Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

Add post form topAdd Post
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

27YO Keeps Using Nonsense “Baby Talk,” Making Everyone Lose Their Minds, Sis Finally Snaps At Her

27YO Keeps Using Nonsense “Baby Talk,” Making Everyone Lose Their Minds, Sis Finally Snaps At Her

Interview With Expert
ADVERTISEMENT

Sometimes, being babied and pampered feels really nice as you know that there’s a whole person out there who cares for you. However, when a full-grown adult starts acting like a baby constantly, it can get on anyone’s nerves because, let’s admit, it’s really annoying.

If you agree with me, then you will definitely be able to relate to the original poster’s (OP) frustration when her 27-year-old sister permanently adopted “baby talk” in her communication. Irked by it, the poster finally snapped and told her to talk like a normal person!

More info: Reddit

RELATED:

    When adults start acting like babies, it might be cute for a while, but it can get frustrating quite quickly

    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    The poster’s 27-year-old sister, Alana, has always been infantile, but she has recently started using “baby talk” for most of her communication

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: AITAThrow_sisteract

    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    The poster and her other sister, Este, find this very annoying, so they pretend they don’t understand what she says—but their mom is on Alana’s side

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: AITAThrow_sisteract

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: KamranAydinov / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    On the poster’s birthday, when Alana simply refused to talk normally, she withheld the cake from her until Alana asked for it like an adult

    Image credits: AITAThrow_sisteract

    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    Their mom always backed Alana, so the poster wondered whether she was wrong for calling her out and withholding the cake

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: AITAThrow_sisteract

    Image credits: The Yuri Arcurs Collection / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    The poster and Este have addressed this with Alana before, but she has always pulled the “but you do it with your kids” card

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: AITAThrow_sisteract

    Image credits: shurkin_son / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    After advice from Redditors, the poster decided to talk to Alana kindly, like an adult—meanwhile, her mom also finally agreed that the baby talk was annoying

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: AITAThrow_sisteract

    Image credits: stefamerpik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    So, when faced with Alana’s “baby talk,” she pretended to be concerned, asking her whether she did it because she was no longer the youngest in the family

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: AITAThrow_sisteract

    Image credits: cottonbro studio / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    Alana was annoyed by this and said she had been doing it before the kids came into the picture, but this time, their mom sided with the poster

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: AITAThrow_sisteract

    Image credits: gpointstudio / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    The poster also asked her whether she was doing it because she had anxiety, which further angered Alana

    Image credits: AITAThrow_sisteract

    Finally, when the poster and their mom told her to stop, she begrudgingly agreed and the poster hoped that would be the end of it

    ADVERTISEMENT

    In today’s story, Reddit user AITAThrow_sisteract tells us how she is completely irritated by her 27-year-old younger sister, dubbed Alana, as she keeps using “baby talk” instead of talking like an adult. Apparently, a guy she dated liked it, which might be why she does it, but it’s getting on OP’s nerves as it’s so constant now.

    To gain deeper insight into her behavior, Bored Panda reached out to Muskan Sharma—who has previous experience working as a counselor—for an interview. She said that an adult might use baby talk for attention, to appear playful, or because it became a habit after being encouraged in the past. 

    She added that it could be a way to deal with stress or insecurity, giving them a sense of comfort. The poster also mentioned how Alana has always been infantile, and even their mother takes her side, so she might not feel like she’s doing anything wrong.

    However, the poster and their other sister, dubbed Este, find it really annoying and they have called her out on her behavior multiple times, but Alana finds it “cute” and refuses to stop. 

    ADVERTISEMENT

    As per Muskan, depending on personality, past experiences, and what they expect from adult communication, some people view baby talk as sweet and playful, while others find it annoying because it feels childish or out of place. It looks like OP and Este belong to the latter category, but their mom always backs Alana up.

    When the poster and Este pretend not to understand her “baby talk,” their mother actually translates it for them, which could be enabling Alana’s behavior. 

