As a woman who works with men, “bro” and “man” (thanks, man) seem to signify comradarie that I don’t receive. It’s not a big enough deal to bring up in the workplace, but I associate it with feeling left out and it makes me sad sometimes. Since you asked.
If it makes you feel any better, I don’t think those words used in those context are gender specific, that is to say I would totally say “thanks, man” to a woman without batting an eye, and I assume people who use bro would do the same. I know feelings are extremely personal, and if it makes you feel bad it’s unlikely to change because some random person online said something, but in my head “thanks, man” is just a construct used to imply comradrie, it has nothing to do with the gender of the word, just like how “see you later, alligator” doesn’t exclude human beings.
Those are usually used in a more friendly, casual setting. I would be abit more concerned about using such language at the workplace especially towards other female coworker or the higher up managers, compared to say a colleague you work with and see everyday lest you get written up by HR again for, “inappropriate behaviours”.
As with all of these kinds of discussions, context is key. Getting offended at the mere sight of the word ‘bro’? Go suck a dick. Using ‘bro’ spitefully to misgender someone? Also go suck a dick.
It does seem a little condescending in this context. I have known one or two people who don’t “bro” in normal conversation, but once it’s an argument they say it in every retort. It can feel slightly toxic when used this way.
How is “bro” toxic…? I can see how someone who isn’t a dude objecting to being called one, but that’s not an issue with the word itself
As a woman who works with men, “bro” and “man” (thanks, man) seem to signify comradarie that I don’t receive. It’s not a big enough deal to bring up in the workplace, but I associate it with feeling left out and it makes me sad sometimes. Since you asked.
If it makes you feel any better, I don’t think those words used in those context are gender specific, that is to say I would totally say “thanks, man” to a woman without batting an eye, and I assume people who use bro would do the same. I know feelings are extremely personal, and if it makes you feel bad it’s unlikely to change because some random person online said something, but in my head “thanks, man” is just a construct used to imply comradrie, it has nothing to do with the gender of the word, just like how “see you later, alligator” doesn’t exclude human beings.
Those are usually used in a more friendly, casual setting. I would be abit more concerned about using such language at the workplace especially towards other female coworker or the higher up managers, compared to say a colleague you work with and see everyday lest you get written up by HR again for, “inappropriate behaviours”.
I hope you feel better, Bro.
Even ‘dude’ is shifting towards gender neutral.
As with all of these kinds of discussions, context is key. Getting offended at the mere sight of the word ‘bro’? Go suck a dick. Using ‘bro’ spitefully to misgender someone? Also go suck a dick.
I’ve considered dude gender neutral since 2010-ish, it’s just a “hello person I don’t feel like specifying for”
IMO women can be dudes and bros too. Dudehood and brodom are a state of mind.
Is this an age and location thing? Because I’m a millennial and Californian as heck and use “bro” “dude” “man” to everybody lol
I think maybe assuming gender? But it’s such a stretch that you should probably get a tube of bendgay to put on it.
It does seem a little condescending in this context. I have known one or two people who don’t “bro” in normal conversation, but once it’s an argument they say it in every retort. It can feel slightly toxic when used this way.
Not as toxic as stalking downvoters though