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The term 'old biddies'? Is it really that offensive?

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Greatnan Sat 08-Dec-12 13:15:36

I wouldn't worry - I don't suppose any of your old visitors are members of any expat forum! They know how much you respect them.
It wouldn't bother me to be called an old biddy - I have been called much worse!

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jO5 Sat 08-Dec-12 13:03:45

I don't like it. Don't see any need to label older people except for the more explanatory 'seniors'.

I am still proud of the fact that I got myself banned from Sainsburys forum for kicking up a fuss about their "old bag" campaign. Just don't like these references at all.

Although you obviously mean no harm by it Granjura. Respect for what you are doing. smile

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granjura Sat 08-Dec-12 12:47:47

Well I am in deep hot water here. As you know, English is not my mother tongue. On a French ex-pat Forum, I stated the other day that we were hosting the village 'old biddies' for lunch on Thursday- and all hell let loose.

Apparently this is highly condescending and disrespectful. Of course it depends on the context and how it is said, but the way I used it was affectionately and 'tongue and cheek'. The elderly people we host once a month (twice in December) know how much we love and respect them - having 40 over for lunch with activities afterwards, with all the heating, cooking, serving, cleaning, etc, etc, this entails should speak louder than works I'd hope.

Well anyway, would love to know your take on this. Were my words really that offensive in the context? Thanks.

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