I still use them But I have the feeling some people are "offended". What do you think?
2007-07-24 04:06:38 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It is all about context.
"Excuse me, ladies" - not offensive
"Hey - Lady!" - offensive.
"They're having a girls' night out" - not offensive
"She's the new office girl" - offensive
"I had a really nice time tonight, sweetheart" - not offensive
"Hey sweetheart - how about a beer?" - offensive
"Here's lookin' at you, kid" - not offensive
"He's just some kid she found" - offensive
"He's out with the boys" - not offensive
"What are you looking at, boy?" - offensive
It is all about intent, and understood respect or lack thereof. Another issue is the vernacular and common usage of the region, and the familiarity level of the people having the conversation. Another thing is gender differences. Women who are friends may greet each other with a "Hey girl - what's going on?", but for a man to do this to a woman he is unfamiliar with is offensive.
2007-07-24 05:35:32 · answer #1 · answered by HooliganGrrl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what part of the country you live in. calling someone girl or sweetheart down South would seem like a normal thing.
But saying that to someone in New York could be offending.
I think its best just to use your common sense and when the time feels right, use the words. When It doesn't feel like the right time then don't.
2007-07-24 11:14:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the context. Personally, I do not find "lady" offensive at all. But I would be offended if an older coworker called me girl, sweetheart, or kid. Sweetheart is a term appropriate for women close to you, not waitresses and receptionists. And girl/kid/boy are usually derogatory terms for younger (i.e. inexperienced) peers.
2007-07-24 12:01:16 · answer #3 · answered by ~Biz~ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think "Lady" is but the rest of them can be, especially in reference to adults. When addressing female adults, the word "ladies" is normally acceptable (just like its counterpart "gentlemen" when addressing men). I've never heard of a woman not wanting to be referred to as a lady.
2007-07-24 11:54:49 · answer #4 · answered by rj1220a 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who cares? Forget this nonsense about being politically correct. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of those terms unless you are using them purposely to put someone down.
2007-07-24 11:15:58 · answer #5 · answered by dawnb 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It all depends on the situation, the tone of voice/attitude, who you are addressing, and your own heritage or personality. Way too many influences, you have to decide on an individual basis.
2007-07-24 11:16:44 · answer #6 · answered by rothj06 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. I mean, maybe 'lady' can be degrading to an adult female, or maybe 'kid' to someone who finds themself to not be a kid. Just my thought.
FYI, I wouldn't find any offensive.
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2007-07-24 12:15:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, but some people would like to be called by their names.
2007-07-24 11:12:20 · answer #8 · answered by Nakshe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the context in which they are used.
For myself I positively HATE it when waitresses call me and my female friends "guys" as in "you guys ready to order?"
2007-07-24 11:24:39 · answer #9 · answered by The Carmelite 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, i cursed someone out for calling me "kid" i didnt like that. your undermining someone by calling them sweeties or honey or girl, show some respect and dont belittle someone by using that terminology..
2007-07-24 11:17:14 · answer #10 · answered by spadezgurl22 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