    Image credits: Liza Summer / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    Muskan explained, “When parents take sides, it often creates bitterness and tension. It can make one sibling feel unsupported and make conflicts worse. Staying neutral and helping siblings talk things through is usually the better approach.”

    Maybe Alana would hesitate if her mom stayed neutral in the situation—she actually listens later when the poster and their mother both tell her to stop. However, before that, when Este and OP told her to quit it, she used some lame excuse that they had used it with their kids, making many Redditors question her maturity, and wondering why she saw herself like the kids.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Our expert claimed that families play a big role in shaping adults. She narrated that if someone was always treated as the “baby” or had their behavior excused, they might hold on to immature habits. Seeing as how Alana is the youngest, this might be what happened in her case.

    However, the poster was sick of her behavior, so on her birthday, when Alana asked for the cake in her annoying manner, OP snapped and withheld the cake from her until she asked for it normally. However, after considering all of the suggestions on Reddit, the next time she met Alana and encountered her “baby talk,” she asked her whether she was doing it because she was no longer the youngest.

    She even went on to ask Alana whether anxiety was causing her to do it, but Alana was offended that OP would diagnose her with something. However, at the end of that conversation, she listened to OP and their mom (who was surprisingly on the poster’s side, finally) and said she would stop.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    When we asked Muskan whether using baby talk excessively was a sign of unmet emotional needs or a coping mechanism, she noted that it could be. “It might signal a need for attention or comfort, or it could be a way to handle stress. Family members should be kind but set clear boundaries, and if it’s a big issue, gently ask what’s behind the behavior,” Muskan concluded.

    Well, the poster did establish her boundaries when she asked Alana to quit her baby talk, and we hope it worked for her. If you were in her shoes, what would you have done? Feel free to jot down your thoughts in the comments!

    Folks online were also annoyed and cringed at Alana’s baby talk—some even said that she was doing it all for attention

    ADVERTISEMENT
    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    Thanks! Check out the results:

    Share on Facebook
    Rutuja Dumbre

    Rutuja Dumbre

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Hey, am Rutuja! A storyteller at heart and a writer at Bored Panda. I have a strange love for words, and I mostly survive on coffee which is the driving force behind my writing. I enjoy working on articles that purely entertain our readers. When am not writing or trekking, you can find me staying up late and watching all the matches of Football Club Barcelona!

    Read less »
    Rutuja Dumbre

    Rutuja Dumbre

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Hey, am Rutuja! A storyteller at heart and a writer at Bored Panda. I have a strange love for words, and I mostly survive on coffee which is the driving force behind my writing. I enjoy working on articles that purely entertain our readers. When am not writing or trekking, you can find me staying up late and watching all the matches of Football Club Barcelona!

    Denis Krotovas

    Denis Krotovas

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    I am a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. While studying at Vilnius Tech University, I learned how to use Photoshop and decided to continue mastering it at Bored Panda. I am interested in learning UI/UX design and creating unique designs for apps, games and websites. On my spare time, I enjoy playing video and board games, watching TV shows and movies and reading funny posts on the internet.

    Read less »

    Denis Krotovas

    Denis Krotovas

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I am a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. While studying at Vilnius Tech University, I learned how to use Photoshop and decided to continue mastering it at Bored Panda. I am interested in learning UI/UX design and creating unique designs for apps, games and websites. On my spare time, I enjoy playing video and board games, watching TV shows and movies and reading funny posts on the internet.

