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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this might get me in trouble?

32 replies

FattyAirways · 11/10/2022 09:18

Today at work it took me a while to park up. It was a very tight space and when I got in the office my manager who I get on well with jokingly asked how long it took me to park up. I replied, "fucking ten minutes", laughing. He said it back to me, emphasising the "fucking" and then the conversation moved on. He's left the office now, but could I get in trouble for using bad language? I don't swear a lot at work, although a few of my colleagues do. I was quite surprised at myself for swearing really!

OP posts:
TallulahBetty · 11/10/2022 09:19

Context needed. Did he reply in a joky way? Or serious? Or...?

Valid8me · 11/10/2022 09:31

Well, my manager wouldn't be impressed! I might not get into serious trouble, but it wouldn't' go down well.

Spendernone · 11/10/2022 09:34

So your late for work and swear at your boss, now your sat on posting on MN, Okay 🙄.

AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair · 11/10/2022 09:36

Do you think we all know your boss, his views on swearing and your employers view?

How on earth can anyone answer your question?

EbbyEbs · 11/10/2022 09:37

Well you didn’t exactly show yourself in the best light did you?

Divebar2021 · 11/10/2022 09:41

Do you work in a nunnery? Was it the mother superior? In my public sector workplace it wouldn’t even cause a ripple. You were hardly swearing AT a person.

MsGrahamCheese · 11/10/2022 09:42

You're over thinking this.

And you didn't swear at your boss, you swore while talking to your boss. 🙄

Did he laugh? If he reflected your humour, you don't need to worry it's fine. If you think he didn't like it,then just say 'sorry for my language earlier, I hope you took it in the spirit it was intended but if not then I apologise for any offense'. Don't over-apologise, it's not a crime.

Relax :)

DonnaBanana · 11/10/2022 09:42

I wouldn’t interpret that as a problem the way you’ve explained it. It sounds like he was just acknowledging you in a light hearted way.

Lobelia123 · 11/10/2022 09:55

whether it gets you in trouble or not depends on a few variables .... your workplace culture, your bosses attitude, the tone you used etc etc. But take this as a lesson and put your brain in work mode when you walk through that door. Its inappropriate to swear in the workplace and can be taken as offensive and disrespectful, especially when speaking to managers and people higher up the food chain. Its not a club or your besties flat, its a professional environment, so this really doesnt reflect well on you. It looks like youre rude and have no control over your emotional responses. If I were you Id approach your boss and just quietly say, Im so sorry for how I spoke earlier, I was frustrated and spoke without thinking. Let him know that you know it wasnt right. And then move on and dont do it again.

DarkAndDusty · 11/10/2022 09:59

What sort of "trouble" do you think you'll be in for swearing in the car park? Sent to bed without pudding? Bear

Chickychoccyegg · 11/10/2022 10:10

Spendernone · 11/10/2022 09:34

So your late for work and swear at your boss, now your sat on posting on MN, Okay 🙄.

Where did op state she was late for work?
Also hardly swearing AT her manager either.
Also very likely op is on a break .

TwoWeeksislong · 11/10/2022 10:11

If your boss didn’t reprimand you at the time I don’t think this will go any further. The repeating your sentence and emphasizing ´fucking’ might just have been to remind you not to swear at work? I wouldn’t worry anymore about this OP. You didn’t swear in front of a client and you didn’t swear at someone, just at your own parking experience. It’s highly unlikely to become a big issue, it was a small slip.

JenniferBarkley · 11/10/2022 10:15

You weren't swearing at anyone. Assuming there were no clients or children around to hear you, I would think it hugely unfair if there was any consequence.

Hellodarknessmyoldpal · 11/10/2022 10:18

MsGrahamCheese · 11/10/2022 09:42

You're over thinking this.

And you didn't swear at your boss, you swore while talking to your boss. 🙄

Did he laugh? If he reflected your humour, you don't need to worry it's fine. If you think he didn't like it,then just say 'sorry for my language earlier, I hope you took it in the spirit it was intended but if not then I apologise for any offense'. Don't over-apologise, it's not a crime.

Relax :)

Agree with this poster. And surely if he had anymore to say about it he would have done so at the time. Deep breath and get on with your day 🙂

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 11/10/2022 10:45

I used to get told off for swearing in the office.

Nowadays I either don't swear or am only in the office 2 days a week, so figure I don't need or want to swear then!

happystory · 11/10/2022 10:50

I think it depends on the work culture. I work in a school but no one would swear even without children around. And I certainly wouldn't to my boss!

donttellmehesalive · 11/10/2022 11:09

I'm a teacher and nobody would bat an eye at my school, or any school I've worked in. Swearing whilst having a conversation is different to swearing at someone. If you're an adult, having a casual conversation, you can swear.

donttellmehesalive · 11/10/2022 11:10

happystory · 11/10/2022 10:50

I think it depends on the work culture. I work in a school but no one would swear even without children around. And I certainly wouldn't to my boss!

Ha, just goes to show how different schools and workplaces are!

bingbummy · 11/10/2022 11:13

It's a bit like it being better to be overdressed than underdressed.

In work, always maintain an air of politeness.... no fucking, even if you feel comfortable.

Rebeljustforkicks · 11/10/2022 11:35

...no fucking, even if you feel comfortable.

**Grin

MsGrahamCheese · 11/10/2022 11:58

😁

Original poster
FattyAirways · 11/10/2022 12:20

Spendernone · 11/10/2022 09:34

So your late for work and swear at your boss, now your sat on posting on MN, Okay 🙄.

Hang on a minute, where does it say I was late for work? I swear people love to make things up on here!

OP posts:
Jules912 · 11/10/2022 12:31

In my office swearing wouldn't be an issue unless it was aimed at someone or in front of clients. So telling someone to fuck off not OK, saying "Sorry I'm late, the trains are fucked again" perfectly fine.
Other offices may be different.

diffandproud · 11/10/2022 12:36

U are completely over thinking things, ur boss must have very little to do if he actually gave that a second thought,.you are totally fine..even if he is a ridiculous boss and says something to u, it doesn't mean u are getting in trouble..u just say "oh I was rushing and flustered and it slipped out,can happen to anyone"..and don't give him the pleasure of looking intimidated just laugh it off and give him a look like u think he is gone a bit mad to even pull a grown adult on that!!
Believe me, he will look worse if he even mentions it, you weren't swearing at him or in front of customers so it's completely fine in the context..I am a manager for the last 20 years in my workplace, you are over thinking things

Calandor · 11/10/2022 12:39

Depends on the boss. Mine swears like a sailor.