I think they’re terms men often apply to whichever figure in the household represents the greatest constraint on their actions (or the person to whom they most defer).
If they’re married, that’s their spouse, but if they’re living with their parents in a traditional male-dominated household, it’s their father.
Funny, I’ve always thought of them as terms of honour. At least that’s why I called my father old man. He called his captain that back when he was a sailor. (second edit: fun fact, his last captain was my grandpa on mom’s side. Guess he liked the captain’s daughter.)
edit: I guess it’s a way to acknowledge seniority.
I think they’re terms men often apply to whichever figure in the household represents the greatest constraint on their actions (or the person to whom they most defer).
If they’re married, that’s their spouse, but if they’re living with their parents in a traditional male-dominated household, it’s their father.
Funny, I’ve always thought of them as terms of honour. At least that’s why I called my father old man. He called his captain that back when he was a sailor. (second edit: fun fact, his last captain was my grandpa on mom’s side. Guess he liked the captain’s daughter.)
edit: I guess it’s a way to acknowledge seniority.