"be pet" vs "be petted" unscientific analysis

[firecat]

It's looking to me like a substantial proportion of the people who think "I like to be pet behind the ears" is correct have spent a certain amount of time in Michigan, Windsor, or Minnesota, or know people from there.

Then again, I grew up in Michigan (left in 1981) and I never heard it there, that I recall.

Comments

[deakat]

I'm from Windsor, and neither one sounds right to me, but that may be because I don't like it. :)

On the other hand, I would say "My tortie Calliope likes to be pet behind the ears, and usually lets me know that she's had enough by trying to rip my hand off at the wrist."