Bro

[Tighty]

I read this line on an ad 'I'm here to show you a good time bro.' It made me want to laugh and felt odd at the same time. I suppose I don't know how to react when guys call me bro. It feels weird to me. I feel better if gay guys call me gurl. Not that I'm fem like a girl.

[rvwnsd]

I read this line on an ad 'I'm here to show you a good time bro.' It made me want to laugh and felt odd at the same time. I suppose I don't know how to react when guys call me bro. It feels weird to me. I feel better if gay guys call me gurl. Not that I'm fem like a girl.

 

Being referred to as "gurl," which has only happened once, feels weird to me. "Bro" just sounds silly coming from someone over the age of 17.

[Steven_Draker]

I believe "bro" is used a lot in instant messaging systems and online chatting with people you haven't met (yet) and it conveys some sort of a friendly and "cool" attitude.

 

I don't particularly like when someone approaches me with Sup, bro .. or Dude, but I try to cooperate beyond.

 

Those who use the term aren't necessarily teens or live in a bad neighborhood. They copied it. I wonder if "Sister" would be more appropriate.

[bostonman]

Of course, I think the most iconic use of the term (at least in pop culture) is "Don't tase me, bro!"

[Tighty]

I believe "bro" is used a lot in instant messaging systems and online chatting with people you haven't met (yet) and it conveys some sort of a friendly and "cool" attitude.

 

I don't particularly like when someone approaches me with Sup, bro .. or Dude, but I try to cooperate beyond.

 

Those who use the term aren't necessarily teens or live in a bad neighborhood. They copied it. I wonder if "Sister" would be more appropriate. [/color]

 

The correct term is 'sis' as in 'hey sis' :o

[Epigonos]

I taught high school for thirty six years and informed students that they could call me by my first name or by my last name. They could NOT, however, call me hey you, coach, buddy, dude, bro, etc., etc. I have always hated these silly meaningless terms. To me, at least, they indicate somebody to lazy to learn and to use my real name.

[+ Oliver]

I taught high school for thirty six years and informed students that they could call me by my first name or by my last name. They could NOT, however, call me hey you, coach, buddy, dude, bro, etc., etc. I have always hated these silly meaningless terms. To me, at least, they indicate somebody to lazy to learn and to use my real name.

 

I'm with you, dude.

[Tighty]

I'm with you, dude.

 

Gurl!

[tom1980]

When I hear or see bro I think of Neil Patrick Harris's character on How I Met Your Mother.

[+ WilliamM]

I taught high school for thirty six years and informed students that they could call me by my first name or by my last name. They could NOT' date=' however, call me hey you, coach, buddy, dude, bro, etc., etc. I have always hated these silly meaningless terms. To me, at least, they indicate somebody to lazy to learn and to use my real name.[/quote']

 

I understand why most teachers do not like or use Facebook. I do. I was surprised initially (and even now) at how many students are almost the same on Facebook as in class. Of course, there are major exceptions but even then I understand why. I hope you do not mind that I posted off-topic. But, this information might help. I agree that it's almost impossible to convince students to call teachers by first names.

[+ honcho]

I think I've mentioned going back to school part time. It's a little ironic in that my day gig is working at another university

 

One of my instructors has the rule "Anybody who is older than me, may address me by my first name; everbody one else should

use "Dr. <.... >" .

 

I qualify for the exemption, but on the basis of solidarity with my fellow students, I do *not* exercise the privilege.

 

It felt a little weird at first, because in the department of the university where I work, *nobody* uses Dr So-and-So.

 

Most of the professors and particularly American graduate students are on a first name basis.

 

The graduate students from south and south-east asia will invariably used "Professor So-and-So' and it's gotten to the point

where I employ that. When addressing my boss directly, I usually say "Hi" and avoid calling him by first name.

 

(This in response to WilliamM posting about it being "impossible to convince students to call teachers by first names".

[Decatur Guy]

I grew up in the South in the age when Sir and Ma'am and Mr., Mrs. and Miss were still employed. We often called people older than us who close to the family Miss Sally or Mr. Sam. If they held a higher position in town or we only knew them more formally and distantly, it was Mrs. Carter or Mr. Reynolds.

 

I still address most strangers as Sir or Ma'am, even though I'm now pushing 50 and they are likely to be younger than me. And I always do it with the clearly elderly.

 

As for people today, I say a variety of things, depending on the relationship: Cuzin' (even if they aren't my cousin), ma'am, Mr., Sir, dude, chief, darlin', pal, dawg, buddy, buddy-ro, my good friend, stalwart companion, minion (in jest), hussy (in jest), brother and even bro.

 

I don't call men "gurl" though. I never liked that.

[+ WilliamM]

I think I've mentioned going back to school part time. It's a little ironic in that my day gig is working at another university

 

One of my instructors has the rule "Anybody who is older than me, may address me by my first name; everbody one else should

use "Dr. <.... >" .

 

I qualify for the exemption, but on the basis of solidarity with my fellow students, I do *not* exercise the privilege.

