Re: OT: What? the clean-shaven outnumber the bearded? "Yer Ugly Mug," etc.

A good set of definitions, though not completely in accord with my own
usage.....

Stone Gordonssen wrote:
> Being an odd American, "mate" for me means either "close friend" or
carries
> a more direct sexual tone (more often the former).
For me, "mate" has a definite Aussie feeling to it (heard too many G'die,
mite parodies) and no sexual connotations (except when speaking of animals).
Perhaps as a jocular ref. to one's Significant Other (ugh), whether m. or f.
(as Kash luçi is, < luçu 'to mate, of animals'; note also cakalúç
'promiscuous', lalu luç 'orgy' [lalu 'party'])

"Buddy" implies for me an
> on-going sexual relationship.
Not for me.  It's just "friends, pals" (Kash _karem_).  Of course, there's
"f*ck-buddy" which seems to be an occasional but relationship; this would be
Kash _karende_
>
> "BF" or "boyfriend" is more temporary for me - it lacks the sense of the
> relationship being long-term.
Yes, temporary, and a little trivializing, and smacks of teen-agery (maybe
my generation gap is showing...)
>
>.... I believe I dislike "husband" and "wife" as it reminds me of the
> too-oft voiced straight assumption that someone in a gay relationship must
> be the "man" and the other, the "woman".
Quite so.  Also jokey/campy, as in the old wheeze, "So I said to my wife,
'Bruce....' "
>
> I might use "spouse" if/when the USA finally stops treating marriage as a
> social and legal structure while insisting on retaining the JudeoChristian
> overtones and strictures.
Yes, though it's sort of  namby-pamby officialese even when it refers to
m/f.
>
So--- what are we left with?  Partner seems to be current usage by default;
the potential ambiguity (business/domestic) may or may not be an advantage.
My personal choice has always been, and remains, good old-fashioned "lover".

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