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    Gen X Feral
    Community Member
    4 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I talk baby talk to my cats all the time, but my god she is on a whole other planet. Joose in da frooj??? Sounds like some strange Scandahoovian dead language lol

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, yeah, I baby-talk my pets all the time XD not without a sense of near-sarcasm/irony, though. I'll pick up my oldest, a void kitty who is 8, and go "UR JUST A WIDDLE BABY" and then be like "an MIDDLE-AGED baby but still a widdle baby!" XD And I'll call my younger dog (whose proper name is Fenring) all kinds of ridiculous nicknames; I'll look at him and say "Fenringy-dingy-ding, why you so CRAZY?" - but with pets, we don't expect them to know what we're actually saying (like a human adult would) and we also don't expect them to learn how to speak (like a human baby.) I do also speak normally to my animals and carry on conversations with them in a normal tone, but I think baby-talking one's pets is totally acceptable XD

    Load More Replies...
    Lara Verne
    Community Member
    4 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That YTA comment is crazy. I am 34 and I also like cute things, but I don't get why adult person would want to baby talk like a toddler. I never used baby talk, not even to children.

    Vinnie
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband and I occasionally babytalk for sh!ts and giggles. It's also a form of intimacy, like having a secret language or in-jokes. The OP's sister would annoy the f@ck out of me - if her boyfriend likes it, great. I hope she doesn't baby-talk at work... unless she runs a fetish business, in which case she shouldn't be taking her work to her sisters' homes.

    Load More Replies...
    Stacy Bender
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I would have been mean and asked her why she's inflicting her boyfriend's fetish on family. Then I'd probably ask if he's in the pacifier and diaper set or goes to those conventions. (They exist. I suggest you don't Google.)

    FlamingRed
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, I was going to say, the ex-boyfriend had a weird kink, but it didn't involve him wearing the diapers.

    Load More Replies...
    Tabitha
    Community Member
    5 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One does have to wonder if this “child-woman”, who is PUSHING THIRTY—-and that’s years, not months—-ever slips up and accidentally talks like this at work. Having her boss and coworkers look at her like she’s lost her mind would certainly put the kibosh on it. Also, if it started with a boyfriend, I sure hope he’s an ex by now, because fir him to encourage her in this horseshit is downright pervy. I don’t see how anyone can think that’s sexy, as it has gross pedo and incest vibes. Sick man.

    Epona
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am also wondering if she talks like this at work. As for the boyfriend aspect: Fine...keep it within the two of them though

    Load More Replies...
    Mark Childers
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've known a couple people like this, and I can't be around them. They, of course, have the right to do what they want, but I won't be there for it. It's beyond annoying for anything but babies and pets. And I can't take the person seriously at all. I feel embarrassed for them.

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP handled that nonsense the best way. I would've ignored sis until she decided to speak properly. I would've used another person + said something like, "Tell Alana to speak to me properly or not at all," bypassing Alana altogether.

    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wasn't surprised when it was mentioned they are English, while it isn't all #nglish people, so many say things like hols, Chrimbo, champers, just to name a few festive ones. Gives me the boak. But really hard to take adults seriously when they talk like this.

    Tyke
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "10 sleeps until holibobs" drives me insane. I have to disagree with you though, hols, chrimbo, champers isn't baby talk it's shortening words. Like Cozzie Livs. Still fûcking annoying though.

    Load More Replies...
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm 42, and I admit I used to use a higher-pitched cutesy semi-nonsense talk as a defense mechanism with my ex. I apparently - somewhere along the line - thought it would make me look more harmless and nonthreatening to him. (I also used to grayrock a lot of the time when he would lecture or harangue me.) It always disgusted me when I'd hear myself talking in a cutesy-wootsie voice or making little cute animal noises (like saying "mew?") It was never used in a sexual/kink/etc. way, it was ALWAYS during times of stress or when he was hostile towards me and I was trying to defuse the situation in any way I could. But I can absolutely see how it would irritate and disgust others - I irritated and disgusted myself for doing it :(

    cerinamroth
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I came here to suggest this exact same thing! We are not privy to their early family dynamics. My sister used to do this too - it was part of her "fawning" response that helped her to survive our childhood years. Stopped like magic when our father died. *However* it still sounds incredibly annoying and I would likely flip my lid too, regardless of early family dynamics!

