they are used in, such as tone of voice, body language, and social context. Certain terms can be perceived as offensive or patronizing, depending on the context and speaker.

Feminists have argued that while "terms of endearment are words used by close friends, families, and lovers...they are also used on women by perfect strangers...double standard" - because "between strangers terms of endearment imply a judgment of incompetence on the part of the target". Others