Is it OK to greet a man of 70 by saying "Hi, old man", After all, that's pretty old.?

Question

Just call him as he is. What's wrong with that?

Answer 1

WELL YOU CAN NOT SAY THAT...IT IS VERY DISRESPECTFUL ..HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT IF THE OLD MAN REPLIED BACK.."HI LITTLE BOY"

Answer 2

For myself personally it is not okay . I havent reached the 70"s yet but I consider it very impolite and rude to address anyone in that manner. Even though I may be older than many of you youngins on here, I live as if I am only 21 and have probably more laughs and fun than the younger generation.
I resent being called old man.. very much. wait until you get that age and see if you l ike it. dont thihnk you will
out of respect to others it is not good to use this type of greeting.

Answer 3

If you are in his age group (an old person) or close to it, and if your tone of voice, facial expressions, and other manerisms can't be misinterpreted to indicate that your words are insulting rather than friendly, then it might be acceptable in the minds of some people, but not all--and that makes it a very dangerous greeting practice for anyone to engage in.

Many people soon realize that such a greeting leaves much room for misinterpretation. The term Old Timer (rather than Old Man) is usually a safer term to use. That's because the word 'timer' refers more to the amount of time he's been around (the longer the time, the more positive the meaning). The word 'man' on; the other hand, can refer to his physical state as a man (the older, possibly the more negative the meaning).

Most important, I think, is whether the person finds whatever term you use to be one that is acceptable to him. Very important too, is how you are viewed by others when they hear you greet the person that way (whether the person being greeted finds it acceptable or not). There's always the chance that others will think (or suspect) that you are being disrespectful (even though that may not be your intention) and not think well of you because of your choice of greetings.

Because you are asking this question on this forum, I suspect that sosme people expressed objection to your having greeted an older man with the "Hi Old Man" greeting, and you found yourself objecting to their objections. If so, then I rest my case. That type of greeting can be very easily misinterpreted and generally considered inappropriate by many people. It's especially dangerous if you are much younger than the person you are greeting. It's inviting all who hear you to pass judgement on you based purely on their opinion of what is appropriate when greeting an older person. Such judgements on you are not entirely fair, but that's the price you sometimes have to pay when you choose to walk in such a dangerous territory.

If you are looking for an ideal greeting to use with men (young or old), I recommend my favorite which is 'Sir.' I'm 66 now, and I use it all the time, no matter the age of the person I'm greeting. I've noticed that young people appreciate it because it sends the message that I consider them my equal. Old people appreciate it because it sends the message that I respect the fact that they are older than me and probably more knowledgeable than I am. People of other races appreciate it because it erases any possibly existing suspicions they may have that I might harbor ill will toward people of other races. Observers appreciate it because they view me as a polite, respectful, and friendly person.

Also, Sir is not an exclusively formal term. It can be used in very casual environments. When someone introduces himself by saying "Hi, my name is John," and you respond, "It's a pleasure to meet you Sir, my name is John too," you are not being stuffy. It's perfectly acceptable, and you send a clear message that you are a quality person showing respect for your fellow human being. Sir is acceptable anytime. Even during sex. A woman whispering "Thank you Sir" in her lover's ear during sex sends many positive signals concerning his performance and doesn't kill the passion of it in any way.

I suspect that some younger people (not all) fall into the trap of wanting to use terms such as "Old Man" because they think that doing so helps elevate them to the level of adulthood in the eyes of others. That is, usisng such terms identifies them as not being youngsters anymore. In my humble opinion, that's a dangerous road to travel. Better to use the term 'Sir.' It earns people all the acceptance (and respect) they could want.

Answer 4

Okay, let me ask you this. Do you think it is okay to say "Hello girl" or "Hello boy" or "Hello teenager" or "Hello middle-aged person" or "Hello inmature person".

Your question is astounding. Think respect here! If you don't know what respect means look it up in the dictionary, or better yet have a serious talk with an older person that knows the meaning of respect. Something our younger generation is definitely lacking these days. Sad.

No, it is not okay to say "Hi Old Man".

Answer 5

No. Simply because age is more a state of mind. If one is constantly told they are old, they will end up acting it. What if that 70 year old man is more energetic than you and rides bikes, rock climbs (don't laugh--I've known a few!), and is healthier than hell because of it? Then you and others come along and convince him that he's "old"? That would be horrible!

Answer 6

No way that's rude.People are all sensitive about there age.You just can't go up to some one old and say hey oldies!.How mean and disrespectful.No matter how old a person is just greet them normally.

Answer 7

Gee's...luckily some older gentlemen, are open minded enough to take such criticism, but myself...I learnt at a young age all about respect, and it's a wonderful quality to have. The lack of...is well I know the difference and that is what's important. Thanks for asking.

Answer 8

You may not have been taught the concept of respect, but that's what you should be showing your elder.

Your mom and dad fell down on the job, man. That sucks.

Answer 9

Yes, he is old but that is rude and insensitive. What if an elderly man said to you, "Hi, young ugly boy." That would not be very nice.

Answer 10

It's like you're calling a homeless "hi! homeless!" or a fat lady "hi! fat lady!"

People are conscious about age or other stuff. Perhaps just say hi or simply give a smile instead.

Answer 11

Depends on his sense of humor. Some old dudes would think that's hilarious, but others would be offended.