Quote:
Originally Posted by dekeguy
Actually, I was answering the posting from a very SOUTHERN point of view. The practice under discussion is in my experience all but extinct in other areas of the USA. It survives largely in the UK and among the traditional families in the deep South. The 'rules' to which I referred are those in use in New Orleans and other tradition minded Southern localities with which I have had direct experience.
Any male past the age of ten or eleven would not address an adult male not related to him as Mr. John - ever. If related or (rarely) if a family friend of many years standing and great closeness one might use the honorific 'Uncle John' or 'Aunt Alice'. Girls might use the honorific Uncle or Aunt a bit longer but that also is rapidly dieing out except in really die hard families or groups.
Overall, this form of address is strictly bound by 'rules' and not generally bestowed on everyone lest it become a parody of "The Old South" or an affectation.
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And you would be incorrect since these manners are very much still in effect by men and women throughout Louisiana. No parody is involved. I lived in three corners of the state, was raised in Baton Rouge, married a man that was raised in Monroe and can honestly say that this is the straight forward, honest way of speaking. You may not have this experience but to suggest that it is NOT the norm anywhere is ridiculous as if you have been everywhere.
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