    Load More Replies...
    Helena
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's right up there with the chosen cartoonishly high voice or the whistling hissing 's' some women employ because they think its cute or cutsie when really it just makes you want to punch them or something. You are an adult. Stop trying to sound like a child. Baby talk the cats, sure. Baby talk actual babies, sure. Baby talk your significant other at home, weird, but sure whatever. But for the love of all things this is like eating with your mouth open. Stop it.

    tori Ohno
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd flat out tell her how stupid she sounds. As in, truly intellectually challenged type of stupid. Maybe we should take your fork away so you don't stab yourself stupid. You can only have a baby spoon from now on. What a moron. And any man who finds it attractive is probably the misogynistic type that infantilizes women.

    Bowtechie
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I LOVE the 1-2 punch of "oh are you jealous?" and "oh are you anxious?" She clearly hit the nail on the head but baby sis doesn't want to hear it (also, speaking on behalf of my fellow Millennials, we do not "all" do this).

    person (i think)
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was friends with 3 [adult] siblings and they should talk baby talk to each other and it drove me _crazy_. It made me want to slap them (although that may have my misophonia kicking in). Luckily it was mostly just between themselves

    Midoribird Aoi
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have used very mild baby talk in moments of being cuddly with baby family members, or being silly and making them laugh, but for the most part I speak normally and limit it to cute nicknames like Punky Pie when I greet them xD. The sister is nuts.

    Traveling Lady Railfan
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even though you were just suggesting this in order to get her goat, I think that there is some truth to the fact that she is bothered by the fact that she was always the baby of the family and now she no longer is because you have your own children / her mother has grandchildren. Keep pushing that her talking baby talk to other adults is a stress reaction and a mental health issue, and that you are concerned for her, throw a couple of psychological terms in there, and she'll probably stop. Great that Mom agrees with you though considering that she always defends youngest one. Keep it up. I couldn't stand this.

    n75mk9nk2n
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Yes, you can absolutely do what you want. And so can I. So I'm going to ignore you until you can communicate like an adult with me. Your move."

    Trista JW
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would never allow someone to speak in such a stupid manner in my house, unless it was clearly just as a way to joke and tease around. I have younger siblings and even as adults, they can and will use obnoxiously high-pitched voices and "baby-talk," when they're playing. Sounding like you're using a very bad attempt at a Bronx accent because you think you sound "cute" is inexcusable.

    Abby Gould
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a millennial I can safely say we absolutely DO NOT talk like that. And I don't know anyone who talks like that. So no, it's not a millennial thing.

    LandAhoy
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fine, go on, you all go to your boring office jobs then, go to the same place on holiday every year, do the same things and say the same boring words and do nothing ever fun or different. I hope you all manage not to die from boredom.

    LandAhoy
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m a sad, sad face with all the booooring 83% yawny pandie wandies here. Doesn’t anyone else just get So Bored with using the Same Boring Words in the Same Old Way over and over and over?! Life can be as monotonous as a hippopotamus. Douze Points i la Alana!

    Anna Drever
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a relative, many years ago, would talk baby talk with their partner. I would cringe so hard inside although I never said anything. They’re grandparents now, like myself, and I hope sincerely they got over that cr@p. Haven’t seen them in decades so no idea., but man I hope so. 😬

    painttheyellowsubgreen
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is unhinged behavior. As someone who has carried through some "child like" traits into adulthood, baby talk is my kryptonite. I despise it with a deep and consuming hatred. So I am completely biased and sympathize so, so much. I deal with it by setting boundaries. Don't speak that way to me, my kid, my animals anywhere, period. Not in my house at all, but unfortunately for me I don't get to decide how you talk to your children or pets in public or in your home, but I might gag. (sorry it's visceral, I literally can't help it) However if you do baby talk, I will loudly decry that giving humanity free will was the worst mistake I ever made. Because it's my multi-verse and you just get to live here. And no matter how old I get, lime Kool aid will always be green water from the planet kitchen.

