I think its just a male thing to expression affection by calling names. My housemate used to refer to his beloved late brother as The A**hole - and they adored one another.
I can't resist this, tho. Imagine a happy ending, and Jack and Ennis are celebrating Jack's birthday in 2006. Ennis gives him a monogrammed wallet. Inside are stamped the initials JFT. An exchange:
Jack: "F" aint my middle initial, Ennis!
Ennis: Sure it is - Jack F***** Twist!
Jack: Ennis, you idiot, F***** isn't my middle name!
Ennis (grinning): Well, I can't fix it, and that wallet cost $50, so you'll just hafta stand it.
Haha I love that joke... Let me continue...
Jack decides to return the favor by getting Ennis a wallet.
But this time, it has the initals EYSOB embossed.
Ennis asked, "What the phuck did you put on that?"
Jack said, "Ennis, You Son of a whOreson Bitch. Tit for tat!"

Ennis replied, "Jack Phucking Twist, you want to be in the phucking rodeo again?"

My partner has a nickname for me too. BPMF
Button-pushin Mother....

Shhh!