How would you feel at being described as “formidable”

[Saloop]

Positive or negative…?

I'm quite surprised at how many people would see it as a positive!

So am I but, as somebody has said, it depends on the context.

Formidable means inspiring respect, to me. It can also mean inspiring fear. So both impressions are valid, really.

However it’s very misguided to think that being a formidable character automatically translates to being unpleasant or people being scared of you.

Plenty of people manage perfectly well to be good, pleasant people whilst also being respected for their capability or authority.

That's a great introduction. You clearly have a strong reputation for getting things done

This!!!

good for you.

I suppose it depends what you think formidable means really.

I think it means extremely capable, assertive, able to get things done and has earned people's respect.

I'd be mostly amused. One of my siblings is formidable - takes no shit in a very polite and respectful but immovable way!

Depends on the context really. As long as it's not a synonym for being an inflexible arsehole. In the way that "I speak as I find" can often translate into "I'm gratuitously rude and offensive".

I good with that 👆🙂

I aim to be introduced in a meeting like that. To me, it means you know your shit and are incredibly impressive.

I think it means extremely capable, assertive, able to get things done and has earned people's respect

It could just mean pain in the arse. Context is everything.

No, when somebody wants a euphemism for a woman who behaves like a man, they use ‘forthright’, not ‘formidable’.

Well if someone was using it like that to introduce op in a meeting then that person would be a grade A twat.

Yes that’s exactly how I’d read it too.

yep, i was going to say that.

Also the fact that it’s been playing on your mind means you’re more than likely not a twat. Yay. So I think you’re free to relax now.

Somehow, I would be happy if a woman called me formidable, but less so if it came from a man.

Thrilled!

It makes me think of Mrs Trunchball from Matilda.. Sorry. But it sounds like the way they said it was that saloop is a woman not to be messed with as she knows her stuff

If the person has never met you before they probably hadn’t thought about it at all and just thought it sounded good. How can they be making a judgement on your personality if they haven’t spent any time with you?

in general though I’d love it. I’ve been described as intimidating and forthright before and I like that too. I want people to know I don’t take shit!

I would say that if the person who said it has never met you, and given that it’s in a work context, you can take it to mean that your reputation goes before you - in a good way!

I think I am too friendly and approachable to be formidable, plus I do have occasional moments of scatiness and disorganisation which I think would stop anyone from using the word of me, but I would take it as a compliment if they did.

I know someone who I would use the word of. She is quite terrifyingly intelligent and incicive. She leads an organisation where the department directors would, without her, find it very difficult to work together because they are naturally very different people in order to lead the functions they do, anf they need a strong leader to get them to work together as a team. She does it brilliantly and earns every penny of her reportedly 6-figure salary because not many people could function at that level without collapsing into jelly from the strain.

I think any negative connotations of the word can only be based in misogyny.

In the context you've given it's definitely positive. You must be very good at your job.

Positive though could see how it could be used negatively by someone who is intimidated (but would still take it as a compliment even if unintended!)

I would be delighted! Especially in work.
I have a few siblings that people describe that way and all are doing very well career wise.

In a professional situation its a compliment and implies people are a bit intimidated by your awesomeness.

In a romantic situation its less of a compliment I guess.

As this person didn’t know you, I think they were just trying to think of something to say othet than “This is Salope” and they just copied it off someone they’d heard elsewhere. Don’t overthink it.

I'd be very flattered, regardless of whether it was intended to be complimentary or an insult.