Ladies: is that term offensive?

[questioner]

I was recently called into the bosses office and written up for misconduct. My offense-- using the term "ladies" around the office. A women in the office overheard me use the word "ladies" and was offended. She submitted a formal complaint to my manager. My supervisor (a women) told me that the term "ladies" was offensive and I should have know better.

Was I wrong?

 

[Bob Slydell]

Depends on the context

 

[Minnie824]

Some people I work with use that term in emails...honestly, not offensive, but annoying. I'm a person on the team as is everyone else...can just type in our names instead of writing ladies.

 

[goofy4tink]

I know it's offensive if Bill Parcells is calling his offensive line 'ladies'!!! But seriously, what were you supposed to call the women in the office? I think things are getting out of control lately!! I know....you call them wenches!!!

 

[kasar]

There's more to this story, isn't there?

 

[Maleficent13]

I don't buy the story.

 

[eeyore kelly]

There's more to this story, isn't there?

I bet there is. Maybe "C" can shed some light on it.

 

[Fredd's Girl]

I don't think "ladies" is offensive at all. But I have learned that I tend to be more laid back than the average bear. If that's the worse thing going on at your job that you are woman and being called a "lady" you've got it pretty good. Sounds like someone needed to stir the pot to me!

 

[*Fantasia*]

So what are you suppose to say? "Hey woman!" or "Hey women!" Or Hi females!" OR " Hi co-workers!"

 

[phorsenuf]

Well, in what context did you use it? If you work the night shift and referred to them as "ladies of the night", then ya, some may be bothered. If you were just walking by and tipped you cap and said G'day Ladies, then no. It's fine. LOL

 

[Honeibee]

Then I must REALLY be in trouble. I often use the term "Ladies and Gentlemen" when speaking to my subordinates.

Oh fire me now, please! So I can get a job at WDW!

 

[Cplofdisneynutz]

Depends on the context

I have to totally agree. My mother taught me that being a lady is important. What irks me, is when someone says "Look, lady". Then it becomes offensive to me.

It's the difference between:

"Good morning ladies"

&

"GOOOOOD morning, LADIES!!!"


Just a matter of context

 

[questioner]

People want to know more information, well OK.

I went up to a group of middle age women in the office and said, "how are you ladies doing?"

The person who submitted a formal complaint about me does not like me and used this as a way to get back at me for something I did to her.

Regardless, being written up for using the term ladies?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Depends, if you are Mr Q or Mrs Q.

 

[Cantw8]

 

[Maleficent13]

Your boss is using the incident as an excuse to write you up. The write up probably has nothing to do with saying "ladies" and everything to do with something else, probably something intangible that he/she can't use as an excuse for a write up, like being annoying.

 

[kimber79]

Will you please tell us the whole story....inquiring minds do want to know!

Truly, how can just using the word *ladies* be grounds for being written up?? I am generally a couple steps behind......but I always catch up. This one I am just not understanding though!

 

[Meezers]

well....I have been called worse. I worked long and hard to become the (insert name for female dog here) that I am....

 

[Sparx]

well....I have been called worse. I worked long and hard to become the (insert name for female dog here) that I am....

I don't think it is offensive, the way you used it.

 

[questioner]

From the OP (again)

I think a previous poster (MALEFICENT13) might have it right. That using the term LADIES is not wrong but if my boss and her friend who submitted the orginal compliant can put me on the defensive and give me (and others that hear that I was written up) the impression that I am messing up- then they will control me better.