To hate the term Playdate, aghhhhhh

[pigletmania]

That's it really, its so American, so aghghhhhh. Why cant it be like it was, going round to play! If I hear of that term again I will spontaniously combust .

[FruitSaladIsNotPudding]

I use it. It's useful. And if someone rejects a meeting because I've called it a playdate, well, that's ok, I suspect we wouldn't really be friends anyway.

[whatsagoodusername]

I didn't know playdate was American. I never heard it until I moved to the UK from America. But then, I didn't have the DC until I moved to the UK, either, so maybe I just didn't notice. I always went to X's house to play or had X over to play.

[LondonNinja]

It's up there with 'date night' for me. Urgh.

[50shadesofmeh]

My son keeps calling sweets Candy , it drives me bloody mad

[AuntieUrsula]

Seems a bit extreme not to let your child go on a playdate because you don't like the word!

[rose07]

I was prompted to continue this Talk by hearing an item featuring ‘playdates’ on Woman’s Hour recently. I wholeheartedly agree with all the previous Mumsnet comments on the topic. Apart from the word being a ghastly Americanism, there’s another more important reason why we shouldn’t use it. Youngsters may start to ‘date’ in their teens. This meaning of the word should not be linked with small children’s social interactions. I’ve contacted the BBC to complain. They’re going to add my comment to their audience log which is used by producers when considering the content of future programmes.

[SueDoku]

I'm from the Midlands (and yes, I'm a Mom) but my relatives in London use playdate - I just assumed it was a southern thing...

But can anybody tell me WHY, when generations of children who were learning to walk have 'pulled themselves round the furniture', they suddenly started to bloody cruise....???? Now there's a word that can be misinterpreted (and that makes me every time I hear it). When I bought my DGC's first shoes and they were 'cruising shoes' I was in tucks......!

[BabyMummy29]

I never heard of it till I came on here.

It must be used in England cos I've never heard any kids at my school talking about playdates.

[WhereIsMyHat]

I use the term but hate myself for it. What have I turned into?!?!?

[Killinascullion]

Interesting that this thread began more than 3 years ago. Has anything really changed?

Personally, I see nothing wrong with using the term playdate. It's quite clear what is meant by it.

I love many so called Americanisms. Often the words and phrases used provide better clarification of the intention of the speaker. My friend talks about 'day care'. I prefer hearing this than someone talking about picking their child up from 'nursery' or 'crèche'.

Also, why is creeping Americanisms to be feared but writing in text speak entirely acceptable?

YABU.

[fanjofarrow]

Nah, it's definitely annoying IMO.

[lifehasafunnywayofhelpinguout]

Me to. Since when have children needed dates to play! Not only that to me the term play dates makes me think of clique parents. xxx

[rose07]

This was a dead thread but, following the Woman's Hour item about this ghastly Americanism last week, I do want to reanimate it. I heartily agree with all the previous comments. Also, youngsters may start to ‘date’ in their teens. This meaning of the word should not be linked with small children’s social interactions. I contacted the BBC to complain - they are registering my comment on their audience log which advises on future programme content.

[crocodilesmiles]

YANBU. I hate it too!

[QueenMaeve]

Thank heavens it hasn't made its way to Ireland yet. People would look at you if you said it. Bad enough that we now have 'cupcake'

[Brandnewbrighttomorrow]

I'm from the west midlands. I have a mom and am a mom. It's just what we call mums, in fact I use both terms interchangeably. Not an Americanism.

I have picked up "I'm good" but that's from having several Australian friends. Don't like playdate though, it sounds so alpha mum and super organised.

I don't see any issue at all with school run, what else would you call it?!

[uselfullife]

Bloody hell
Who knew?
Scared to open my mouth now

[hnadya]

So I'm American and I also think the term is somewhat silly. Probably just because it didn't exist when I was younger and we managed just fine without it. But anyway, it's funny to me the racism displayed on this site. You Brits are crazy. And BTW, face it, your high and mighty culture has been overtaken by the Yanks. Look at your Mumsnet logo for goodness' sake. It's a play on the Charlie's Angel logo--you know, that AMERICAN tv show!

[Rapidan]

I had never heard the term before having children - here in Britain - and my daughter doesn't have any American friends, so I must have picked it up from other Brits. I use it happily as it does seem rather succinct. Maybe it's a London thing. Slightly surprised by how many people are - and are willing to admit they are - so xenophobic!

[pcbnyc]

It's not racist since American is not a race, but it is biased and/or ethnocentric. You might all be happy to hear that this word is also disliked by many American mothers as well. When I was a girl (in the USA) I went to someone's house to play. It was never called a playdate. It is generational.

I do find it funny that some of the mothers at my daughter's school use this term and I never do.

[sorchaocleirigh]

It means "my mistake" - I first heard it on Buffy the Vampire Slayer years ago.

[cumbria81]

what on earth does "my bad" mean?

I have never heard it before.

[mittyslave]

and btw, i hate playdate too.

[mittyslave]

well i am American, and i hate "sleeps" to describe nights that you Angles use.

[Violax]

New phrases and words are introduced into our language every day - I'm not sure that's a bad thing. And yes, some of these may come from America. If you prefer your children not to learn these phrases, may I suggest not watching American TV programmes? Or accept that the world today is much smaller and that as a result our children may benefit from being more accommodating and understanding of other cultures. Pride in your native culture is wonderful - but accepting other influences can also be a good thing.