FYI "darling" can also be used with a spouse or romantic partner. Your husband or girlfriend can be your "darling" just like "honey" or "baby". It has a similar meaning in this case, where "darling of the group" means everyone really likes them, even if not sexual/romantic.

And this use, "darling of the ____", is a slightly older, but relatively common, saying.

[–] Quicky 5 points 6 hours ago (1 children)

It means the dev can be a bit of a dick, and it’s not always a great look. “Darling” in this instance means “face of” or “icon”.

[–] [email protected] -4 points 6 hours ago (1 children)

Who isn't from time to time? We're in a era of sensitivity either way

[–] Quicky 8 points 6 hours ago* (last edited 6 hours ago)

I suppose, but he did start name-calling just because another developer had the audacity to start building their own fediverse photo sharing platform (Vernissage). Then apologised and removed the toot.

Bearing in mind the other developer also actually built a functioning and rather excellent third party Pixelfed app (Impressia) that he wrote because he got frustrated with the lack of development on the official Pixelfed app, which was available on app stores years earlier, it seemed beyond unnecessary.

Weirdo