Re:US boy names that became girl names and vice versa
by aakresearch on Monday November 02, 2026 @08:46PM
(#50346927)
Only ever heard of matronym use as a joke or very archaic.
Referring with surname only is a hierarchy assertion thing, and somewhat rude - boss would talk down to subordinate like that, or teacher to student.
When talking "up" or "sideways", or "down" but without a desire to assert superiority a name+patronymic is usually used, which reflects a respectful distance while not slipping into rudeness or overt familiarity. Sadly, it is mostly disappearing and giving way to Western "name-only".
And then, to emphasize familiarity, some groups adopt way of referring to each other by patronymic only :)
Referring with surname only is a hierarchy assertion thing, and somewhat rude - boss would talk down to subordinate like that, or teacher to student. When talking "up" or "sideways", or "down" but without a desire to assert superiority a name+patronymic is usually used, which reflects a respectful distance while not slipping into rudeness or overt familiarity. Sadly, it is mostly disappearing and giving way to Western "name-only".
And then, to emphasize familiarity, some groups adopt way of referring to each other by patronymic only :)