I use the term "kids" with my friends (most of which are in their early 20's), and some have asked me not to call them that. What's so offensive? I feel that someone mature enough wouldn't be that sensitive, but maybe I'm wrong. Opinion?
P.S. In calling these people "kids" I am not making a reference to their maturity, merely using it as a term of endearment.
2006-12-06 09:07:55 · 14 answers · asked by GLSigma3 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Oh my goodness NO...I do the same thing and I have a lot of younger adults as freinds. Also, I'm called a Kid by my older aunts, uncles and their freinds. My cousins and I are in our early 40's and some of our older folks still call us "the girls". whoohoo! As long as you'e doing it with endearment I find no problem...even if you were calling them kids in a sarcastic way it would be alright as long as you meant no offense. Good luck, Dearheart.
2006-12-06 09:26:44 · answer #1 · answered by Mama Otter 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
When my husband and I were the youngest members of our coin collecting club by a good twenty years, we were often referred to by other members as "the kids." We were in our late thirties at the time. We didn't take offense.
If the people you are referring to as "kids" find it offensive, then you need to stop calling them kids. You don't get to tell someone else how they should feel about something you are doing. That you meant no offense is not important. They don't like it, they have told you, if you continue you have crossed the line and become consciously offensive.
2006-12-06 19:23:45 · answer #2 · answered by Karin C 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree with C = JD. Since they are old enough to express that they're offended, you should treat them with respect and honor their wishes. They day will come when they'll wish you still called them "kids." I still call my brothers "the boys". They are 33, 36, and 38. In their 20's, they didn't appreciate it much. Now, they smile and their children (all under 6, think it's cute!).
I did stop calling them that, but I missed it (then I started it again)!
2006-12-06 17:17:46 · answer #3 · answered by whadda-dingo-gal 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm in my 20s and I could see how being a "kid" could get on my nerves sometimes, but at other times it wouldn't bother me. It completely depends on the situation and the context. But, since they let you know that they don't like it, it would probably be a good idea to respect their feelings. No matter how benign your intention may be, it bothers them for whatever reason, so try to refrain from that particular term of endearment.
2006-12-06 17:14:54 · answer #4 · answered by ♥austingirl♥ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I do the same thing, and I'm only 30! I'll refer to my son's Karate teacher as "this boy" or "kid" and I know full well he's only a few years younger than I am. I guess I just see myself as old as the hills.
As for them being offended, if they are your friends, whether you agree with them or not, if they don't like it, it might be best to do what is right by them by trying to sensitive to their thoughts on the matter and not referring to them as that.
2006-12-06 17:51:41 · answer #5 · answered by Heather S 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the person. Clearly you are not meaning to be offensive by using this term. But if some of the people have expressed that they would rather you not, it is appropriate for you to find another term to use.
2006-12-06 18:07:17 · answer #6 · answered by vafromks 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its just a matter of what people prefer. For example, when speaking to people i know or do not know, I will often use the term ma'am or sir. Some people, young and old, do not like that at all. Now of course, it isn't a offense to say that to people, but for some, it just "rubs" them the wrong way.
2006-12-06 17:16:53 · answer #7 · answered by missb_101 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Arrgggh! Once I dated this guy that was almost 10 years older than me and he always called me "kid". I hated it. It made me feel like he thought lower of me on all levels (intellagence, maturity, apperance, etc.). Also, it's kind of creepy for someone you are having a sexual relationship with to constantly refer to you as a "cute little kid".
Perhaps if your just friends with these people they should lighten up a bit. But I can relate to them getting annoyed by this.
2006-12-06 18:54:30 · answer #8 · answered by Ryan's Ma 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Young adults prefer to be thought of as adults so many are sensitive to the use of the word.
Best not to refer to anyone 16 - 25 as a kid.
2006-12-06 17:19:52 · answer #9 · answered by bob j 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Kids are juvenile goats. At 20, I think the term fits.
2006-12-06 17:11:40 · answer #10 · answered by Paul K 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