"Kiddo"

Could we all agree to stop using the term "kiddo," particularly when speaking with a grown ADULT!?  

Honestly, it's not my favorite term even when it's being used with a specific child.  Like, "Hey, kiddo" or "This kiddo said..."  I strongly prefer to call them by their name (or by their first and middle name, as is my signature style) or even by an endearing nickname.  You know, something that lets them know they have individual and personal value to me.  "Kiddo" generalizes them all and keeps it more impersonal and distant, which is not what I'm about.

But when it's an older adult speaking to an unrelated younger adult, "kiddo" is downright condescending and patronizing.  A term used by someone who feels superior to you, and they would like you to be aware of that.  It is not benign or endearing - it's just irksome and cringey and belittling.

I had a car salesmen say this to me repeatedly, and it only confirmed the smarmy, arrogant vibes I already felt from him.  Even if you're in your 60s and they're in their 20s, they have crossed over the adult threshold and should be treated accordingly, with professionalism and dignity and respect.  Even if it's "Go get 'em, kiddo," I'd still respond with "Thanks, and my name is Lindsey."

This morning, Dave Ramsey said this to a women who called into his podcast for financial advice.  "Listen, kiddo..."  Ugh, I didn't even catch what came next.  Then I thought about it through my drive to work.  I know he gets called "Boomer" and "Grandpa" pretty regularly on social media by people who think his advice is behind the times.  And I'm guessing that puts him on edge and makes him feel a little jaded.  But don't take it out on the people who are still genuinely seeking out your advice.  You can speak with great confidence without being a jerk about it.  They have asked you for advice, so you are in a position of authority and respect, but degrading someone and talking down to them does not enhance your authority or professional credibility.  Throwing "kiddo" in only decreases the likelihood that people will be able to pay attention and hear the great advice you're attempting to give.  Truly.

Anyway, that's my Tuesday morning mini-rant.  Maybe others hear this word differently and don't realize that it comes across as condescending to some people??  Either way, I plan to politely speak up and  remind them of my name and command respect the next time someone uses this word with me.