to think teacher calling kids this is inappropriate?

160 replies

OWetOne · 10/11/2025 12:56

My child(9) told me their teacher will call a child a wet wipe if the child is 'being a coward' (how my child explained it). My child wasn't offended and told me about it because they thought it was funny, but they obviously have never heard it being used before. I wouldn't want my child calling someone else a wet wipe.

Am I being a wet wipe? Or am I right to think this is inappropriate?

OP posts:

Gerbera55 · 10/11/2025 13:13

Doseofreality · 10/11/2025 12:59

It’s name calling, which amounts to bullying.
Not on at all and I would raising it strongly with the Head.

Disclaimer - I am a teacher.

In the first instance I would email the teacher rather than go straight to the head because it could simply be a very misguided attempt to have ‘banter’ and build a relationship with the children. The email could say something along the lines of ‘X has mentioned that children are being called a ‘wet wipe’. I have concerns around this as I wouldn’t want children to think name calling is in any way acceptable.’
Then, if it continued I would email the head.
Teachers are human too, sometimes they mess up and need a gentle nudge.

Foundress · 10/11/2025 13:12

YANBU @OWetOneMost unprofessional. I bet this is some young bloke saying it. I despair at what some teachers think is acceptable nowadays. In my very long teaching career I managed quite easily to not call children derogatory names. Surely wet wipe is akin to calling someone toilet paper?

huuskymam · 10/11/2025 13:07

Some of my sons secondary school teachers would call the kids something like that, all in good fun though, they'd get a fair bit of slagging back. I wouldn't expect primary school teachers to say it to a child that's afraid of trying something. Not very encouraging.

Kirbert2 · 10/11/2025 13:04

Definitely inappropriate. I wouldn't be happy at all.

Fearfulsaints · 10/11/2025 13:04

Its a description of a type of behaviour normally (more often 'dont be such a wetwipe' rather than 'you are a wetwipe' but i wasnt there)

Its probably better an adult describes that behaviour is a different way and describes the desired behaviour/supports it, but if the majority of interaction was positive and professional I wouldnt worry about this much.

WellMaybeYouShouldntBeLivingHeeeeeeee · 10/11/2025 13:04

pikkumyy77 · 10/11/2025 13:01

There are better ways to encourage bravery than humiliation. Its bad pedagogy as well as bullying.

You are right and I’m not mocking you, but just because it’s a great word I would really love OP to brief her child to sternly respond next time ‘That is bad pedagogy, Miss’

Catcatcat111 · 10/11/2025 13:03

Why would a teacher have any reason to call a kid a coward? YANBU

catgirl1976 · 10/11/2025 13:02

If a child is upset by being called a wet wipe then they probably ARE a wet wipe. It’s a gentle phrase for being a bit soft …

pikkumyy77 · 10/11/2025 13:01

There are better ways to encourage bravery than humiliation. Its bad pedagogy as well as bullying.

Doseofreality · 10/11/2025 12:59

It’s name calling, which amounts to bullying.
Not on at all and I would raising it strongly with the Head.

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