Yes. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t implying homosexuality, but talking about general partying and gallivanting around, promiscuity, etc. I don’t think “gay” came to mostly mean homosexual until later in the 20th century. I believe Everett is just telling him he doesn’t want to hear him bragging about his immoral lifestyle or gossiping about someone else’s. There were a lot of prudes back then. That’s my take, anyways…
I’ve heard it as late as the 2000s from boomers, so it’s not completely died out. Shit I’ve known people who aren’t Mike pence that called their spouse “mother” and “father”, though that’s usually only silent and greatest generation, so that’s largely gone.
I know a guy who addresses his wife as Woman. It started as a joke and stuck. She loves it. When he needs to get her attention in a public place he just shouts, “Woman!” and she cheerfully responds. It gets great reactions from people who don’t know.
![Everett cares about fire safety [Outbursts of Everett True, 1914]](https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/2d19854a-26a8-484e-b2aa-86b459e8b737.jpeg){kind=link}
Here you go… Library of Congress collection. I like the one’s where his wife teaches him…
Uhh, did this mean something different back then?
Yes. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t implying homosexuality, but talking about general partying and gallivanting around, promiscuity, etc. I don’t think “gay” came to mostly mean homosexual until later in the 20th century. I believe Everett is just telling him he doesn’t want to hear him bragging about his immoral lifestyle or gossiping about someone else’s. There were a lot of prudes back then. That’s my take, anyways…
Did men actually call their wives “wife” rather than their name?
I’ve heard it as late as the 2000s from boomers, so it’s not completely died out. Shit I’ve known people who aren’t Mike pence that called their spouse “mother” and “father”, though that’s usually only silent and greatest generation, so that’s largely gone.
I know a guy who addresses his wife as Woman. It started as a joke and stuck. She loves it. When he needs to get her attention in a public place he just shouts, “Woman!” and she cheerfully responds. It gets great reactions from people who don’t know.
As a joke I can see it, but unironically it’s pretty strange!