 

It felt a little weird at first, because in the department of the university where I work, *nobody* uses Dr So-and-So.

 

Most of the professors and particularly American graduate students are on a first name basis.

 

The graduate students from south and south-east asia will invariably used "Professor So-and-So' and it's gotten to the point

where I employ that. When addressing my boss directly, I usually say "Hi" and avoid calling him by first name.

 

(This in response to WilliamM posting about it being "impossible to convince students to call teachers by first names".

 

Just to be clear, I was not writing about graduate students, who sometimes do call professors by their first names. It's the undergraduate students who have a very difficult time with it, even if they are asked to do so. I am sorry not to have made my comment so general because even some undergrads eventually do come around.

[Phil_musc]

I'd like to propose a new, easy-to-use and remember noun of address. I too dislike the generic "Bro" and I find "cumin" almost as repulsive. "Gurl" just seems latently homophobic to me. No, dear reader, I'd like to suggest that we resurrect (well, maybe not resurrect for some of us) the old stand-by noun of address, "Bitch." I've always kinda liked the way "Hey, Bitch" sounds. Or, "No, Bitch." With the right inflection of voice and twinkling eyes, it doesn't have to seem mean-spirited either or even a put-down. So, Bitches (and you know who you are), let's hear it for "Bitch."

[bostonman]

Just to be clear, I was not writing about graduate students, who sometimes do call professors by their first names. It's the undergraduate students who have a very difficult time with it, even if they are asked to do so. I am sorry not to have made my comment so general because even some undergrads eventually do come around.

 

I teach theatre on the college level, and given the more informal/personal nature of working with students in this field, we certainly always go on a first-name basis. I have, on occasion, had students initially try to call me "Professor [last name]" and I nip that in the bud right away, lol. (Let alone that I'm technically an artist-in-residence, not a full professor. Though I sure admit "Professor" sounds impressive, lol.)

 

Then again, I used to work for a children's theatre group (more teens than younger kinds, but still...), and the director often liked to refer to me in front of the kids as "Mr. [first name]" which I REALLY hated, lol.

[bigvalboy]

I read this line on an ad 'I'm here to show you a good time bro.' It made me want to laugh and felt odd at the same time. I suppose I don't know how to react when guys call me bro. It feels weird to me. I feel better if gay guys call me gurl. Not that I'm fem like a girl.

 

So many people use the term "bro" these days that I simply don't have a reaction one way or the other, as long as it was in a casual setting. It would probably bother me if my doctor or lawyer said it, or someone in a professional setting. I have noticed a lot of younger guys greeting me with, "What's going on my brother?"......

[instudiocity]

So many people use the term "bro" these days that I simply don't have a reaction one way or the other, as long as it was in a casual setting. It would probably bother me if my doctor or lawyer said it, or someone in a professional setting. I have noticed a lot of younger guys greeting me with, "What's going on my brother?"......

Yup!! Sometimes they say "Brother", sometimes "Bro". I've even heard "Brah". One time an escort said, "Brah" to me and I thought, "Geez, are my tits really that big?"

[instudiocity]

I'd like to propose a new, easy-to-use and remember noun of address. I too dislike the generic "Bro" and I find "cumin" almost as repulsive. "Gurl" just seems latently homophobic to me. No, dear reader, I'd like to suggest that we resurrect (well, maybe not resurrect for some of us) the old stand-by noun of address, "Bitch." I've always kinda liked the way "Hey, Bitch" sounds. Or, "No, Bitch." With the right inflection of voice and twinkling eyes, it doesn't have to seem mean-spirited either or even a put-down. So, Bitches (and you know who you are), let's hear it for "Bitch."

A straight friend of mine calls all his male friends, "Peckerhead", and since I tend to think of cock occasionally, I think it's very apropos.

[+ FreshFluff]

I read this line on an ad 'I'm here to show you a good time bro.' It made me want to laugh and felt odd at the same time. I suppose I don't know how to react when guys call me bro. It feels weird to me. I feel better if gay guys call me gurl. Not that I'm fem like a girl.

 

The undertone of that ad sounds like "Hey, we're both straight guys but let's have a little fun together." I guess it makes married guys more comfortable.

[+ FreshFluff]

I understand why most teachers do not like or use Facebook. I do. I was surprised initially (and even now) at how many students are almost the same on Facebook as in class. Of course, there are major exceptions but even then I understand why. I hope you do not mind that I posted off-topic. But, this information might help. I agree that it's almost impossible to convince students to call teachers by first names.

 

Mine always started calling me by first name through the semester, which really isn't acceptable here. It's partially because I'm young and partially because pronouncing "Professor Fluffyopolis" was just too difficult. I rebranded myself as "Dr. F," which sounds lovable and experienced at the same time. There's less first name calling now, but a few still tried it at the end of the semester.

 

One guy asked if he could call me "Miss Fluffyopolos." Er, no.

