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

If they had other unprofessional behaviors...it would irk me but I don't have a problem with the nicknames. There is another pharmacist I like to call for professional advice and he greets me "Hey kid!" A lot of my male patients say things like, "Thanks love, sweetie, babe, dear," etc and it doesn't bother me at all 99% of the time. That's just how we interact in the South I guess.

When I was a student, the owner of a pharmacy I worked at used to call me Sweetie or Bubbles. He called me in his office too often for no good reason. Once he snuck up behind me, leaned into me, pressing me against the counter as I was preparing a prescription and asked if I knew what I was doing. I elbowed him in the stomach and put in my 2 weeks notice the next day. That is a good example of something to be offended about.

If it bothers you enough, say something. Your co-worker probably doesn't know you don't like it.

I have one person I call kiddo, but he is five years older than me. I do as a running joke as I'm about a foot taller.

I've always taught my boys that, whenever you can, look at the name tag of people helping you in customer service roles. Grocery checkout, waiters, Whataburger counter, tire store, etc. When done, say "Thank you, John (or whatever)".

I was taught, and I have taught them, that it is a good thing to acknowledge that this is a person and you appreciate their help. They are not just nameless robots.

A few months ago, I came across a Reddit thread that discussed this very thing, and asked (Millenials particularly, IIRC) if this bothered people. I was shocked that something like 80-90% of the respondents said they were offended and felt like the person was trying to subordinate them and expected to be referred to by "Sir", "Ma'am", or "Mr./Mrs.".

I can't imagine going through life with such a chip on my shoulder and looking for any smallest excuse to be offended, especially by the best of intentions.

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Everyone is giving OP shite, but it's definitely unprofessional.

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That's because most of these fricks on here are half retarded.