    Melissa Harris
    Community Member
    3 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are only three reasons an adult behaves this way. She enjoys annoying and frustrating others, which would make he a sociopath. She's experiencing some mental health issues (like the OP theorized) and that's causing her to age regress. If that's the case then she needs councilling. If it's simply attention seeking behavior she should also be in therapy since it's inappropriate for an adult to constantly babble in baby talk for attention. Or, it's some sort of age play kink that she's forcing her family to indulge her in without their consent. Last option is least likely but the OP should have brought it up to make it weird (it already is weird) and force her sister to momentarily be as uncomfortable as she's been making everyone else.

    Hodge Elmwood
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, and that one person going on and on about all the "cute" things they like - that's a completely different situation. You can collect anything you want, wear anything you want, but when you refuse to communicate clearly when you are fully capable of it, you're being annoying for no other reason than because "it's cute" when it actually isn't.

    Hodge Elmwood
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The YTA crowd is at it again. "It's not your business." Uh, yes, it is, when it happens in my presence! I don't have to answer someone who refuses to speak in understandable words. As for the cake, it was OP's property and her home, she could set the conditions by which anyone got to eat her food. Alana was doing this BECAUSE she knows it irritates OP, which is childish as heck.

    Divado
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She just needs a good smacky wacky round the heady weddy.

    _-DungeonKeeper-_
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a brother who talk like a baby so often but not like this and he's not doing it as much but my grandmother things it's cute. My brother is 10.

    CBolt
    Community Member
    3 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What an incredibly silly & infantile person the baby-talking sister is. OP wanted to know if she was the AH for withholding the cookie - Hell, no. The sister acts like a child so she should be treated like a child. "If you don't stop that, you won't get any of the cookie!" & Was she too harsh with her? Another Hell, no. I would have done any or all of the following (& long before the situation had gone as far as this did): Told her to knock it off - she was being silly & childish & it wasn't "cute" - it made her look ridiculous - & specifically not to speak to my child like that, ever; ignored her when she was doing her baby thing; told her she was not to speak like that in my house & if she didn't stop immediately she was no longer welcome & would no longer be included in events held there (& if that caused some others not to attend, at least the ones there could have adult conversation); I would not be with her in public, such as at a restaurant, if she began to talk in that unintelligible language (Really? Can you imagine the reaction of the server if she ordered her meal in that silly fashion? They'd probably think she was impaired in some way, maybe had had a traumatic brain injury, or was drunk.); have a few words with Mom abt being an enabler (yes, she's your youngest child but she's an adult & needs to act like one); & if th8s nonsense didn't stop, LC or NC (only the 2nd time I've ever advised that but this is absurd, unbearable, & unconscionable). I hope it all worked out (I wish OP's other sister had participated with her to present a united front) but it seems odd that Mom made such a turn-around & so quickly - she may not have been fully on-board. & I have no Earthly idea why this has infuriated me the way it has -maybe I've reached a point where I no longer put up with things (or people) that cause unpleasantness or "strife" in my life when we all already have enough that nothing can be done abt, but some things like this can be resolved.

    Paul Rabit
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That was a very long story for something so ridiculous. They all sound exhausting.

    brandyy17
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ill say things like confuzzled/confuzed or cowinky-d**k. however i only do this infront of my husband and only wen im being cute. basically talk like an adult with an occassional silly way of saying it word. like ill say "what you just said made me completely confuzzled" id never do flat out baby talk. its not even cute. only ppl allowed to do baby talk r babies. i dont even use baby talk with my dog. all i do is go a slightly higher pitch and talk all excited. never do baby talk tho

    Gen X Feral
    Community Member
    4 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I talk baby talk to my cats all the time, but my god she is on a whole other planet. Joose in da frooj??? Sounds like some strange Scandahoovian dead language lol

