I don't know any...
so I don't have a clue. The judge seemed to agree with you and either way is is extremely distasteful for my sensibilities
But, you might ask how far removed from the old country are your aquaintances. The Armenians in question were new immigrants. I am sure 3rd or 4th generation Armenian-Americans would not retain that quirkiness.
The only way to know for sure would be to ask them and I can't see myself doing that.
