re: Calling a younger coworker "kiddo" - inappropriate?

if you're not an alter, pathetic job of backpedaling

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Offended is a strong word, it's just annoying. It's not like I care enough to say anything. That would just be stupid. I simply let it roll off my back. An example of a truly offensive case would be a man blatantly hitting on a female colleague. This isn't that big of a deal. Maybe I worded my OP too strongly. I don't care that much, just find certain phrases to be unprofessional and was simply pointing it out here. Sheesh. I know enough to keep my mouth shut and smile in the workplace, to a certain degree. I've never actually complained about something like this. Posters need to take a chill pill.

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I accept that you never intended for this to blow up. I spend too much time on the PT board, so my tolerance for anything close to SJW stuff is pretty low.

That being said, you have made two points that are going to rile people in the climate that has bloomed in the last year. You say it is unprofessional, disrespectful, and (to some degree) offensive (since other terms "are even more offensive"). If you use these words, then it will be interpreted that you are offended. Degree matters, but you come across as someone who is complaining. Just being honest.

Second, you say that you "know enough to keep my mouth shut and smile in the workplace", implying that to do otherwise risks some sort of retribution. Maybe, but I would say everything you do will reflect on your values and priorities, and invites some sort of calibration of how to interact with you. This is basic human behavior and is a classic two wolves thing in that people will draw conclusions on how you will react in the future.

If you think she is being condescending or disrespectful, you have to make the decision as to whether raising the issue is worth whatever change you risk precipitating.

If, on the other hand, it is just how she keeps things deliberately "unprofessional" (or "casual", as some would see it), then you need to decide if you are a good fit there. Don't expect everyone else to conform to your norms.

Again, you probably did not expect this to elicit such strong reactions. Welcome to 2017.

Pics

OP must be a millennial.

Particularly in the old South, but still prevalent throughout most of the South, "casual" phrases of address aren't meant to be diminutive, but are quite the opposite - they are terms of endearment.

I've always referred to any lady older than me as "ma'am"; any lady about my age I've addressed as sometimes "ma'am" but more commonly as "darlin'," "sweetheart," or "babe" depending on the situation (and if I'm really tying one on, "sugar britches"); any lady who is noticeably younger will commonly be addressed with "sweetheart" or "sweetie."

I'm not a big user of "kiddo" but it doesn't seem totally out of place. I wouldn't address a lady I worked with as anything other than Miss or Mrs. in front of clients or during a formal meeting, but outside of that you should expect a colloquialism.

If it really bothers you then politely ask the gentleman to refrain from such casual terms.

If you are significantly younger and less experienced in the workplace then you should expect some derivative acknowledgment of such. So, tighten up and put in your dues, rookie.

Oh my god. You're offended?? Are you gay? It's a term of endearment. Should she call you frick stick. Because that's what you are.

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Oh my god. You're offended?? Are you gay? It's a tear of endearment. Should she call you frick stick. Because that's what you are.

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No it's not. It's a display of dominance.

Skip Bertman called me son once. I didn't get mad

The mere fact you posted this retarded post is exactly why she called you kiddo. Get over yourself and grow the frick up.