Staff At Newcastle University Urged To Drop Sexist Nicknames

Geordies have slammed Newcastle University for urging researchers to bid ‘Auf Wiedersehen, Pet’ after bosses deemed the slang term sexist.

Diversity chiefs labelled the Tyneside lingo ‘patronising’ in an equality and inclusion toolkit issued to researchers.

Their seven-page guide instructs readers to ‘avoid… terms, such as girls, pet, or ladies’ and asks that groups are referred to as ‘friends or colleagues’ instead.

The advice appears in a section named ‘Talking about Gender’ which says: ‘Sexism can often be subtle in conversations, and we can all be guilty of it without realising.’

Paul Thorne, 52, a hospital worker in the city, said the move was ‘totally stupid’.

‘It’s a local word,’ he continued, ‘what do you expect them to say at Newcastle University? They are going to use Newcastle words.

‘I have never thought of the word as sexist. It’s a local slang word, we use it all the time.

‘Most of the lecturers are probably from Newcastle so you would think they would understand it. It’s a friendly word.’

The seven-page guide was produced by 13 members of an inclusion team and was accompanied by a 44-term glossary of gender-related terms researchers might come across. 

Catherine Harris, 73, a retired teacher, said: ‘I would say tell universities to stick to your studies.

‘I’m not sure that it’s a very progressive step; the word pet belongs to North Eastern dialect and it would be unfortunate to label it derogatory.

‘Like many things, it depends on the tone and the context of the words.’

Amy Siddall, 21, a law student at nearby Northumbria University who lives in Newcastle, said: ‘I don’t think the word is offensive. If someone called me pet I wouldn’t think, “How dare they? They shouldn’t do that to anyone”. It’s fine.

‘Universities want to push boundaries and make sure everyone is equal; I understand that, but local language in areas like Newcastle defines them.

‘There aren’t many locals at Newcastle University in comparison to the University of Northumbria.

‘If I was at that uni being told I couldn’t use terms mainly used by Geordies, I wouldn’t want to go there.’

The university released the guidance after leaders in research reported their concerns about using the ‘wrong’ language when discussing equality, diversity and inclusion topics.

The toolkit also discusses gender, sexual orientation and race.

Pat, 78, a retired priest from Morpeth said: ‘I wouldn’t be offended by the word but I’m of a certain generation.

‘I would say it’s endearing. Words like love, duck or pet is an add-on to acknowledging that you are an individual.

‘The university should just be accepting of the local dialect just as when you go somewhere else you accept that someone will talk to you in their dialect or colloquialism.

‘It’s a word of place, place is important to people who are of that place.’

Why are we not allowed to keep our own culture and heritage in this country but everyone that has come here in recent years is not only allowed to keep theirs but encouraged to do so?

Once more, the professionally offended are demanding the dilution of our culture just so they can signal their virtue. ‘Pet, duck, pal, dearie’ and all such colloquialisms are an inherent part of the wide variety of dialects that make our country so wonderful.

We must keep these terms and tell these killjoys where to go, using whatever suitable, locally understood language comes to mind. We shouldn’t have to comply with these demands.

‘Pet’ is a term of endearment and is used towards men and women.

‘Pet’ isn’t gender specific, it can be used for anyone, male or female. Like ‘Duck’ in the Midlands, ‘Hen’ in Scotland, and ‘Mate and Chap’ are aimed at males. ‘Hun’ is universal. They’re all friendly greetings to show good intent when you don’t know a person’s name.