"Dear" for friend or girlfriend?

Question

Hello Teachers,
i have a doubt with the word "Dear".
I am not english mother tongue girl and i live abroad since one year.
I have been addressed "dear" from a guy, he also is not english mother tongue, but he does speaks english very well living abroad since 10 years now.
One time it was in reply to my "Hey", he said "hey dear", and another time in reply to my "have a nice day", he said "u too dear".

I was thinking that "dear" should be used in some formal circumstances, but i don't think this is the case.
Can you please help me to understand the meaning of "Dear"?

Thank you a lot

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

AnonymousCan you please help me to understand the meaning of "Dear"?

Your experience is a common one. Many of the new students here (I think they are Indian, but I am not sure) use 'dear' inappropriately for American English and British English speakers, though it may be acceptable locally.

'Dear'—except in the single instance of a letter greeting ('Dear Sir'; Dear Mr Jones')—is very inappropriate when addressed to anyone who is not a lover, a child, or a family member.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

As Mister Micawber has said, the Indian dialect of English still has echoes of the colloquial English of 1700-1900 when "dear" was much more common in conversations and everyday use.

Here is an example from "Pride and Prejudice:"

"It is amazing to me," said Bingley, "how young ladies can have patience to be so very accomplished as they all are."
"All young ladies accomplished! My dear Charles, what do you mean?"

In contemporary American English conversation, the word "dear" is considered to be very familiar. It is used only between close friends and family.

"Hey" is considered casual and almost rude in addressing teachers and people you want to respect.

"Dear" for friend or girlfriend?

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