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, yeah, I baby-talk my pets all the time XD not without a sense of near-sarcasm/irony, though. I'll pick up my oldest, a void kitty who is 8, and go "UR JUST A WIDDLE BABY" and then be like "an MIDDLE-AGED baby but still a widdle baby!" XD And I'll call my younger dog (whose proper name is Fenring) all kinds of ridiculous nicknames; I'll look at him and say "Fenringy-dingy-ding, why you so CRAZY?" - but with pets, we don't expect them to know what we're actually saying (like a human adult would) and we also don't expect them to learn how to speak (like a human baby.) I do also speak normally to my animals and carry on conversations with them in a normal tone, but I think baby-talking one's pets is totally acceptable XD

    Load More Replies...
    Lara Verne
    Community Member
    4 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That YTA comment is crazy. I am 34 and I also like cute things, but I don't get why adult person would want to baby talk like a toddler. I never used baby talk, not even to children.

    Vinnie
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband and I occasionally babytalk for sh!ts and giggles. It's also a form of intimacy, like having a secret language or in-jokes. The OP's sister would annoy the f@ck out of me - if her boyfriend likes it, great. I hope she doesn't baby-talk at work... unless she runs a fetish business, in which case she shouldn't be taking her work to her sisters' homes.

    Load More Replies...
    Stacy Bender
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I would have been mean and asked her why she's inflicting her boyfriend's fetish on family. Then I'd probably ask if he's in the pacifier and diaper set or goes to those conventions. (They exist. I suggest you don't Google.)

    FlamingRed
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, I was going to say, the ex-boyfriend had a weird kink, but it didn't involve him wearing the diapers.

    Load More Replies...
    Tabitha
    Community Member
    5 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One does have to wonder if this “child-woman”, who is PUSHING THIRTY—-and that’s years, not months—-ever slips up and accidentally talks like this at work. Having her boss and coworkers look at her like she’s lost her mind would certainly put the kibosh on it. Also, if it started with a boyfriend, I sure hope he’s an ex by now, because fir him to encourage her in this horseshit is downright pervy. I don’t see how anyone can think that’s sexy, as it has gross pedo and incest vibes. Sick man.

    Epona
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am also wondering if she talks like this at work. As for the boyfriend aspect: Fine...keep it within the two of them though

    Load More Replies...
    Mark Childers
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've known a couple people like this, and I can't be around them. They, of course, have the right to do what they want, but I won't be there for it. It's beyond annoying for anything but babies and pets. And I can't take the person seriously at all. I feel embarrassed for them.

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP handled that nonsense the best way. I would've ignored sis until she decided to speak properly. I would've used another person + said something like, "Tell Alana to speak to me properly or not at all," bypassing Alana altogether.

    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wasn't surprised when it was mentioned they are English, while it isn't all #nglish people, so many say things like hols, Chrimbo, champers, just to name a few festive ones. Gives me the boak. But really hard to take adults seriously when they talk like this.

    Tyke
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "10 sleeps until holibobs" drives me insane. I have to disagree with you though, hols, chrimbo, champers isn't baby talk it's shortening words. Like Cozzie Livs. Still fûcking annoying though.

    Load More Replies...
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm 42, and I admit I used to use a higher-pitched cutesy semi-nonsense talk as a defense mechanism with my ex. I apparently - somewhere along the line - thought it would make me look more harmless and nonthreatening to him. (I also used to grayrock a lot of the time when he would lecture or harangue me.) It always disgusted me when I'd hear myself talking in a cutesy-wootsie voice or making little cute animal noises (like saying "mew?") It was never used in a sexual/kink/etc. way, it was ALWAYS during times of stress or when he was hostile towards me and I was trying to defuse the situation in any way I could. But I can absolutely see how it would irritate and disgust others - I irritated and disgusted myself for doing it :(

    cerinamroth
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I came here to suggest this exact same thing! We are not privy to their early family dynamics. My sister used to do this too - it was part of her "fawning" response that helped her to survive our childhood years. Stopped like magic when our father died. *However* it still sounds incredibly annoying and I would likely flip my lid too, regardless of early family dynamics!

