It used to be part of the ambience of certain eateries which also sported Formica tabletops and glass sugar dispensers, but unless it was said by a particularly attractive waitress who leaned low over the table as she refilled my coffee, I've always considered this term of endearment kind of patronizing, to be honest.
And it seems to be increasing along with my age and waistline. Should I take it as a racial slur and report it to the Anti-Discrimination Board? Or should I just leave my scimitar at home?
