Was there ever a time that referring to women as sweet confectionary was actually effective, "sugar", "baby cakes", "pumpkin pie", "sweet thing", "Honey buns", the list seems endless. I think most people would see these terms as offensive these days. Was that always the case? Why is it offensive now?

@freemo
Offense is not something that can be given unless the intended recipient accepts it.
One can not "be offended." Rather, one chooses to accept offense or not.