    Load More Replies...
    Helena
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's right up there with the chosen cartoonishly high voice or the whistling hissing 's' some women employ because they think its cute or cutsie when really it just makes you want to punch them or something. You are an adult. Stop trying to sound like a child. Baby talk the cats, sure. Baby talk actual babies, sure. Baby talk your significant other at home, weird, but sure whatever. But for the love of all things this is like eating with your mouth open. Stop it.

    tori Ohno
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd flat out tell her how stupid she sounds. As in, truly intellectually challenged type of stupid. Maybe we should take your fork away so you don't stab yourself stupid. You can only have a baby spoon from now on. What a moron. And any man who finds it attractive is probably the misogynistic type that infantilizes women.

    Bowtechie
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I LOVE the 1-2 punch of "oh are you jealous?" and "oh are you anxious?" She clearly hit the nail on the head but baby sis doesn't want to hear it (also, speaking on behalf of my fellow Millennials, we do not "all" do this).

    person (i think)
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was friends with 3 [adult] siblings and they should talk baby talk to each other and it drove me _crazy_. It made me want to slap them (although that may have my misophonia kicking in). Luckily it was mostly just between themselves

    Midoribird Aoi
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have used very mild baby talk in moments of being cuddly with baby family members, or being silly and making them laugh, but for the most part I speak normally and limit it to cute nicknames like Punky Pie when I greet them xD. The sister is nuts.

    Traveling Lady Railfan
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even though you were just suggesting this in order to get her goat, I think that there is some truth to the fact that she is bothered by the fact that she was always the baby of the family and now she no longer is because you have your own children / her mother has grandchildren. Keep pushing that her talking baby talk to other adults is a stress reaction and a mental health issue, and that you are concerned for her, throw a couple of psychological terms in there, and she'll probably stop. Great that Mom agrees with you though considering that she always defends youngest one. Keep it up. I couldn't stand this.

    n75mk9nk2n
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Yes, you can absolutely do what you want. And so can I. So I'm going to ignore you until you can communicate like an adult with me. Your move."

    Trista JW
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would never allow someone to speak in such a stupid manner in my house, unless it was clearly just as a way to joke and tease around. I have younger siblings and even as adults, they can and will use obnoxiously high-pitched voices and "baby-talk," when they're playing. Sounding like you're using a very bad attempt at a Bronx accent because you think you sound "cute" is inexcusable.

    Abby Gould
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a millennial I can safely say we absolutely DO NOT talk like that. And I don't know anyone who talks like that. So no, it's not a millennial thing.

    LandAhoy
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fine, go on, you all go to your boring office jobs then, go to the same place on holiday every year, do the same things and say the same boring words and do nothing ever fun or different. I hope you all manage not to die from boredom.

    LandAhoy
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m a sad, sad face with all the booooring 83% yawny pandie wandies here. Doesn’t anyone else just get So Bored with using the Same Boring Words in the Same Old Way over and over and over?! Life can be as monotonous as a hippopotamus. Douze Points i la Alana!

    Anna Drever
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a relative, many years ago, would talk baby talk with their partner. I would cringe so hard inside although I never said anything. They’re grandparents now, like myself, and I hope sincerely they got over that cr@p. Haven’t seen them in decades so no idea., but man I hope so. 😬

    painttheyellowsubgreen
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is unhinged behavior. As someone who has carried through some "child like" traits into adulthood, baby talk is my kryptonite. I despise it with a deep and consuming hatred. So I am completely biased and sympathize so, so much. I deal with it by setting boundaries. Don't speak that way to me, my kid, my animals anywhere, period. Not in my house at all, but unfortunately for me I don't get to decide how you talk to your children or pets in public or in your home, but I might gag. (sorry it's visceral, I literally can't help it) However if you do baby talk, I will loudly decry that giving humanity free will was the worst mistake I ever made. Because it's my multi-verse and you just get to live here. And no matter how old I get, lime Kool aid will always be green water from the planet kitchen.

