to think that there is NEVER an acceptable reason to call a 32 year old woman a "young girl?"

[Hullygully]

No I'm not.

I couldn't care less what emotive flannel is flung about.

IT. IS.NOT.ACCEPTABLE.

The end.

Then you haven't heard it will Its pure affection, not serious, its banter, gentle banter, lighthearted and full of warmth.

If he called me a bitch, and I wasn't being one, I'd probably get offended, dependant on tone and context, and familiarity. They make a difference.

It totally depends on the context. I would not appreciate being referred to as a young girl in a professional context.
My parents on the other hand can "young girl" me to their hearts's content.
as can I in my dreams

somebody just called MN frivolous?????

Good lord!!! I think MN is turning into that malevolent thing from HalloweenIII, those pumpkin head things. Its brainwashing everyone into absolute froth heads!

I didn't know that the OP was referring to the tragedy of the two police officers that lost their lives.

I sort of see how this would offend, but i don't think anything derrogatory was meant by it. They were girls/women and they were young, way too young to lose their lives and its tragic. That is all.

Of course I've done diversity training, and a sociology degree. I'm not talking about banter, I'm talking about every day terms used to describe colleagues. For example. A conversation about which colleagues are using a particular vehicle. "the boys have got it, they're out on enquiries" when referring to a couple of male members of my team. Or alternatively "the girls are in the block dealing with a prisoner". It is just casual informal terminology, nothing to get offended by, not unacceptable behaviour.

"Kewcumber I call my friend's 50 year old husband a young boy. A fine young boy.

He doesn't get sniffy."

Well certainly thats his prerogative. Personally I would find it odd in the extreme if anyone at work described me as a young girl. And I would ask them not to. I am happy to talk about "the girls" and "the boys" when appropriate. I don't doubt the person in question was well intentioned. In my opinion it still isn't an appropriate or respectful way to describe and adult woman except in circumstances such as a very elderly non-professional.

Ah TheCalmingManatee but surely thats where it starts... you pick a grape and eat it before paying, next thing, you'll be involved in a full on heist. You say OMG, the devil will eat your liver. shudder

I'm all for fighting wrongdoing, sort out the big stuff the little stuff may catch up if people really think its important. Pick at the small stuff, no one will be interested in the bigger picture.

Depends on context, I'm 44 and quite happy to be young girl or young lady if it's nicely meant.
Not impressed if someone's being patronising.

For those who may need it, here is a helpful link to our talk guidelines
Please do be sure to stick to them won't you?
Thanks

"If you ask for opinions, don't have a strop if people actually offer an opinion you don't agree with." YeahBut

And......?

YANBU. By the age of 32, I held a Master's Degree and was practising privately. I was also a busy mother of two children, running a home, whilst assisting my husband thru Medic training. I would have been appalled had anyone describe me as a "young girl". So patronising.

Hully you are not being unreasonable,you are making very valid points.

jemma- "domestic cleansing"?!? Haha. A career in learning English awaits you.

The context was a police officer, who had just spent the last few hours with grieving colleagues, making a statement about "two young girls who should have gone home that night to be with their families"
He looked to be in shock himself at the news conference , as were of the rest of the force.
this was a mere 4 hours after the murders.

The Chief Constable has not referred to them as young girls as far as I am aware.

I'm with Kewcumber on this one.

Really...Do enlighten me ?

I remember when I was a kid of 25 and got all huffy at being called young girl and whistled at. All was so patronising..

Now I would just be bloody grateful...

Get over yourselves..

top post !

Strawberry, I'm sorry but if you really have a sociology degree then you will know about how informal terminology and how damaging it can be.
Keep safe on your next shift.

I'd be flattered

scurryfunge" Strawberry, I'm sorry but if you really have a sociology degree then you will know about how informal terminology and how damaging it can be.
Keep safe on your next shift"

WTAF????? .

'when I worked as a team of district nurses we were all labelled, the pretty one, fat one, black one, young one, the Asian one and the old one.

We all knew this but felt diversity training was wasted in 1980s brum.

We were also not offended.

So many posts on these threads about how delighted women would be to be called "young girl".

As though being seen as childlike would give them higher status.

Young girls - for you, it is all downhill from here.