Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King want you to know they aren’t your aunties.
The famous besties revealed to Oprah Magazine they weren’t fond of people using those titles in front of their names.
"I cringe being called Auntie or Mama by anybody other than my nieces or godchildren," Winfrey said. "Except if I’m in Africa, where it’s the custom for everybody to refer to anyone older as 'Sister,' or 'Auntie,' depending on the age difference. And there, no one refers to anyone older by their first name, out of respect."
As the article pointed out, Black Americans often use the title for the same reason.
King agrees and wants fans to wait a few decades before they call her auntie.
"I hate being called Auntie. That’s what you say to old people or the old lady who lives in the neighborhood!" she said. "I get that it’s a sign of respect, but no one's calling Beyoncé 'Auntie Beyoncé!' The only ones who should be calling me 'Aunt' are my niece and nephew — and they don't add the ie."
My auntie Yonce and Unc tryna fix me up. Pickin on me ???????? pic.twitter.com/1BLPijIrYT
— Chance The Rapper Album in July (@chancetherapper) June 8, 2016
The debate started when Ava DuVernay told Van Lathan she hates when fans use the honorific toward her, as Blavity previously reported.
"Auntie Ava? Why? Am I that old?!" the 46-year-old said.
"Because I don’t feel that old! And it’s not a respect thing…Auntie Ava, like…Aunt Jemima?"
For the record, I happily respond to:
“Hello, Ms. DuVernay”
“Hello, Sis.”
“Hello, Queen.”
“Hello, Family.”
“Hello, Ava” (safest bet)Ms. Ava is fine if you’re under 18.
Thanks for showing me respect regardless, Van. Had fun talking to you. Wishing you all good things. ????????
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) June 4, 2019
Winfrey and King have suggestions for fans who don’t know what to use.
"Gayle works!" King said.
"Oprah has worked pretty well for me,” Winfrey said. “Though sometimes strangers refer to me as Lady O, which feels friendly, yet respectful of the age difference. It feels appropriate."
