Inappropriate insults about height.

[MrsMyagi]

Is it only me or would others find this to be rude? I work in a supermarket and a colleague has made frequent jokes about my height whilst I am stacking shelves. Today he called me a short arse. I am 5 foot 4 inches so not short and I am actually the average height of a UK woman. I find it ridiculous that in today's society were being kind is encouraged that individuals think it is ok to poke fun at people's/my height or point out anyone's features.

Making jokes about somebody else's body is never OK.

I've worked in supermarkets though and this is mild for the type of "banter" you can expect there 🙃

Ooof. I'd find it inappropriate but I've heard much, much worse in retail and it's commonly used language there.

"At least I'm not a lanky twat."

Of course it's not ok. Do you think he has a crush on you?

DH is over a foot taller than me. Usually its really useful (light bulbs are his problem, for example, and I don't have to worry about reaching things down from high shelves) - on the odd occasion when he's called me a shortarse I point out to him that things only grow until they're just right, some of us get there quicker than others 😉

I don't see it as banter because it is one sided. I try and laugh it off but it is hurtful. I mean I don't consider myself to be small and if I am there is nothing I can do to change it.

I would ask him if he needs his eyesight checked as you aren't short.

I'm not sure why it's upsetting you so much when you aren't actually short tbh.

5ft4 isn't that small if you were 5ft and under then yeah but you're obviously not that short so I'm assuming flirty banter by an immature guy.
Unless of course your team is all 6ft snd over...

I'm 5ft and wouldn't accept that

Exactly because you really are short. However someone who is obviously isn't so tiny it's not seen as a hurtful comment because it's clearly a joke. Not my kind of joke, i wouldn't banter or make digs at someone's body but it's definitely a grey area when people tease you about something that is only a little bit true or obviously not true. That's how banter works.

Why do you consider it hurtful if you don't consider yourself to be small? Just reply "I'm average height for a woman", with a shrug, each and every time.

It's broadly inappropriate for anyone to comment on anyone else's appearance (positively or negatively), but I can't really see why it bothers you.

Which is why "banter" is actually bullying

I reckon he fancies you. This is just the sort of thing I used to get (5’3”) from blokes, men always seemed to v v like my look and my height. BTW, I think the average woman’s height in the uk is 5’5 so you are shorter than usual but not by much, hence I’m sure he fancies you & you prob make him feel all big and manly. Sorry I’ve given myself the ick now.

It sounds like he's trying to get your attention for whatever reason. As you say, 5 ft 4 is exactly average so it seems like he wants to connect with you in a very clumsy way... Who knows why some people seem to want to draw attention to themselves. Possibly an inept attempt to flirt.

It sounds like he's trying to get your attention for whatever reason. As you say, 5 ft 4 is exactly average so it seems like he wants to connect with you in a very clumsy way... Who knows why some people seem to want to draw attention to themselves. Possibly an inept attempt to flirt.

Indirect sexism or sexual harassment innit?

He wouldn't do this to a bloke.

Report to HR accordingly.

I find it hurtful because I have never seen myself as short and now it has made me self conscious.

Sorry im completely wrong. Ave height in uk is 5’4, with some sources putting it at 5’3”. This has blown my mind. WHY do I struggle with clothes, especially finding coats that aren’t massive. OP, ignore the twat. We should be campaigning shops to adjust their sizing. Who are they making their ginormous long armed coats for?

Reply, 'oh, I'm a short arse? That must make you a big dick?'...

He would LOVE that 😂😂😂
I'd put money on fancies you and flirting i a schoolboy way.

Urgh, I hate it when people make ‘jokey’ comments about other people’s appearances. I’m 4’11” due to a spine condition. I got in a lift once on holiday and there were an older couple already in there and the man laughingly said ‘ oh gosh aren’t you small? I just glared at him and replied ‘gosh, aren’t you rude? He did not like that.

Are you confident enough ti deliver a comment back? If he says it frequently then he’s being a dick thinking that’s how you get people’s attention.
You don’t have to be mean but ask him how tall his mum is or something or do you think he wants you to know how tall he is ?

You aren't short. I am 5 ft. That is short. But I also wouldn't be worked up by being called a short arse. It's usually used as a term of endearment rather than an insult.

I would ask him not to comment, although I'm not sure what's wrong with being short?

I'm the same height and feel short. Short doesn't mean bad though.

"Oh good you're perfect for the job, I'll see you when you're done thanks ! 😬"