Some people say mate, others dude, I prefer Sweety. Now, a few have expressed their distaste for the word and attempted to counter it by calling me Woman (as if I'm meant to find that offensive, well done you have identified my gender, you idiot) this has not persuaded me from calling them Sweety. For clarity I will explain my use of the word and if I ever call you Sweety you can see which category you fall into.
First, I will call a complete stranger Sweety if the do me a favour, sort of like "thanks mate".
Second, I will refer to a complete stranger who is cute/nice as a Sweety.
Third, when I use a sarcastic tone for a person who has no common sense, sort of like calling them an idiot. But subtle.
Fourth, with this one I use Sweety instead of your name but I only do this with people I care about. See, if I don't say your name then I can remain separate to you, it's less intimate. This is my last defence to opening up completely to another person.
However if I use your name, that is the greatest compliment and show of trust.
Now, if I call you an idiot, I'm being straight. You are an idiot. Sweety is the only name that has to be taken in context with me. At least I don't use cupcake, sweet cheeks, sugar, hunny bun, baby cakes, darling, pumpkin, babe or possum.