What you seem to think it is and what it actually is are two different things. "Sweetie" is a traditionally Deep South term of endearment or mock-endearment app

What you seem to think it is and what it actually is are two different things. "Sweetie" is a traditionally Deep South term of endearment or mock-endearment applicable to both genders and used almost exclusively by women. I can't remember the last time (if ever) I have seen it used by a man other than in imitation of women from the Deep South.