Honeydos aren't chores, but upkeep projects: a fence needs repair, a lightbulb needs replacing, finishing the composting station, getting a new rug, fertilizing the lawn, the bust of Cthulhu needs a new plinth, what have you. Chores are commonplaces like doing the laundry, washing the dishes, walking the dog, or getting groceries. Cleaning the floor would be a chore; refinishing the floor would be a honeydo. The term "honeydo" might never have existed but for the commercial advent of the honeydew melon to inspire it. It presupposes a couple wherein there is a degree of division of labor, and "Honey" is the handyman/woman/unit who tackles those things that require either expertise, a willingness to get sweaty and dirty, perhaps fall from a height or mash a thumb, or at least deal with contractors. So "Honey, would you do this for me?" becomes "honeydo". It's familiar US jargon. It's not part of my usual vocabulary, but that's indicative of nothing.benhall.1 wrote:I've never heard of "honeydos". But that's probably because no-one would ever call me "Honey". If they did, they wouldn't still be with me by bedtime.fatmac wrote:Not heard of honeydos before, we'd just call it your chores.
As for being called "Honey", Ben: While in the States it's a common endearment between couples and in addressing one's children (it's practically a reflex), if ever you visit the Deep South be prepared to be called that by total strangers like your waitress. It's perfectly acceptable and normal, and not considered inappropriate at all. Your indignation will probably be met with hurt feelings, because it's intended to be friendly, intimate and familiar, and those qualities are considered good form in an informal social context. It's considered "down home", and that degree of familiarity is thought of as a good thing. Northerners are often taken aback by it, because normally we don't apply it to just anyone, but once you get used to it, it's just part of the landscape. If you don't get called "Honey", there could even be a problem, depending. Think of it as part of the charm that is Dixie.
There's a good amount of gender register to it. Seems to me that US males overwhelmingly reserve "Honey" for long-term life partners, whereas the womenfolk will be more free with it. A woman would readily call a child "Honey", but it's atypical for a man to do so.