What's Wrong with Being Called Mate?
Discussion
Last week, the new account manager from a consumables supplier called and left a message. He sounded young, and probably was, given that anyone I've dealt with at this particular company is usually in their twenties, making them much younger than I am. I have no issue with the age, but in his message, 'Jack' referred to me as 'mate' several times. I've never spoken to him before and other than him having some notes from the previous 'internal sales operative', he does not know me.
I put it down to him speaking colloquially and possibly even local dialect (Erith). It just didn't sound good for a couple of reasons and I questioned if it's a reminder that I've turned into a grumpy old man; old fashioned, perhaps.
A few days later, someone from an all female garage called for a quote on a windscreen. It didn't take her long to refer to me as mate too.
Now, I'm not offended at all but I am questioning it. Is there anything in this? I tell my kids to address someone respectfully until they are acquainted or told otherwise; simple manners and a touch of respect (especially to elders).
Maybe I'm judging this by how I would have gone about it and there is no way I would have addressed a female as 'love' or sweetheart (I generally don't anyway) but certainly not in a professional capacity; definitely not socially... I just wouldn't.
I put it down to him speaking colloquially and possibly even local dialect (Erith). It just didn't sound good for a couple of reasons and I questioned if it's a reminder that I've turned into a grumpy old man; old fashioned, perhaps.
A few days later, someone from an all female garage called for a quote on a windscreen. It didn't take her long to refer to me as mate too.
Now, I'm not offended at all but I am questioning it. Is there anything in this? I tell my kids to address someone respectfully until they are acquainted or told otherwise; simple manners and a touch of respect (especially to elders).
Maybe I'm judging this by how I would have gone about it and there is no way I would have addressed a female as 'love' or sweetheart (I generally don't anyway) but certainly not in a professional capacity; definitely not socially... I just wouldn't.
vixen1700 said:
Doesn't bother me really, but t can grate if it's excessive.
We had a bloke in the office who used 'mate' and 'you know what I mean' as filler in virtually every sentence he came out with. Like some kind of Tourettes
Christ, it was draining hearing him all day long.
The best way to deal with the "Know what I mean?" imbeciles is to religiously look them in the eye and say "yes, I do know what you mean" every time they say it. It stops them dead in about 4 or 5 utterancesWe had a bloke in the office who used 'mate' and 'you know what I mean' as filler in virtually every sentence he came out with. Like some kind of Tourettes
Christ, it was draining hearing him all day long.
Depends on circumstances.
If I am having some tyres fitted and the fitter says
"Have you got your keys mate?"
I am unoffended.
If I am going for tea at the Ritz and the doorman greets me with
"Morning mate"
I am offended.
Generally, if someone is trying to sell me something or apologise to me about something, I'm not their mate, unless I instigate the informality.
If I am having some tyres fitted and the fitter says
"Have you got your keys mate?"
I am unoffended.
If I am going for tea at the Ritz and the doorman greets me with
"Morning mate"
I am offended.
Generally, if someone is trying to sell me something or apologise to me about something, I'm not their mate, unless I instigate the informality.
Glassman said:
Last week, the new account manager from a consumables supplier called and left a message. He sounded young, and probably was, given that anyone I've dealt with at this particular company is usually in their twenties, making them much younger than I am. I have no issue with the age, but in his message, 'Jack' referred to me as 'mate' several times. I've never spoken to him before and other than him having some notes from the previous 'internal sales operative', he does not know me.
I put it down to him speaking colloquially and possibly even local dialect (Erith). It just didn't sound good for a couple of reasons and I questioned if it's a reminder that I've turned into a grumpy old man; old fashioned, perhaps.
A few days later, someone from an all female garage called for a quote on a windscreen. It didn't take her long to refer to me as mate too.
Now, I'm not offended at all but I am questioning it. Is there anything in this? I tell my kids to address someone respectfully until they are acquainted or told otherwise; simple manners and a touch of respect (especially to elders).
Maybe I'm judging this by how I would have gone about it and there is no way I would have addressed a female as 'love' or sweetheart (I generally don't anyway) but certainly not in a professional capacity; definitely not socially... I just wouldn't.
I wouldn't worry about it fellah.I put it down to him speaking colloquially and possibly even local dialect (Erith). It just didn't sound good for a couple of reasons and I questioned if it's a reminder that I've turned into a grumpy old man; old fashioned, perhaps.
A few days later, someone from an all female garage called for a quote on a windscreen. It didn't take her long to refer to me as mate too.
Now, I'm not offended at all but I am questioning it. Is there anything in this? I tell my kids to address someone respectfully until they are acquainted or told otherwise; simple manners and a touch of respect (especially to elders).
Maybe I'm judging this by how I would have gone about it and there is no way I would have addressed a female as 'love' or sweetheart (I generally don't anyway) but certainly not in a professional capacity; definitely not socially... I just wouldn't.
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