But is it okay to call your pet "Woman"?

Ananova brings us this news of the goings-on of the language police:

Geordie council workers have been ordered not to call women "pet".

Officials say the greeting and other North East terms are disrespectful and could cause offence.

Among words banned are "hinny" - an affectionate term for a woman - "love", "darling" and "sweetheart".

Instead, females must be addressed by their full name.

Even if her name is "Anastasia Beaverhausen"? And what about Courtney Love and Jennifer Love Hewitt? And wouldn't "Pet" be much more efficient than reciting "Penelope Anne-Marie von Trachtenberg-Rasmussen-Schonenfeld The Second" every time you need to address her?

Better yet, don't talk to the hinnies at all.