I am 49 and my partner is 46, and she calls me “ลุง” in public and private (uncle).

Is this cheeky, normal and appropriate, or something else ?

 

 

You think too much!

It is a way of referring to an older person . It is not disrepectfull, rather usually used as a mark of respect.

4 hours ago, fixedfire said:

I am 49 and my partner is 46, and she calls me “ลุง” in public and private (uncle).

Is this cheeky, normal and appropriate, or something else ?

 

 

Unless you were a generation older than her it's inappropriate.

Pee would be the correct address for someone 3 years older, and you would call her nong in returns as she's 3 years younger.

3 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Unless you were a generation older than her it's inappropriate.

Pee would be the correct address for someone 3 years older, and you would call her nong in returns as she's 3 years younger.

Correct. 

Actually,  even if you were a generation older, a Thai girlfriend would call you Pee.  Lung sounds like an old man,  and who will call her boyfriend old?

A stranger who is a generation younger than you,  especially kids, might call you Lung. But even taxi drivers who are clearly a generation younger than the customer will use Pee. It just sounds nicer. 

Sounds like it's just an affectionate way of calling you. You know (I hope) something of how she feels about you. You know her. None of the people telling you what is 'correct' or 'inappropriate' know anything about her. Does she have a cheeky sense of humour? Does she have younger family and relatives around? Is it something her friends have started? If it actually worries you, ask her. She'll probably tell you the reason and if she knows you don't like it, she'll probably stop. 

It's a perfectly fine way for her to address someone at your age and does not imply any disrespect whatsoever.

It means uncle and is a mark of respect. Think yourself lucky. My missus calls me ouen (fatso)

Just call her 'niece' so it doesn't seem any way strange. 

It's weird. Who calls their partner uncle?

 

It's usually what random village guys get called.

 

It isn't disrespectful, but for your own partner it's a bit odd. It's like you're her male neighbor - that's what he'd be called.

 

5 hours ago, Lorry said:

Correct. 

Actually,  even if you were a generation older, a Thai girlfriend would call you Pee.  Lung sounds like an old man,  and who will call her boyfriend old?

A stranger who is a generation younger than you,  especially kids, might call you Lung. But even taxi drivers who are clearly a generation younger than the customer will use Pee. It just sounds nicer. 

Yeah, I am not sure what age you need to be  called uncle, but I think you're right.

 

I lived in a village in my 30s and I wasn't old enough to be called uncle.

Probably you prefer her to call you tee rak...

What type of partner is your patner?

 

A business partner?

 

A partner in crime?

 

A person with whom you shack up, ie a cohabiting sex partner?