In article , Adrian C
scribeth thus
Andy Hall wrote:
You're on a hiding to nothing there.

Everybody in the construction industry has the name of "mate". I am
not sure whether they are christened with it or change it by deed poll.


I call everyone "mate" especially when apologising. That gets me into
further problems when after the sorry event I discover the victim is
female...


"Mates" an OK term, what does sound offensive is "Pal"..

Even when spoken from someone up north!..

--
Tony Sayer