was my colleague rude?

[Pinkky9]

Bumped into a colleague in the corridor as I was on the way to get something from the store cupboard and she was going the other way. She stopped to ask me how my birthday was for a quick chat. Someone walked past and said in a bit of a sarcastic tone 'mothers meeting?' was this rude?

Just sounds like awkward office chat. Even if it’s rude I’d put it down to end of year crankies and go about my business.

Sexist definitely. I think it was a not very constructively made point about chatting during working hours.

I don't think it's sexist, the phrase gets used for men as well. It's just an old phrase for watercooler conversations.

I’d be very surprised if anyone approached two male colleagues talking in a corridor and said ‘Mothers’ meeting?’

It is just a term for idle chit chat whatever your sex. Maybe they felt you were both slacking when you should have been working.

Really? Not being sarky. I've never heard it used on men.

Yes. Old fashioned and sexist comment. Haven't heard it for decades and never from someone younger than my parents (60s). Was it a man who said that? The kind who think their chat is Very Important Networking and women's is silly gossip?

It’s never used on men.

Of course it's sexist!

Yes, it's directed at men too but the implication is that it's banal, idle (watercooler) chitchat of no importance or significance.

Not like the important conversations important men have. It's a dsparging comment.

Having said that, I wouldn't think it was rude. More unimaginative and witless.

No it’s an old fashioned saying

Never heard of the phrase. Were you blocking the hallway?

I had to pull aside a few members of my staff aside to be conscious of not blocking the hallways and doorways while chatting. They didn't seem to notice that they were blocking access for others despite polites excuse mes.

I've heard it said directed at men but when someone is taking the piss out of the men. A way of diminishing them by likening them to women.

I wouldn't worry about it. There's one guy who at my work who always comments on other people even though he talks more than anyone. I work in a factory and have been learning one of the machines, literally put product in, wait for machine to do its job, take product out. He even commented that I wasn't doing anything when he saw me waiting for the machine. He can't use this machine so has no idea how it works

Thanks for this, your explanation was clear and not argumentative, unlike those who are telling me i've never heard it used for men, when I have.

Now I've actually thought about the origins you're completely right!

Nah, just a jokey comment

1960s/70s sexism. Hes trying to say you are wasting time with idle chit chat, but in a 'jokey' way. Has he been in a coma? Would just stare at him blankly then look away.