workplace overeaction?

[Marge]

Speaking to various people around the country I've found the pet names vary eg Cockneys use "darling" and North West use "love".

One thing I've found unique is the Stoke people, they use mainly "duck" but occasionally "shug". I didn't quite hear the lady properly the first time she called it me and thought she was calling me a "slug" which I was quite surprised at as I didn't think she knew me that well

[Nemesis]

Originally Posted by Marge

"slug"

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

[greencreeper]

Originally Posted by Russ D

If you feel so passionately about it, learn Welsh yourself.....then you can join in

I applied to learn but apparently I don't salivate enough

Originally Posted by Marge

One thing I've found unique is the Stoke people, they use mainly "duck" ...

Funny you should mention it - I had a woman the other day calling me "meduck" with the "e" pronouced as the "i" in "kit" and a very soft "k" at the end of "duck". I thought it was lovely. Never heard it before.

The Geordies tend to use "hen" and "hinny" - both of which I find lovely, but then again, the maternal side of the family are Geordies. Might be in the genes

[Xaccers]

I heard about someone in court down in somerset who refered to the judge as "my lover" but as it's a common term down there, the judge didn't bat an eyelid

I'm amazed by some of the team leaders at my work, you know how most people have their "telephone voice" which is normally well spoken and clear, not these, we're on the line to IT directors of other companies and they're saying "y'know" and "sortof like" and even "mate"

[cookie_365]

Originally Posted by Russ D

I understand your point about someone at management level but why would you be like that with a peer? Do you not think it's meant to be a sign of friendliness? If someone came back at me with "I'm not your mate" then the instant reply from me would be along the lines of "No, looks like you probably never will be, either".

IMO there's nothing wrong in trying to make the workplace a little less formal where appropriate.

Yep, I'd go along with that. I tend to call people 'chuck' (it's a scouse thing).

I'm Miss or Mrs to anyone under the age of 16.

Otherwise as long as they use my full christian name or the diminutive I choose to go by I tend to ignore anyone who calls me by a pet name..until they use the right name.

As for complete strangers calling me pet or anything else I tend to freeze them.It's not necessary to be familiar with everyone.Stick to your own family and particular friends for such terms of endearment.

Originally Posted by Incognitas

I'm Miss or Mrs to anyone under the age of 16.

Otherwise as long as they use my full christian name or the diminutive I choose to go by I tend to ignore anyone who calls me by a pet name..until they use the right name.

As for complete strangers calling me pet or anything else I tend to freeze them.It's not necessary to be familiar with everyone.Stick to your own family and particular friends for such terms of endearment.

as an ex 'southerner', who has now lived longer north of Watford, than south of it, the use of words like 'love' & 'chuck' & 'duck' to strangers, appears more prevalent 'up north'.

What you said about it being overfamiliar, Incog (not 'Coggy', notice ), and your reaction to it, might perpetuate the myth that southerners are 'stuck up' & northerners 'more friendly'. Of course neither is true, but the difference in the cultures makes it appear so, sometimes...

- 'when in Rome' would seem to be apt

i hate it when people call me mate when i dont even know them. Some bloke got the rough end once when he called me mate and i bellowed at him about not being a condom so dont call me mate!!

[Stuart]

People can call me anything they want as long as it's not nasty...

[Russ]

Originally Posted by gary_580

i hate it when people call me mate when i dont even know them. Some bloke got the rough end once when he called me mate and i bellowed at him about not being a condom so dont call me mate!!

Same here - some guy once called me 'pal'.

I told him not to call me a dog food.

He replied "Sorry Chum"

bet you nearly had a pup

[greencreeper]

Originally Posted by Incognitas

As for complete strangers calling me pet or anything else I tend to freeze them

I remember reading a horror story about a landlady that used to stuff the tenants. Do you do a similar thing Mrs Incognitas, only you keep them on ice in the cellar? Would have thought the electricity costs of all the freezers would be prohibitive

[Seti]

I'm Welsh and I'm um cheerful, sorta

I dont' mind what I get called as long as its not offensive. I have fantastic conversations with SWALEC Where I am commonly referred to as love. It really doesn't bother me.

I think it's an over reaction.

Sian

[allieyoung666]

I get called cutie by one of the SHO'S,now that does bug the life out of me!!!

[Flubflow]

In Leeds (and other parts of Yorkshire) it is quite common, especially amongst the older generation, to use the word "love" between two males! That's just part of their microculture that has gone on through the generations and I never found it the least bit annoying. Surprising at first, especially when a big burly factory worker calls another bloke "love", but certainly not offensive when it was later explained to me .