Augustine23558
I have never particularly noticed this habit in the South, but I think you are starting off with the presupposition that the use of one’s proper name indicates intimacy, and that’s not necessarily true. I think it might be the other way around – feeling comfortable enough around someone else to use a generic or specific nickname. I once had a boss who constantly referred to me as ‘Bubba’ (translated: young Southern male of a certain physical size), and far from being offended, I found it amusing and friendly, and I think that’s how he meant it. If it had been meant as a put-down, I would have picked up on it, and it simply wasn’t there. At this point I am also reminded of the ’70s sitcom ‘Rhoda’ (Jewish family in New York City) where it seemed like everyone was constantly using everyone else’s names in conversation. It’s probably a regional and cultural thing.