what Zazzu said. It sounds like he has picked up on the “joke” who started something and whether or not its a term of endearment or not, it has got to be related. Do people in your office think “hey let’s go mess with this chick by calling her fat and see what happens” I would sya you are not outraged enough! Geez, I want to call this company and give them a piece of my mind. I’m so sorry for you that you have to go through this. I am there with you in spirit 
Okay I am completely over the janitor issue here (okay it isn’t me so that is easy for me) but i am COMPLETELY appalled by this company that you work for. I don’t know your situation, of course, but I would have a VERY hard time working for this company after the “practical jokes” that have been played and approved of by the owners. and they HAVE approved it if you have called it to their attention and nothing was done. I would seriously consider moving to a different company where this kind of behavior is not condoned. And I would light the place up with all sorts of ugly on my way out the door.
But again… it isn’t my life we are talking about. I am sorry that you are dealing with that situation.
I think you should have a good talk with him nicely. 1st … if he do it again … just ignore him…
I would say “pienso que estas un …” (I think that you are a …really bad word) And forgive me if my grammar isn’t quite correct. I have spent a lot of time in mexico and have never heard that this is a term of endearment. amiga is a term of endearment. Please forgive me if I am wrong, but I just don’t see this as a nice thing to say. bonita, amiga, all of those things are words that guys in mexico say as a term of endearment as far as I have seen.
And your company sounds like a horses arse for letting this go on.
I don’t know whether the janitor is trying to be malicious or if he is using the word in an endearing way, if it bugs you, ask him to stop. And ask him politely and as friendly as always. You can tell him that you haven’t said anything up until now, but the truth is that it does bother you and would he please stop calling you that? And if that doesn’t work, then you resort to the violence. :ick:
I live in South Africa, where being fat is considered attractive and a sign of wealth, amongst the Xhosa people. I am often complimented on my curves and some of my parents’ employees comment appreciatively when I gain weight. And by “comment appreciatively” I mean they make motions around themselves to indicate a barrel shape and say “You’re getting fat!” with a delighted smile. So I can identify with the bolt of shock that you must have experienced when he first called you that! Knowing that in their culture it’s a compliment, I don’t mind it at all.
You have to deal with this in a way that makes you comfortable, whether that means keeping quiet and telling yourself that in Africa, you’re a goddess, or shaking your fist at him and letting him know exactly how you feel about it. Good luck, I hope this is resolved without upsetting anyone.
if I was close enough I would go inconspicuously sprinkle tuna in people’s keyboards (and cleaning supplies, if determined necessary, etc.) for you.
what a bunch of jerkfaces.
I’m sorry you have had bad experiences with this company… I don’t understand at all why they wouldn’t track the ISP address that was really mean… as for the janitor I have no idea when it comes to Spanish…I’d prolly just ask him you know I’ve been told that this could mean some type of endearment…and if that is the case then I am thankful (or another word besides thankful but it’s the best I can think of right now) that you feel this way towards me however, in this culture that isn’t really acceptable and can hurt someone’s feelings…I really would prefer you to greet me with Hi or something else… if he keeps it up then you will know how it was meant and as stated below I would tell someone although after the other incident I’m not sure if they would do anything…:help:
Mariblue wrote:
“(It’s good to be reminded about those cultural differences, so thank you iza, scout52, and Hanaku. I lived in England for a couple years during my high school days, and for the first couple weeks I was there it was like speaking another language. [COLOR=Magenta]So even among our English languages, there can be problems!)”[/COLOR]
Tell me about it!!! - I’ve just written a thread asking what Heelies are???
If you really want to know whether this bloke is being friendly or taking the mickey, ignore what he says and how it sounds and just look at his face as he’s saying it.
If I’m not sure where people are coming from and I have the chance to be in the same situation, I mentally turn the sound down on what they say and look at the body language and facial expression.
Personally, I’d give him the benefit of the doubt but if you really think he IS taking the mickey, just look up a jokey Spanish word and say it to him with a broad grin and and a wink. Baffling people is much more satisfying than getting mad.
All the Best
[COLOR=DarkOrchid][SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Many, many, many, etc., years ago my great grandmother was riding in a train. Among the passengers was a young mother with a very fussy baby.
After a few hours, my grandmother could see the mom needed a break. She walked over, with kindness in her heart, and said, “Here, let me hold the brat.”
Now many, etc., years ago, in the North, brat was the same as our word “kid”. However, this young woman was from the South and brat then (and possibly now) mean that the paternal branch of this baby’s family was unknown. My grandmother was trying to be kind, friendly and helpful. She ended up, in the mother’s mind, calling the child a bastard.
Yes, they woman was insulted, just as you are. However, the intent in both cases was to be kind. If you want, tell the young man in our culture, it’s an insult. Just remember, HE’S trying to be nice. :shrug:
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Well. Problem solved either way.
I just decided to ignore his existance.
A couple days later he tells our receptionist, “She understands Spanish. I am so embarassed!” Now I simply get, “Hola!” and I respond in like.
Odd that he was embarrassed. Now I wonder if he meant it in a nice way or not. At least the problem with him is solved, but I still think there are some people there who deserve a smack in the head.
I’m sorry, just a few corrections, that way it’ll make sense.:mrgreen:
If it was me… mmmm i’d just tell him “cabrón” or “maleducado” or something like that… :!!!: I know, you are not supposed to tell people things like that but… maybe “enano” ?? (dwarf)
Hope it gets better. 
PS: By the way, i don´t think “gorda” is a nice word to say, maybe “gordita” but not “gorda”. And if he tells you he’s been nice… he can pick another word, maybe bonita, cariño, linda, etc!!! :mrgreen:
I just decided to ignore his existance.
A couple days later he tells our receptionist, “She understands Spanish. I am so embarassed!” Now I simply get, “Hola!” and I respond in like.
He thought he could call you fat and get away with it because he assumed you didn’t understand Spanish? If that’s the case, then he really is a jerk and is lucky to work in such a toxic place that permits this sort of behavior. In a more professional workplace he’d get written-up for this.
Okay, I’m leaving before I get even more ranty.