[+ purplekow]

If I am addressing a professional who has earned a title, when in a professional setting, I refer to them by that title. If they wish to have me address them in another manner, I expect they will tell me. I worked with a man for 8 years and was a guest in his home for dinner on several occasions and I still referred to him as Dr. S. His wife was Mrs. S until she asked me to address her by her first name. I am generally a very informal person, but I am respectful of achievement and I believe using the title is in deference to that achievement. On the other hand, neither of them referred to me socially as Dr. R and I was fine with that.

I do not have any children, but I would not want my child to be guided by a teacher who did not expect to be called by an honorific. They are the teacher, not the friend, cousin or neighbor. The use of first name has fostered a level of intimacy between teacher and student that may be comfortable for individuals but as a rule, I believe it undermines the structure of relationship.

[gp0560]

If I recall correctly, the use of first names in the college/university context started in the 60's. I suppose the teaching assistants and the younger faculty wanted to feel part of the New Age. Before that, my students and I always addressed each other as Mr./Mrs./Miss. No first names in either direction and certainly no Ms. yet! (Miz? Are you ... kidding me?) This level of formality lasted at least through the mid-70s, when I left academia. Be it duly noted that I myself did not encourage the informality -- not to my taste. Hmph!

 

On a side note, I know of one top-ranked university where at the time virtually every faculty member had a Ph.D., and yet Mr. was used for all. At another university of lower rank, where not everyone had a Ph.D., the distinction between Dr. on the one hand and Mr. for the lesser fry was carefully maintained.

[+ WilliamM]

If I am addressing a professional who has earned a title, when in a professional setting, I refer to them by that title. If they wish to have me address them in another manner, I expect they will tell me. I worked with a man for 8 years and was a guest in his home for dinner on several occasions and I still referred to him as Dr. S. His wife was Mrs. S until she asked me to address her by her first name. I am generally a very informal person, but I am respectful of achievement and I believe using the title is in deference to that achievement. On the other hand, neither of them referred to me socially as Dr. R and I was fine with that.

I do not have any children, but I would not want my child to be guided by a teacher who did not expect to be called by an honorific. They are the teacher, not the friend, cousin or neighbor. The use of first name has fostered a level of intimacy between teacher and student that may be comfortable for individuals but as a rule, I believe it undermines the structure of relationship.

 

Let's turn back the clock then to the late 1950s and early 1960s when high school teachers and college professors in public and private schools usually called students by their last names. In my opinion, that practice distanced students from most teachers/professors to the point that there was little contact ever after the school year was over. Just because some of the formality that you advocate has been dropped does not mean students have lost respect for teachers. In fact, it is the opposite. And university professors still are frustrated that few students take advantage of office hours to discuss term paper topics, or problems they may be having with the course.

 

I always look forward to your witty comments, and on-target points of views. So I am surprised that we disagree so strongly now.

[+ FreshFluff]

Let's turn back the clock then to the late 1950s and early 1960s when high school teachers and college professors in public and private schools usually called students by their last names. In my opinion, that practice distanced students from most teachers/professors to the point that there was little contact ever after the school year was over. Just because some of the formality that you advocate has been dropped does not mean students have lost respect for teachers. In fact, it is the opposite. And university professors still are frustrated that few students take advantage of office hours to discuss term paper topics, or problems they may be having with the course.

 

I always look forward to your witty comments, and on-target points of views. So I am surprised that we disagree so strongly now.

 

True, but there's some value in maintaining boundaries--especially for young female teachers. I have to do everything possible to maintain authority: I'm in a suit, my hair is up. If I'm too soft, they start being going behind my podiums to pick up handouts when they're late--which I specifically tell them not to do on the first day. On the other hand, I can't be anywhere near as aggressive as the male profs without looking like a bitch.

 

I'm not sure that asking students to call us by our first names would make them come to office hours more. In the end, as long as we're grading them, they'll be a little afraid of us, even if we see that fear as irrational.

[+ WilliamM]

True, but there's some value in maintaining boundaries--especially for young female teachers. I have to do everything possible to maintain authority: I'm in a suit, my hair is up. If I'm too soft, they start being going behind my podiums to pick up handouts when they're late--which I specifically tell them not to do on the first day. On the other hand, I can't be anywhere near as aggressive as the male profs without looking like a bitch.

 

I'm not sure that asking students to call us by our first names would make them come to office hours more. In the end, as long as we're grading them, they'll be a little afraid of us, even if we see that fear as irrational.

 

I was way too young when I started post-graduate work, but the one thing I did completely right was selecting my thesis advisor & the head of my oral exam committee. I did not want a friend, or, even more, someone who was interested in gossiping about the political science department. In the mid-1960s there were very, very few female poli sc professors, but there was a very good women on the facility. She was forty-six, and was only interesting in my doing the best possible work, and completing everything so I could move on to the next stage of my life. We only became friends later on, then I did call her my her first name. I assume she may have problems initially in a historically all-male department, and area of study, but was far past that by the time I met her. In all the time I knew her, she did not say one unkind thing about the other professors, or grad students in the political science department.

 

So I am sensitive to your very wise comments. Young male professors have it much easier.