A couple in Tescos had their shopping cart in front of the shelves I was looking at. The man moved it out of the way - which was nice - and said 'Sorry luv' to me - which was a bit worrying.
For those who don't know: "luv" is a British epithet addressed to females! I get it every now and then. Surprising really coz though I have no facial hair I am pretty obviously male!
I replied 'No worries' in a deep gruff voice. The man went red and I heard a muttered apology as I walked away.
But on the bright side - at least it means my hair must be getting long again! :)
Damon
Guess there's always an "up" side of things!
In this country, "Mame" is the same as "Luv".
The first time I was "Mamed", I was delighted, reported it immediately on the MLHH......
.........and started growing my mustache that night !!
Thanks for sharing your great milestone.....
WWT
I usually have this happen two or three times a year..
It doesn't bother me, it just means I have long hair (which I do.)
I do have a moustache which people see when i turn around but
when I get "Mamed" it's when someone sees my long hair from the
back. I'm also only 5'8" with a somewhats slight build, and almost always wear cut off shorts. So it's understandable that
I could be mistaken for a woman. Which is rather strange when
you consider that most of the woman around here have hair that
is much shorter than mine.
Ultimately I don't care. I'll continue wearing my hair long,
and continue to wear what I want for clothes. After all i've had
long hair since 1964, and it will remain long until the day I die. After all these years the long hair will remain long.
Hi Damon,
Actually I felt it was quite amusing and would take that comment in stride:)I hardly think it was malicious in context.Just an honest mistake;)Have some fun with it that's all.LOL.Cheers
Mârk
Ages ago, before and as I grew my moustache When I had grown my hair out as a teen in the 60s. I occasionally got the gender misidentification thing. Particulalrly at Gas stations. when they were still full service. I 'd get the question form the attndant "Fill 'er up. Ma'am? Iturn to answer and at the sight of my hairy lip. they would stumble about trying to apologize.. I took it in stride, ready to act if it was indeed a slur or a verbal attack. In those halcyon days, a long haired male could find himself in some deep trouble just by existing. Fortunately I never had to go on defense. I am certain the gentleman you encountered was qualifingly abashed.
I've had random women call me luv quite often. It's more something that anyone can say to a complete stranger of the opposite gender without expecting them to take offence, even though it sounds very personal and familiar. If a man said it to me I'd be more likely to think he was gay than to realise he thought I was a woman, although the latter is clearly what happened here.
Yeah, the guy definitely made a genuine mistake and was not trying to be clever. I wasn't insulted at all. I just found it funny. In fact, I had to stop myself from bursting out laughing coz I didn't want to hurt his feelings. I just made my voice extra deep when I replied 'No worries' and smiled to myself. Even then, I felt slightly guilty at his obvious embarrassment!
I love the American "Ma'am"! I've never been called that yet. I think I'll have to move to the States just so I can see if I get called it. It sounds so much better than "luv" and I'd die laughing!
Moustache? Nah, I tried one once and hated it. It felt like some sort of malignant fungus was trying to eat my face. I'd rather risk getting my gender mistaken occasionally. And to be honest, the laugh makes my day! :)
Damon
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A good thing about "Ma'am" is that when you get old it sounds just like "Man" to you, and you hear both as what makes sense in the context, which is "Man"!
Hi Damon,
Well I am certainly glad to hear your hair is getting long again and provoking such comments! Thanks for the funny story:) Take care my friend.
Ted