I can't stand being called "guy" but I've realized that I now call people that hoping they get as irritated by it as I do.
"Excuse me sir, you have to check in." "Not now Chief, i'm in the ****ing zone!" courtesy of.... <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4JMOh-cul6M&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4JMOh-cul6M&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
If its someone born past 1980 saying it, it might be disrespectful. Also depends on the environment. Was it in a business climate? The backhanded comment is a NECESSARY tool in business because of all the correctness policies you have to follow. "Say it to my face" doesnt work in stuffy office environments.
On the real . . . . Everytime I hear someone call everyone BOSS I think of ShawShank Redemption . . .and wonder if they are a Ex-Con *grin* Rocket River
For some reason, this SP episode seemed fitting: <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IAeurEevwNc&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IAeurEevwNc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object> (couldn't find the actual clip) I don't think it's disrespectful at all, just do it right back to em, chief
It could also be indicative of someone who isn't good with names. If this is someone who may or may not remember your name, they may be calling you this to remain collegial.
What about coach or doctor? Call my dad "coach" all the time..."whats good, coach?" you know? lol... as for 'doctor', remember Do The Right Thing?
Maybe, it's an acknowledgement, they accept that they will always be your subordinate. By calling you Chief they are really calling themselves Serf. I call this guy I work part time for Boss because he's younger than me and feeding his family is our first priority. And he works a lot harder than I do. In the golf business everyone calls each other "Pro".
I got called "boy" a couple of times early on in my job and I smilingly and half-jokingly took exception. This is a gas pipeline and some of these are old field guys from the Texas panhandle or the rural midwest; I'm 20-25 years younger than some of them, but also as black as a dress loafer. One of them came over and apologized a few minutes after; even indicating they didn't mean anything "racial" by it, and I never heard it again. Eight years on and some of the older women still say I'm a "child" or a "kid," which is infinitely more frustrating, especially since some of the married people who are 5-10 years older never seem to be called that.
