The Guardian is Sexist!

On reflection it's 'bag' I object to, not 'old'.

What is bag-like about a woman?

I have a love/hate relationship with being referred to as "girls" when out with a friend of a similar age to me. Its usually by cheeky waiters and can seem patronising but sometimes its just fun. I suppose its a matter of it aint what they say but the way that they say it.

It actually manages to pack 2 insults into 1 clue. Presumes young women aren't ill-tempered-only us oldies as well as referring to women as bags.Ageist and sexist in one!
As far as names go up here you are liable to be referred to as "man" "Awaay man" being a common expression addressed to either sex.

Ana

Love it Ana

What about 'economical man' = 'tight bastard'?

Going back to the original thread. I am not at all insulted by the question or answer.

I tried to think of the male equivalent e.g 'daft old man' = 'silly old duffer' is that insulting too?

Signing off for tonight from an Old Codger - goodnight folks.

When I said "shake off DH", I only meant for a few days! I do not have any murderous thoughts!

Mmm. Sounds like Business class on an aeroplane. One of these I'm going to do it from here to Exeter (son lives there) I would have to shake off DH though. He would never agree to it.

Only 35 minutes to London from here, so an extra tenner each upgrades DD and me at weekends.

jings on a long first-class journey it's not only shortbread biscuits. Lots of coffee, lunch, sandwiches, a glass of wine or a g+t plus extra space, peace and quiet, free wi-fi.
Gets my trips to London off to a fine start!

And I like the free shortbread biscuits.

Love first class on trains! Second class is so cramped.

Manchester is the town I saw a man coming out of a phone box doing his flies up!

Well DD and I were drunk in her garden last night, talking in loud voices until bedtime!

As for the little old lady thing, a nice guard on the train from Milton Keynes to Manchester yesterday sent me into a first class carriage because my booked standard seat was surrounded by football fans.

Actually, it was so starchy in first class I might have preferred the football fans but I was grateful for the gesture.

Just let us know when you are next up here jbf and we will stay at home those days.Drunks indeed.

Yes. I like Manchester. Except for the drunks.

Yes. "Love" is fine when you know it's used for the population as a whole, but I think you can tell when you are being addressed with endearments simply because you are old. I'm sure it's well meant, although I do doubt the sincerity sometimes.

I have noticed an increase in it with me personally in the last year or two - more wrinkles I suppose. (It does rub it in rather!)

Actually I am up North in Manchester visiting DD at the moment so I am expecting a few loves when I go out shopping later.

I do like Manchester.

I don't mind love and dear but I don't like old bag. I'd rather be called a bitch or hag.

Oh dear jinglbellsfrocks you'd hate it where I live. Everyone is called 'love'. So you are greeted in shops by 'Yes love what can I get you?'

I think it's nice to use generic terms of endearment in general conversation. It makes everything friendlier.

Sorry! Itw was my abbreviation, not the Guardian's.

The offending item is at :
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/13850

It has the full clue in this online version.

(and I said nothing!)

Yes, go for it Jane10! Think I've already joined you. Had a bit of an argy-bargy the other day with a cafe owner who was downright rude to my DH.

Was kicking myself on Saturday though when a shop assistant managed to call me "dear", "darling", and "sweetheart", over the course of one single transaction!

Perhaps it meant 'in the wardrobe'?

That's where a lot of my old bags go to die...