10.119 other vocatives

You can use noun groups to show your opinion of someone. Those which show dislike or contempt are often used with 'you' in front of them.

• No, you fool, the other way.
• Shut your big mouth, you stupid idiot.

Vocatives showing affection are usually used by themselves, but 'my' can be used in more old-fashioned or humorous contexts.

• Goodbye, darling.
• We've got to go, my dear.

Nouns that refer to family or social relationships can be used as vocatives.

• Someone's got to do it, mum.
• Sorry, Grandma.
• She'll be all right, mate.
• Trust me, kid.

Vocatives are occasionally used in the plural.

• Sit down, kids.
• Come on, you know what I mean, you idiots.

Note that 'ladies', 'gentlemen', and 'children' are only used in the plural.