At KBGS the mode of address we used when we addressed our "masters" was "sir" - all of which changed when we moved out into the wider world.

Recently I met a bloke in the local (in Lincoln) who addressed people as "kid". I challenged him on this - to be told that this was the usual form of address used by miners in the Leicester coalfields (ie pre Thatcher).
I was intrigued because my (Keighley born) Dad frequently called his workmate/equals "kid", "kidder", "kiddo". But my Dad's family originated from Staffs, not too far from Leicester coal.

Another term he used was "pal" and that is one I have now adopted with strangers - as an alternative to the term that I find in common use in the East Midlands - viz:"mate" pronounced "mayat"; also "duck" or "miduck".

Further, I know that in South Yorks (especially Barnsley) the term "love" is used universally for blokes and birds. And I use it missen sometimes.

There were kids in Kly in the 40s/50s who would address you as "sh#t legs". I guess this was an insult arising from the days of a dirty nappy.

Another Lincolnshire term is to refer to someone's son as "?"'s "old boy" - who could be anything from 10 to 50.

A funny experience I heard was where a south of England couple came into my local in Lincs and asked about the food on the menu.
They were told by the local barmaid -
"There's roast: - beef; turkey and chicken, Duck".
After brief discussion, they decided on "duck".

To be told "We don't have duck, love".
Get out of that.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1952-60

Current location (optional) Lincoln

When I was very young, mid-nineteen forties, I remember my dad used to address my mother as 'kid', and I sometimes use it myself, probably as a result. However, I strongly suspect that in my parents' case, at least, it came straight from the 'movies' - 'Casablanca' (1942?) to be precise, where Humph, looking into Ingrid's eyes, says: "Here's lookin at you kid..."

None of which need discount the Leicester usage, though that certainly could not have influenced my parents.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Mr Marston [or may I call you Terry?]
Although I had left KBGS before you started, I think we could enjoy a natter, I get up to Lincoln now and again - I was through there on Sunday as a matter of fact. Fancy meeting for a jar sometime?

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Terry,

If you do meet up

Don't mention Maureen McWhinney to Denis !!!

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1950/1955

Current location (optional) Keighley

Sounds a good idea, Denis, and I won't mention Maureen McWhinney, mainly on the grounds that I couldn't pronounce her name. What part of Norfolk? I often use the A14 or A17 through to Manningtree? At the moment I can't access the Guest Book to get your e-mail but will contact you when I can.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1952-60

Current location (optional) Lincoln

I recall, as a child, watching old fellers in the allotments and they usually seemed to address each other as "old cock" - a local expression??
In Sheffield in the 60s the term "love" was the default means of addressing anyone. It rather disturbed a friend of mine who had just arrived at university from Leicester with a large trunk and the bus driver said "Let mi gi' yer an 'and wi' that luv."
And "Sir" has not disappeared. I arrived last week for a meeting at a school, of which I am a governor, for pupils with severe behavioural difficulties and was greeted by a lad who had been ejected (for violent behaviour no doubt)with "Are you a new teacher, Sir?"

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-65

Current location (optional) Leeds

I often upset Sione out here in the Philippines by calling a waitress 'luv'. I try to explain but Sione says 'I kill her!'
As a matter of interest and not really leaving the subject.I left Eastwood and everyone was Terry, Brian, Trevor or Shirley but when I got to KBGS I stopped being Arthur and became Seeley even to class mates, I have to say that those that went up with me remained the Trevors and Brians as was and I remained Arthur to them. Did this happen to others. I found it made me slightly more anonymous and being in a six hundred plus school I felt anonymous enough.

I too went from being called, "John" to being called "Felvus". In Australia I was refered to as "you Pommy bas***d" until I joined the Army which must seem like a most democratic institution, not once was I called Felvus, I was always addressed by rank and name, at least to my face, behind my back it was still probably "that Pommy bast**d".