[TiK]

I encountered this a lot while in New Orleans, and in the south in general. Many women I encountered called everyone "baby" or "honey" or "sugar" and the men did it too with "darlin'" and "hon'", but also "ma'am" when speaking in a more respectful manner. It was kinda catchy and I find myself doing it at times now, though it's mostly "ma'am", at times, a random "hon" or "baby" will slip in; it may appear flirtatious, but I mean it in a totally unflirtatious way unless I'm saying it to my girlfriend.