Can I call a guy I'm arguing with son if he's not my son?

[Sevenpointfive]

it sometimes isn't even an argument and some guys going to come at you for just being present at a place you didn't want to be.

[SteveSmith1985]

It's a condescending way to say "I'm older and know better, so shut the fuck up." How would you have reacted if you were the younger guy? (I'm assuming he was a younger guy, it is objectively weird if he wasn't).

It's a provoking choice of words. It would be similar to calling someone "boy" (without racial connotations).

It is something you can say in an argument, but it'll be taken as fighting words for sure. It is a distinctly disrespectful thing to call a guy you're arguing with. It's far from neutral.

Don't say it if you're not intending to provoke them in a personal way.

It's better to just use another word dude. Try "dude" or if that doesn't fit..."man" works.

Your best bet it to not call people "son."

It may depend on where in the world you are as well I guess. I was called a "lad" by a 19 year old Irish girl the other week. So I guess slang can vary. I'm in Canada for reference. So what I say is going to apply in Canada and the US.

[Sevenpointfive]

i think i might have to switch to lad. thanks!

[SteveSmith1985]

Haha be careful with "lad" for similar reasons. I actually commented on her calling me that (we were already getting along great; I wasn't upset, but found it funny because I'm twice her age.

Also she was Irish. They say "lad" and "lasse." That would be super weird to hear from someone who wasn't from the UK.

It's problematic for the same reason as son. It implies the other person is immature and that you know better because you're older.

You want a term that doesn't have those implications.

It depends where in the world you live; but generally avoid terms that refer to a younger male specifically.(Son, boy, lad, pup, etc.)

[Sevenpointfive]

i guess i'll go back to calling them habibi

[DryGermanGuy]

If it's a common expression in your region or profession, why not.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/4VHKpGJX29s

[ProbablyClueless]

You're pretty much guaranteeing that you'll never reach a favorable resolution if you do that.

[Shiprex]

Yes you can but anyone paying attention knows it's seen as demeaning because you're trying to imply he has no wisdom or is immature.

[msc545]

ad idea - but you kno that...

[Sevenpointfive]

i took a beating but i came out on top. but that's why i was wondering. and so i asked the question.