Asset

AM - hyphens are between the zero and the equals sign

Oo, look, there's the 'het up' again. It's a discussion..... Check the Wiki entry for lady. It's quite interesting re. The social uses etc. and evidently not a new discussion. But seeing as how quids' mum would feel insulted being called a woman and thinks lady is polite I'll just have to bite my lip ;-/ Sue - exactly in re. The differentiation in marital status with mrs and miss, though I can't say I've ever filled in a form where the only option is ms. I don't see why we need to have anything really.

Even the French are stopping the distinction between mademoiselle and madame! I refer to myself as a Ms if I am forced into it as neither of the other options fit. Personally I don't see why I should have any little label in front of my name!

Not really, quids. I'm miffed at being told to 'calm down dear' but I'm not miffed I don't get agreement - I wasn't expecting it as I've had conversations in real life on this subject - not just virtually.

You know what, it would appear I'm not allowed to express my opinions for fear of coming across as either a hysterical little lady getting all worked up over nothing or a rabid feminist who wants to castrate all men. It's very interesting how upset some people seem to have got about me, and others, saying I object to the term even though I think some quite solid arguments have been put forward for not using it. I have not said at any point that it's 'offensive' which is what my initial objection has been turned into, obviously there are far more offensive words for women in use. It does grate with me, it doesn't sound right to me any more and I don't use the term myself. It is an outdated and inappropriate term in my opinion. I just fancied seeing what others thought and I'm surprised it's caused such vehement responses, particularly from other women! Why use the word 'lady' when you can use the word 'woman'? it's genuinely slightly bizarre (to me) that some people think it's insulting to say woman. Me and my delicate sensibilities eh?

yes it does - hence the thread

the argument would be that you'd be betting on their life letting them cycle around without having had the proficiency training

I'd guess someone's using the premises for a film or TV show location

she's not - she's comparing the use of outdated and inappropriate terminology.

maybe because it's so ingrained and they're not really thinking about the connotations......

steveo - I was having a little lady moment with the spelling of wittiscismsm obviously

well, I was going to suggest that also, I'd get a few. As the learned PRose says, perhaps better in the About the Forum section. Please excuse me for being so remiss.

The more small children on bikes on the road, the more careful drivers will have to be. Someone I know is a cycle instructor and takes Yr 5/6 kids out in Westminster - they sometimes do the Wellington Arch roundabout, eek!

A la FB. Then we could all compete to see how many likes we can get for our wittisisms.

My unreconstructed other half regularly refers to me as his bird - I don't really mind that either. He wouldn't dare call me a lady though lol.

I get that quite a lot funnily enough. Actually - I really don't mind if someone calls me 'love' or 'dearie' or whatever, it's a different thing altogether.

I couldn't possibly, just reading this thread has made me come over all weak and I'm not sure my pretty little head can deal with it all. RosieH has put the argument much more succinctly than me. Also, could people stop accusing me (or others) about getting het up - next you'll be suggesting we have hysterectomies.

* find it

Nope, are you a lord? I didn't actually say it was offensive merely that I objected. I find it belittling and patronising personally. MrBen - you could just say "follow me please". It would appear I'm in the minority with my opinions but perhaps that's just because it is an insidious yet becoming more outdated way of referring to women and in 50 years it won't be used - unless you are actually a titled lady. I for one do not defund it insulting to called a woman. Now, all you little ladies, I've got stuff to do.

You seem to be getting quite worked up about the discussion dear!

I'm not sure you're right about that. People have been getting 'het up' over labels for quite a while and for good reason.

Not particularly stressing just opening up a discussion.

I object to being referred to as a lady. The more I hear lady/ladies being used the more it grates on my sensibilities. I know it's scary and intimidating for some but seriously, get in the 21st century. I'm a WOMAN.

But sadly, that glimpse of a fleeting deluded dream can reverberate through the rest of their lives and lead them to some sort of expectation of fame and fortune without them actually having to be a valid member of society. This in turn leads to depression and torpor and .....oh my god.... I'm giving too much away.

Timbuktu