Nay, we are but men. Rock!

Some men in society seem to be lacking in understanding and proper usage of the nickname "Buddy" or its often used shorter counterpart "Bud." I always sensed there were some rules to guide the use of "Buddy," just as there are guidelines to how and when nicknames can be applied. Today someone younger than me referred to me as "bud" multiple times. I caught myself, before I opened my mouth to correct him of his error. Now, like four-square, I know I don’t have all of the guidelines associated with using "Buddy" or "Bud" in reference to someone else, but I would at least like to start the list.

You can’t refer to someone older than you as bud or buddy. It’s disrespectful. Buddy or Bud is most often associated with young boys, and should continue to be used in this manner. There is a certain age when Buddy transitions into Dude, Man, Homey, etc. To continue using Buddy in reference to someone your own age, older, or even slightly younger is demeaning to that person, and is a poor choice of words on your part. Some may use the word Bud to indicate that they think they are some how superior to the person that Bud is bestowed upon. The person buying the hot dog, may refer to the person selling the hot dog as Bud, and in doing so is making the statement that I am better than you because I buy hot dogs and don’t have to sell them. In truth, the person selling the hot dog, doesn’t himself eat the hot dog, nor does he work for the guy buying him the hot dog, and could in fact use the word bud to refer to the person buying the hot dog.

There must be an age bubble in using the word buddy. A ten year old could call a five-year-old Buddy. However, a ten year old could not call a nine-year-old Buddy. Is a five-year gap enough? I think it depends on the represented age. A 70 year old could not refer to a 65 year old as Buddy, but could easily refer to someone in his 20’s as Buddy. Maybe after age 10 and again after age 20 the rules change. No one over the age of 30 should ever be referred to as Buddy, unless their father or grandfather started calling them that when they were born. Otherwise, think of something else to say.

I’m not sure I have given any clarity on the matter. However, I think we need to come together on the proper usage, and spread the news before I try to correct someone, or worse yet, forget my peaceful ways and punch someone in the face while the word "Buddy" still hangs in the air.