Kopi Talk - Whom are you calling 'uncle'?

Hi Lee Seck Kay thanks for the article, in Philippine when they address somebody uncle usually they are related relative not like in Singapore, as most of the time the majority of the population was brought up to call people ‘sir’ or ‘maam’ as part of Philippine culture in showing respect. In Tagalog they add the word po or opo to exhibit respect for our elders or people in authority which I believe translates to the ‘sir’ or maam’ when spoken in English.

Article by Lee Seck Kay

IT SEEMS that only in Singapore can one, after or nearing retirement, automatically become an 'uncle' or 'auntie' to the young, regardless of whether that person is one. These so-called honorifics are improper and make me cringe every time I hear them.

Some believe the young are just using them to be polite or respectful, or as terms of endearment even. Actually, it is none of the above.

Recently, an employee at a polyclinic greeted me with 'Good morning, uncle'. I asked her why she addressed me as 'uncle' even though I was not her uncle.

With a sheepish smile, she said she did it out of habit and saw nothing wrong with it as all her colleagues were calling the elderly 'uncles' or 'aunties'.

I pointed out they could avoid the faux pas by addressing the elderly in a proper manner, such as prefixing their surname with 'Mr' or 'Mrs', or simply as 'sir' or 'madam' and their equivalents in other languages. She thanked me for the advice and agreed to bring up the matter with her superior.

I hope staff at the integrated resorts have been properly briefed in this respect. Addressing well-heeled visitors, especially those at the casinos, as 'uncles' and 'aunties' could be regarded as presumptuous at best. At worst, some guests may take offence.