• Count Regal Inkwell@pawb.social
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    3 days ago

    Way I see it, “Comrade” is a term of endearment, like “mate” or “dude” or whatever.

    Whereas “Citizen” is a honorific. An ungendered stand-in for “sir/madam”.

    • PolandIsAStateOfMind@lemmy.ml
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      3 days ago

      In socialist Poland both were used, but “comrade” (Towarzysz/Towarzyszka) was the honorific for member of the party while “citizen” (Obywatel/Obywatelka) was used for everyone else in official situations. Most people still used the “Pan/Pani” (Mr/Mrs) though, which was a bit reactionary because in Polish language this word does not even come from the bourgeoise honorific “Master” but from the aristocratic “Lord”.