chestnut

Do the Scottish use "beloved" as a term of endearment. Is it used like we would( in the States) call someone "dear"? I have never heard it before and it was new to me to hear it used that way. For example, while chatting she might say --"let me tell you, beloved, about something I saw on television that you might enjoy". She is a charming person and has a beatiful command of the language and I always enjoy listening to people from other countries-- even though we share the same language.

wellididntknowthat

Never really heard it used in common parlance here. Sounds like an indvidual rather than general usage.

stfc

I agree, an individual usage probably. But if you speak the sentence out loud it scans well. Does this person write poetry or is she musical?

Terms of endearment vary around the country. If you visit some parts, and Lincolnshire stands out to me for this, you might well be called 'duck'! Don't be offended. 'Darling' and 'sweetheart' shouldn't have much read into them either.

PatrickLondon

In Devon, they say "my lover" (even, so I'm told, a policeman arresting a burglar might say "You're nicked, my lover&quot.

nona1

Get it right Patrick.
It's 'moi loverrrrrrr'

auldyins

Haven't heard "beloved" often in Scotland - more likely to hear "hen, mate and pal".

chestnut

Thanks so much for all your replies. I'll listen a little more attentively when I meet her again. Maybe when I get to know her a little better, I could ask her about it. As I said, she is a delightful and charming person and it's a pleasure to hear her speak. I'm not at all thrown off by it --- I have my own set of "endearments" that my family and friends hear all the time. Thanks again, my dears!!!!!