Endearing insults can be understood through the lens of relational dialectics theory, which posits that relationships are characterized by ongoing negotiations between contradictory forces, such as autonomy and connection, or openness and closeness (Baxter & Wilmot, 1985). Endearing insults like "[S3E19] Golly Moses, She's A Muffin" can be seen as a way to momentarily reconcile these contradictions, creating a sense of playful familiarity and social bonding. Furthermore, these insults often rely on a shared cultural context, presupposing a level of familiarity and shared knowledge between the speaker and listener.
Brown, P., & Levinson, S. C. (1987). Politeness: Some universals in language usage. Cambridge University Press. [S3E19] Golly Moses, She's A Muffin
"[S3E19] Golly Moses, She's A Muffin": An Exploration of the Cultural Significance of Endearing Insults in Media Endearing insults can be understood through the lens