My male boss referred to me as "buddy" in a meeting.

My male boss referred to me as "buddy" in a meeting.

My male boss, who's been under investigation and found guilty of stealing money from a non-profit but still gets to keep his job, referred to me as "buddy" in a one-on-one meeting. "Ok thanks, buddy" as I walked out. I am a grown woman. I have never been referred to as buddy, especially not by my employer. I call my elementary male students buddy sometimes. Now I am regretting not saying anything in response. I am so mentally checked out and exhausted from countless interviews to get away from this guy. Needless to say, by the grace of God I am resigning today. Should I call him "buddy" in my resignation letter? LOL

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

17 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    Talk to him. He probably doesn’t know how it was received. The only way to get past discrimination or belittling is to raise awareness.

  2. Deb Allen

    Not recommended, that is just sinking to his level. Notify someone else, hopefully in HR that his behavior needs some coaching, and mention it to them.

  3. Louise Snellman

    Just move on

  4. Terrie McWhorter

    If you want to be passive/aggressive then sure call him buddy in your letter. However, I like to take the higher road and just exit stage right! Best of luck

  5. Anonymous

    ignore and move on. he probably calls his friends or kids this and did it out of habit. It's not right, but we all say wrong things out of habit sometimes. Just ignore and move on.

  6. Anonymous

    I would NOT cash in a chit on this issue. As other have said, move on and let it go.

  7. Anonymous

    Don't be so uptight. Buddy is not derogatory or racist. Let it gooo.

  8. Anonymous

    Don't bother. You're getting out. Do you have conversations with trash lying on the sidewalk? Of course not. Walk away from that mess.

    People are telling you that his words weren't insulting, and on the surface they're not. But this was a dominance power play ("I'm a thief and you can't do anything about it"), so being ticked off is understandable.

  9. Anonymous

    I would have let that go. It's meaningless.

  10. Jonna Ferguson, ACC

    "Being powerful is like being a lady.
    If you have to tell people you are, you aren't." Margaret Thatcher

    Your resignation today is statement enough. Do that with dignity and grace and you'll be winning.

  11. Pea Write

    Doesn’t matter what you call him, you’re leaving.

  12. Anonymous

    Lol

  13. Anonymous

    Hahaha you and I would be "buddies"! I wouldn't do it in a bitter way but if I could subtly slip it in a way that leaves him wondering and I get to skip on out secretly high-fiving myself .. heck freaking yes lol! Love finding some fun and humor in these situations.

  14. Anonymous

    No.

  15. Anonymous

    Your boss, guilty of extortion from a non-profit has managed to retain his job and has the gall to call you "Buddy" in a meeting??? I applaud that resigning, and YES! refer to him as "Buddy in your resignation letter. It's poetic justice!!! Just don't use him as a reference.. LOL!

  16. Anonymous

    I would have been amused. no need to get all bent out of shape though. you are leaving anyway

    Please don't put that word in your resignation letter. Just don't.

  17. Anonymous

    Well, I think you already know the answer and aren't serious about putting that in the letter. But please feel free to indulge the fictitious snarky resignation letter fantasy in your mind being as creative and biting as you like! I had fun thinking about cutting my old boss to shreds in my letter; but, of course, I was professional. I never thanked him for anything in the letter but rather expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work on important issues (true) and to collaborate with great colleagues throughout the world (these folks now form my professional network). All very graciously expressed. I still smile at that letter and chuckle a bit, thinking well played.

Browse recent posts

Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members