Ask BYC

[thecatumbrella]

Would an IBC be big enough?

That's pretty big, but I'm worried the average reader won't know what it is. I only just learned myself, not that long ago.

I call them cargo containers

I think this is what I was trying to think of!

 

[Evadig]

Question: When addressing an older adult (say 20+ years older) who is in sort of a supervisory position, and they always refer to themselves as “John”, is it rude to continue to call them “Mr. Jones”? Especially regarding emails.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Question: When addressing an older adult (say 20+ years older) who is in sort of a supervisory position, and they always refer to themselves as “John”, is it rude to continue to call them “Mr. Jones”? Especially regarding emails.

I think it's safe to drop the Mr.

If you're both adults that regularly interact, and he's shown a preference for just "John", I would call him John.

Safest bet is asking, "Do you mind if I call you John?"

 

[Evadig]

I think it's safe to drop the Mr.

If you're both adults that regularly interact, and he's shown a preference for just "John", I would call him John.

Safest bet is asking, "Do you mind if I call you John?"

Thanks! What if you don’t regularly interact? I only speak to this person once every few months.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Thanks! What if you don’t regularly interact? I only speak to this person once every few months.

I guess it depends on who he is to you.

If it's military related, I would absolutely keep the honorific. If it's someone from church or work that everyone calls John, I would call him John (again, if I'm 18+). If it's someone REALLY old, I stick to Mr./Mrs. because some older folks appreciate that.

 

[Evadig]

I guess it depends on who he is to you.

If it's military related, I would absolutely keep the honorific. If it's someone from church or work that everyone calls John, I would call him John (again, if I'm 18+). If it's someone REALLY old, I stick to Mr./Mrs. because some older folks appreciate that.

Got it, thanks. I would never dream of addressing a military supervisor without their rank - I’d be quite sorry if I did!

This person is the church organist that I sub for once in a while.

 

[azurbanclucker]

Got it, thanks. I would never dream of addressing a military supervisor without their rank - I’d be quite sorry if I did!

This person is the church organist that I sub for once in a while.

It's safe to call him John in email. If you're concerned, just ask him as Umbrella Cat suggested.

 

[MROO]

That's pretty big, but I'm worried the average reader won't know what it is. I only just learned myself, not that long ago.

I think this is what I was trying to think of!

Shippers?

 

[azurbanclucker]

Shippers?

I misread this as "slippers"

 

[notabitail]

I misread this as "slippers"

Cargo slippers.