Could someone explain what I did wrong here?

[wildblowingleaves]

I was talking to a colleague earlier about a work experience student in another department and couldn't remember their name. As I was talking someone from that department came over and I said "ooh, hello - what is the name of that new chap in your department?"

The people I was with shrieked, gasped, laughed and look horrified and were all - "I can't BELIEVE you did that!"

Erm, what did I do?

Did you ask the work experience guy having not recognised him?

I'm terrible with names. Especially if I don't quite catch them the first time. Was quite embarrassing when my new HV came round yesterday, I couldn't remember her name. The evil woman (joking) must have realised and made me properly squirm when, after probably half an hour, ds turned to me and asked what her name was. Not 'who is she', which could have been wormed out of with 'our HV'. But actually asked what her name was. And neither she nor ds helped out when I told him to ask himself so had to admit I couldn't recall her name.

No; the colleague who came over was a) a woman b) a woman I know.

Ahhh... ok is the colleague sleeping with her work experience student then?

Your colleague fancies the chap.

Dp Always gets embarrassed when I do things like this. Meh... You didn't do anything weird as far as I can see.