[Brighton] Being called ' Mate'. When is it ok?

[pastafarian]

You most likely don't like it because of a socially learned feeling of superiority you have over shopworkers, bar staff and waiters.

When someone calls another person 'mate' they are expressing a desire to form a bond with a fellow human being, in a very British way. It's usually a very positive social interaction, so it's a shame that you dislike it, or that you feel you are superior to them, purely on the basis that they are people working in these types of jobs.

If they were working in professions that you respected more, then you would surely not feel such contempt towards them calling you 'mate'.

I think you should reflect on this, and consider that we are all equal despite the professions that we have. Perhaps them calling you 'mate' is a compliment that you are worthy of their empathy.. and maybe consider calling them 'mate' back. It might make them feel good.

what a load of new age chuffing ballocks
I have worked in a shop, a bar and a restaurant,
I never ever called a customer mate as i was fortunate enough to receive good training.

"socially learned feeling of superiority" my arse

 

[easynow]

what a load of new age chuffing ballocks
I have worked in a shop, a bar and a restaurant,
I never ever called a customer mate as i was fortunate enough to receive good training.

"socially learned feeling of superiority" my arse

You were obviously very well trained in how to make your mouth noises. Congrats, mate.

 

[brightn'ove]

Fine when it is a mate saying it. But is it ok for shopworkers, bar staff and waiters to call you it. Should a waiter say it ? Well. I don't like it.
How do you feel?

okay mate.

 

[Wrong-Direction]

Look out the offended brigade are out.

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk

 

[Eeyore]

You most likely don't like it because of a socially learned feeling of superiority you have over shopworkers, bar staff and waiters.

When someone calls another person 'mate' they are expressing a desire to form a bond with a fellow human being, in a very British way. It's usually a very positive social interaction, so it's a shame that you dislike it, or that you feel you are superior to them, purely on the basis that they are people working in these types of jobs.

If they were working in professions that you respected more, then you would surely not feel such contempt towards them calling you 'mate'.

I think you should reflect on this, and consider that we are all equal despite the professions that we have. Perhaps them calling you 'mate' is a compliment that you are worthy of their empathy.. and maybe consider calling them 'mate' back. It might make them feel good.

Uncomfortably, I think you have a point.

 

[Superphil]

Christ on a bike, don’t ever come to Australia then, even the doctor here called me mate while he was examining me!

 

[Buzzer]

When is it acceptable? Pretty much all the time, matey. I call most people mate or matey.

 

[GloryDays]

I’m not one to cry generation snowflake but you know you lead a pretty comfortable and trouble free life when you’re offended by someone being friendly.

 

[Bodian]

Christ on a bike, don’t ever come to Australia then, even the doctor here called me mate while he was examining me!

Not 'cobber'?

 

[Hampster Gull]

It’s a bit knobby

 

[easynow]

edit""

 

[Tooting Gull]

Can be a bit knobby for total strangers, although not the worst. Personally I don't much care for 'pal', especially when said in a very passive aggressive way. Seems to be used as a default by a lot of people at work.

 

[B-right-on]

Personally the only time I dont think its acceptable is when a parent calls their kid 'mate'. No he/she isnt your 'mate' they are your child and teach them some respect for parents and others. Cannot stand that. Starts there and then you get them treating teachers as mates and then the law and thats a downward spirial from there. Call a lot of people 'mate' I meet but never ever my kids. Love them to bits, but they arent my 'mate', their my kids and that is a lot more to me than a 'mate'.

 

[Fungus]

what a load of new age chuffing ballocks
I have worked in a shop, a bar and a restaurant,
I never ever called a customer mate as i was fortunate enough to receive good training.

"socially learned feeling of superiority" my arse

Trained inferiority complex.

 

[JamesAndTheGiantHead]

“Alright mate, it’s the police, your wife’s dead” is different to “Alright mate, what can I get you to drink?”.

Context.

 

[Juan Albion]

Are you sure she really is an Irish nurse

Oh yes, quite sure.

 

[Thecoffeecake]

Are you sure she really is an Irish nurse

Someone just photoshopped a model in a nurse's Halloween costume to be draped in the Saltire of St. Patrick, and sent it along with the word "catfish" for the win.

 

[Spider]

What about being called 'boss'?

 

[Albion my Albion]

When your surname is Mate, Mr. Mate is perfectly fine.

 

[Albion my Albion]

What about being called 'boss'?

When your surname is Boss, Mr. Boss is perfectly fine.