Those of us of a certain age will remember how people often referred to one another as “man.” It was a silly term for just about anyone in your life or in authority. The police were “the man.” We threw the word “man” around in every conversation.

I.E. : “Man, you’re looking good in that leisure suit.” If we liked someone, he was “my man.” You get the picture. It was just a catch word of the times.

Obviously today that slang word has been replaced with the word “bro.” A look at online police videos will show that law enforcement officers are called “bro” dozens of times when a criminal is pleading his or her case despite being caught red-handed at the crime of the day.

Anywhere you go, the word is tossed around like confetti. I was recently informed that it’s not uncommon for middle school kids to call one other, and even their teachers, “bro.” The funny thing is that on occasion a teacher will respond with the same terminology, calling students “bros.”

I don’t know how it came about but I am informed that “bro” is simply a shortened form of “brother.” Despite that information, I have to wonder. For as long as I can remember, if you called someone your brother, it was a term of respect or endearment. Shortening the word seems to have lessened the meaning.

Firefighters routinely call one another “brothers.” They form brotherhoods in more than just names. The same goes for police officers who are known as “brothers in blue.” They take their jobs seriously, and as brothers, they have one another’s back.

Military troops will refer to their “brothers in arms” as they serve closely and take care of one another whether in war or peace time. It is definitely a form of genuine and deep respect.

Maybe I’m just an old fogey making a mountain out of a molehill. I have seven blood brothers. I have called them a lot of names (haha) but never would I disrespect the fact they are my brothers. I don’t have to call them “bro” for them to know that I love them. Keep it real.

Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.