    Melissa Harris
    Community Member
    3 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are only three reasons an adult behaves this way. She enjoys annoying and frustrating others, which would make he a sociopath. She's experiencing some mental health issues (like the OP theorized) and that's causing her to age regress. If that's the case then she needs councilling. If it's simply attention seeking behavior she should also be in therapy since it's inappropriate for an adult to constantly babble in baby talk for attention. Or, it's some sort of age play kink that she's forcing her family to indulge her in without their consent. Last option is least likely but the OP should have brought it up to make it weird (it already is weird) and force her sister to momentarily be as uncomfortable as she's been making everyone else.

    Hodge Elmwood
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, and that one person going on and on about all the "cute" things they like - that's a completely different situation. You can collect anything you want, wear anything you want, but when you refuse to communicate clearly when you are fully capable of it, you're being annoying for no other reason than because "it's cute" when it actually isn't.

    Hodge Elmwood
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The YTA crowd is at it again. "It's not your business." Uh, yes, it is, when it happens in my presence! I don't have to answer someone who refuses to speak in understandable words. As for the cake, it was OP's property and her home, she could set the conditions by which anyone got to eat her food. Alana was doing this BECAUSE she knows it irritates OP, which is childish as heck.

    Divado
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She just needs a good smacky wacky round the heady weddy.

    _-DungeonKeeper-_
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a brother who talk like a baby so often but not like this and he's not doing it as much but my grandmother things it's cute. My brother is 10.

    CBolt
    Community Member
    3 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What an incredibly silly & infantile person the baby-talking sister is. OP wanted to know if she was the AH for withholding the cookie - Hell, no. The sister acts like a child so she should be treated like a child. "If you don't stop that, you won't get any of the cookie!" & Was she too harsh with her? Another Hell, no. I would have done any or all of the following (& long before the situation had gone as far as this did): Told her to knock it off - she was being silly & childish & it wasn't "cute" - it made her look ridiculous - & specifically not to speak to my child like that, ever; ignored her when she was doing her baby thing; told her she was not to speak like that in my house & if she didn't stop immediately she was no longer welcome & would no longer be included in events held there (& if that caused some others not to attend, at least the ones there could have adult conversation); I would not be with her in public, such as at a restaurant, if she began to talk in that unintelligible language (Really? Can you imagine the reaction of the server if she ordered her meal in that silly fashion? They'd probably think she was impaired in some way, maybe had had a traumatic brain injury, or was drunk.); have a few words with Mom abt being an enabler (yes, she's your youngest child but she's an adult & needs to act like one); & if th8s nonsense didn't stop, LC or NC (only the 2nd time I've ever advised that but this is absurd, unbearable, & unconscionable). I hope it all worked out (I wish OP's other sister had participated with her to present a united front) but it seems odd that Mom made such a turn-around & so quickly - she may not have been fully on-board. & I have no Earthly idea why this has infuriated me the way it has -maybe I've reached a point where I no longer put up with things (or people) that cause unpleasantness or "strife" in my life when we all already have enough that nothing can be done abt, but some things like this can be resolved.

    Paul Rabit
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That was a very long story for something so ridiculous. They all sound exhausting.

    brandyy17
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ill say things like confuzzled/confuzed or cowinky-d**k. however i only do this infront of my husband and only wen im being cute. basically talk like an adult with an occassional silly way of saying it word. like ill say "what you just said made me completely confuzzled" id never do flat out baby talk. its not even cute. only ppl allowed to do baby talk r babies. i dont even use baby talk with my dog. all i do is go a slightly higher pitch and talk all excited. never do baby talk tho

    You May Like
    Related on Bored Panda
    Related on Bored Panda
    Trending on Bored Panda
    Also on Bored Panda