I suppose in other languages they have it easier way of referring to someone without offending them
English -> Brother, Friend, Pal, Stranger, Hey You, Hey Idiot, Sir, Mame, Four Eyes, etc
The usage if you listen you can predict how it means
If the guy speak is a church goer and the other guy also goes to church -> Brother
But then you have to listen for any inflection - it could denote endearment or disrespect
Some use the direct approach to insult some one and some don't but use an inflection to mean don't come here again.
Then of course you have to look at mood
I say its a gamble to make a friend or a good friend or a bad friend or meet a criminal or killer or drug pusher