Is it offensive if I use the word "kid" or "kiddo" while talking to a younger person?

Question

Turning 30 soon, and honestly it's only within the last year or two that I've started using that word as a term of endearment for younger people, usually aged 19 and younger. It only just comes out, and I don't mind if they refer to me as "old man" or "gramps," I actually genuinely find it charming, like a badge of honor in a way. 

By the way, I know 30 isn't even that old, that's just how the chips have been falling nowadays whenever I talk to people.

Younger GAG'ers, would you be offended if someone called you that?

Prettygurl12 · Accepted Answer

If they're genuinely a child and not actually just young looking.

I get talked down to all the time by people my age. They just assume I'm much younger than I am because I look young. It's incredibly offensive when strangers assume things about you and then act on those assumptions.

If you know the person it's not offensive, but it''s offensive when you have no relationship with them at all.

MaskedSanity · Accepted Answer

I always see it being used to be condescending to the person you're talking to.

Not offensive, just slightly talking down on someone.

Context and tone make a huge difference, though, so I'd have to hear your use of the word to tell if it's coming off as endearing rather than demeaning.😛

heywat · Accepted Answer

I think it's ok for someone who's 10 or under. Otherwise it's kind of degrading. And I would only use it for people you know well (cousins, nieces, nephews, etc)

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

lol of course its offensive, thats why you are asking this. what? you've started using that word "as a term of endearment for younger people" are you dumb? you're only 29. thats hardly "old" at all lmfao... grow up. would you be offended if someone of the age 39 called you "kid"... this is funny because why are you even asking this.

madhatters4 · Accepted Answer

i think said in a certain tone to certain people it can be offensive. it can come off as demeaning or speaking down to someone. but typically if you are talking to people you are close with then they will understand that there is no meaning behind it other than a term of some kind of endearment

CHARismatic110 · Answer

I call @zorro8888 kid all the time. It's not condescending or anything tho. More affectionate than anything.

xslope · Answer

If a young person enforces my age by jokingly calling me gramps or old man, then I am pretty sure I'll let him/her to know how much of a child he/she is. Nothing gets late teens going like calling them a teenager :D

Baggz · Answer

"Sup kid? How ya feelin?" 😄 Naw bruh, depends who you sayin that shit too though and how it's being used. Some of my homies still uses the word as a greeting.

serious · Answer

Yes, some people may not like it when you call them that way.

findingdreamland · Answer

İ would not want to be called like that. Sounds like you want to degrade them.

Ghosted · Answer

kiddo might be ok for a prepubescent child and kid is probably fine for a teen. thats about it lol

Bandit74 · Answer

I agree with maskedsanity, it could easily come across as condescending. They could interpret it as you not taking them seriously.

KawaiiPie67 · Answer

You're still young! I wouldn't be offended but I'd think it was a little cute.

Ggermanus · Answer

Somewhat demeaning to younger GAG's I suppose, but it wasn't the original intent of the term.

Jessicocoa · Answer

I'm sure it would upset some but I don't consider it to be offensive.

blondfrog · Answer

No I call everyone a kid even when I was on xbox live everyone was a kid.

Anonymous · Answer

I found it really annoying when i was young, and have yet to do it to anyone.

justbanANNAz · Answer

nah i don't mind it at all gramps :)

abundantlyrich · Answer

I seem to hear 50 plus people saying that.

Phoenix98 · Answer

I do that all the time lol.

Hollywood-Glam · Answer

I wouldn't be offended to be honest.

ThatBritishLad · Answer

Beats me chief bossman.

Indigocloud · Answer

I'd call you kid right back

Anonymous · Answer

No, I don't why he should be a big deal

Is it offensive if I use the word "kid" or "kiddo" while talking to a younger person?

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