Boomers Baffled: 'Mate' Offends Over-50s

The ubiquitous British and Australian term 'mate' is proving to be a source of irritation, especially for individuals over 50. A survey conducted among listeners of Boom Radio, targeting the baby boomer generation, found significant disapproval of using 'mate' with people one has never met. Two-thirds of men and three-quarters of women consider it impolite, a sentiment echoed by eight in ten respondents when the term is used by medical or police professionals.

Women, in particular, expressed strong negative reactions to call-center staff addressing them as 'mate,' with a striking 90% indicating their dislike. This sentiment highlights a perceived lack of professional deference when such informal language is employed. One listener lamented the repetitive use of 'mate' in everyday conversations, finding it tiresome and overly familiar.

Despite some high-profile instances, such as Prince William reportedly using the term, etiquette experts advise against its use in professional settings. They suggest that resorting to 'mate' often stems from forgetting a name or a misguided attempt to build rapport. Using actual names or more specific terms of endearment is recommended for fostering better communication and increasing genuine connection.