Re: -chan [was Re: Is "ma" Proto-World?]

Nik Taylor wrote:
> Garth Wallace wrote:
>
>>Technically, "-chan" is a diminuitive suffix.
>
>
> I wouldn't call it diminutive.  You can't just attach it to a word to
> make "little" of that, like, you can't say *honchan for "little book".
True, the usage is restricted. It is still a suffix for proper names.

I've frequently seen it translated as "little" or "li'l". It carries the
connotation of "small and cute, like a child".

>>It can indicate affection, but does not necessarily. It can be
>>insulting.
>
>
> I understand the insulting usages to be a condescending use of -chan.
"-chan" really gets used for small children, pets, one's significant
other, and girls one's own age with whom one is on a familiar basis.
Calling your good buddy Ryuunosuke "Ryuu-chan", when you're a guy, would
either get you a funny look, or be interpreted as a playful taunt.