4:53 am
MrOoijer
Oh by the way, that was a joke. Heard many people call a man of 44 an inexperienced boy.
6:09 am
SamanthaJoy
ooooohhhhhhhh
Fightin' words, huh? Who was it?
8:51 am
Judy
I agree but...how many times have you heard a guy say he was going out with "the boys" or having a "boys night out" or, when seeing a group of friends say "what are you boys up to?" My mom played bridge weekly with " the girls" until well into her 80's. Maybe it's just regional but I certainly wouldn't take it as offensive unless the intent was obviously demeaning.
1:14 pm
TallMike
@MrOoijer: You have left so many questions unanswered. Who was the man of 44? Was it you? How many people did you hear call him an inexperienced boy? Were they all women? (which might explain a lot). How do you know they were speaking American English? Is there really a joke in this somewhere? Or were you playing a joke on us?
7:16 pm
K.Elisabet
It depends on whether "boy" is being used to convey something about age or something about social status. So, generally, "boyish good looks" is okay, while "Ring up my purchases, boy" is not. It's an offensively loaded term when referring to black men particularly. Context is everything. If there's any ambiguity, do NOT use.
10:34 pm
Penguin
I agree with K.Elisabet. Context is crucial. Speaking down, as in giving an order or intending insult, particularly when there is a racial or social disparity, is unacceptable. When offered with affection, such as welcoming the man as "one of the boys", can be a good thing. Again agreeing with K., if there is any lack of certainty that "boy" will be seen as a welcome term then it is best to avoid that term when referring to an adult.
At a wedding yesterday, I referred to the groom as a good boy. This was speaking with his parents who are slightly younger than I am. The young man (boy) is now married to my niece and the rest of the conversation made it clear that I was adding my welcome of him to the family. Had there been less warmth in my praise of my new nephew-in-law then I should not have used boy, not even "good boy". Fortunately I have had the chance to get to know him, his parents are close to my niece's parents, and they knew I meant well which was reflected in their smiles and subsequent comments. Whew! I hadn't even thought that my words might have been taken another way until catching up on this thread started by Mr.O.
