to think this assumption was archaic or just simply bizarre?

[ColeenRooneyIsAStyleIcon]

I normally go out at lunch for some fresh air with a mate at work. Today I discovered another friend of mine has got a job nearby, so I arranged to meet them for an early one instead to catch up as I'd not seen them for a while.

I told my normal walking companion this and they asked:

"Oh OK. Is it one of you ethnic friends?"

I was flabbergasted. I thought they knew me quite well - I don't have friendships based on race/culture whatsoever - all my friends are friends because of shared interests in hobbies, school, talking shite etc and I have absolutely no interest in my parents culture anyway. I'm utterly English despite my parentage.

For what it's worth, I don't think they were being discriminatory, just completely stupid, but it's really wound me up!

I vote bizarre. I can't imagine saying that to anyone.

What a bizarre question!

Ditch them. She is a moron.

I find it bizarre. It's the kind of thing my great-aunt would come out with to try to appear modern and multi-cultural, but she's 92, so it's expected.....

What might be your friend's excuse?

Very bizarre, I can't fathom it!

Shit, what a weird thing to come out with. My Dad might have come out with this 20 years ago, but even he knows better now usually

I guess it could be an age thing. They are about 20 years older (in their early 50's) than me. It's still baffling though!

Why is it an age thing?
My mother is in her 80s and she wouldn't say anything so crass.
Some people are just cretins.

Nothing to to do with age. Everything to do with being a racist.

Maybe you misheard? Can't think what though!!

True enough. This person is highly intelligent, interesting and quite good fun though. You would think a thought so crass wouldn't even enter their head.

I'm not going to ditch them over it, but it's intriguing to get an insight into what weird stuff goes on in people's heads, especially where you'd least expect it.

Fucking weird, that. Why on earth would they assume that?

YANBU

wahwahwah - I am 100% sure that I didn't mishear it!

It does seem a weird thing to say. I would think they were verbalising their thoughts that they had previously kept to themselves.

I wouldn't waste time over-thinking it. People do use words in odd ways sometimes.

A few years ago I was in a supermarket that was advertising BOGOF on what they described as "ethnic snacks" at the deli counter. Assuming they meant snacks originating from foreign (ie non-British) cuisine, I filled a bag with various samosas, spring rolls, sesame toasts, bhajis ...

When I got the to checkout I was informed that the BOGOF only applied to the "ethnic" snacks and not to the Chinese ones!