Here is an exchange I saw in a WeChat group today:
李xx: 请大家为28号投票!
A: 谢谢您,李老! 【抱拳】【抱拳】
B: 谢谢您,老李! 【偷笑】
A: “李老”是尊称,“老李”是称呼!
C: 【强】
I'm fairly familiar with the usage 老X as a term of address. And I gather that X老 is a much more respectful term. I guess my question is, when would I ever actually use X老? I seem to recall hearing a story a long time ago about a foreigner trying to use X老, but the old man being addressed was "too young" and the effect was awkward.
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