lot to my female friends. Like in a text message I'll say "Hey love, .............." or "Thanks, love." Is there some surreptitious subterfuge? Nope. Just an expression.