Is being called a "Young lad" at age 30 an insult?

[Charnwood Norris]

Is being called a "Young lad" at age 30 an insult? If the man/women using that word was not much older, like between 38-45.

I say this as, I thought, the context people generally use it is when referring to a young man (18-23 tops), adolescent or a boy/male child. Do you agree? I know the term "lad" on its own can be used to describe men of any age as a collective, f.e in a football team, quiz team or at work etc; "right then lads lets get this work done" - that's acceptable. But when used by a stranger to describe an adult male (over 23 - not that they know your age) would you find it degrading? like the user of the word thinks your intermediate between boy or man (adolescent) so opts for "young lad" rather than "man"?

Is it exerting dominance - a put down?

[Zingari]

run along sonny

[Bellend Sebastian]

I was addressed as 'young man' by a Remembrance Day poppy seller a few weeks back. I was ecstatic, being as I'm nearly 34.

Bearing in mind life expectancy for a male is now 80 plus, in the grand scheme of things I suppose I'm still relatively young, so I don't think being called that by someone a lot older than me is particularly condescending or anything. Then again, some people get annoyed by things like that more than I do. I have no problem addressing our clients as 'Sir' for example, but that makes me very old fashioned as a lot of people seem very uncomfortable with that

[Steven]

Is being called a "Young lad" at age 30 an insult? If the man/women using that word was not much older, like between 38-45.

I say this as, I thought, the context people generally use it is when referring to a young man (18-23 tops), adolescent or a boy/male child. Do you agree? I know the term "lad" on its own can be used to describe men of any age as a collective, f.e in a football team, quiz team or at work etc; "right then lads lets get this work done" - that's acceptable. But when used by a stranger to describe an adult male (over 23 - not that they know your age) would you find it degrading? like the user of the word thinks your intermediate between boy or man (adolescent) so opts for "young lad" rather than "man"?

Is it exerting dominance - a put down?

I think being called "boy" at 30 is much worse. <_<

[Bellend Sebastian]

I think being called "boy" at 30 is much worse. <_<

I'd just assume that they were complimenting me on my boyish charm and good looks.

You've just got to put a positive slant on things

[Katy]

I shouldn't worry about it, I think it's nice when people call me young lady (I'm 34) or even girl. It's like they think you look and are younger than you are and that's always good in my book.

[Zingari]

i was in tescos the other day, taking my time in the ailses and i heard some young tyke behind me say, " these fookin pensioners dawdlin along "

now that is upsetting

[Lillehamring]

no.

and furthermore, worrying about it makes you sound like a right old man.

[davieG]

Is being called a "Young lad" at age 30 an insult? If the man/women using that word was not much older, like between 38-45.

I say this as, I thought, the context people generally use it is when referring to a young man (18-23 tops), adolescent or a boy/male child. Do you agree? I know the term "lad" on its own can be used to describe men of any age as a collective, f.e in a football team, quiz team or at work etc; "right then lads lets get this work done" - that's acceptable. But when used by a stranger to describe an adult male (over 23 - not that they know your age) would you find it degrading? like the user of the word thinks your intermediate between boy or man (adolescent) so opts for "young lad" rather than "man"?

Is it exerting dominance - a put down?

Doon't worreh aboutit me'duck

[Guest Mickyblueeyes]

Whats more insulting is when an 18 year old refers to you as "son"...I nearly broke his jaw!

[DB11]

Is it not just like a random bloke calling you "son" ??

[Guest]

I would be insulted if someone called me "young lad".

[Lillehamring]

I would be insulted if someone called me "young lad".

...when, clearly, you are neither of these.

[Guest]

...when, clearly, you are neither of these.

It's a good job you weren't on my Xmas card list.

[Corky]

It's a good job you weren't on my Xmas card list.

To be honest, I wasn't sure....

[Lillehamring]

It's a good job you weren't on my Xmas card list.

..and now i am, yes?

[Guest]

..and now i am, yes?

Guess again.

[GLC]

I'd just assume that they were complimenting me on my boyish charm and good looks.

You've just got to put a positive slant on things

its fine if he calls you it

[Corky]

Guess again.

Get in the Christmas spirit "old" Lisa (you didn't want to be called a young lad).

Giving, and not receiving, is the name of Christmas

[Guest]

Get in the Christmas spirit "old" Lisa (you didn't want to be called a young lad).

Giving, and not receiving, is the name of Christmas

Less of the "old", thank you.

I am so surprised that the last sentence has gone so long without being answered!

[Corky]

Less of the "old", thank you.

I am so surprised that the last sentence has gone so long without being answered!

Sorry, "distinguished" Lisa.

[Guest]

Sorry, "distinguished" Lisa.

Now you're just being silly.

[Corky]

Now you're just being silly.

"Seasoned" Lisa?

[Guest]

"Seasoned" Lisa?

I consider that an in'salt'.