Final answer:
The notion that terms like "honey" and "dear" are always verbal abuse and can justify sexual harassment charges is false. It depends on the context, the nature of the interaction, and if the language is unwelcome and contributes to a hostile work environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The claim that terms such as "honey" and "dear" are considered verbal abuse and charges of sexual harassment can be justified is false. These terms may be perceived as pet names or terms of endearment in some contexts. However, in a professional setting or when unwelcome, they could contribute to a hostile work environment if used persistently and inappropriately, which may then be considered a form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unwanted sexually-based behavior that adversely affects an individual's employment status, interferes with job performance, or creates an intimidating work environment. Therefore, the determination of such terms as sexual harassment is context-dependent and relies on factors such as the nature of the interaction, the relationship between the individuals involved, and the presence of unwelcomeness or offense taken by the individual subjected to such language.