My dad was a man of few words. He didn't waste his time making up terms of endearment. Instead, he showed his affection and love for my mom with actions.
Those aren't my words, they're his. He said he didn't like terms of endearment. He never told us why he felt that way (again, he was a man of few words)
My dad, also, was a man of few words. Then again, when you put my mom, my sister, and me in the same room, it is no wonder! He called her "dear" a lot and not in a "Yes Dear," tone or way. In an affectionate way. :) :)