I used a phrase “our brethren” in a meeting and got dinged by the HR team. Apparently it’s a not an appropriate phrase to use in a professional setting because it’s sexist 😳

funnylikesmart
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

The definition is “fellow Christians or members of a male religious order” so I can see why they’d think that

likefunnyhelpfulsmart

Common usage?
I don’t think there’s any common usage for brethren. Who uses that?

likesmart

Are you kidding me? I would have laughed uncontrollably. It's a great word!

like

PwC, I love the mute button for these times.

like
Recent IconRecent

I love how much context this lacks.

like

Or a few sentences would work… 😬

like

Hi Daniel,

We firmly discourage online discussion of conversations pertaining to business matters. We are going to be moving forward with disciplinary actions by EOB.

-HR

like

Ilhan Omar is very interested in this thread

likefunny

To avoid any doubt on whether something is work safe or not, I just say “What’s up all you f***ers!” or “Who’s responsible for this s**t?” That way it makes it easy for HR to make a determination if my actions are appropriate.

funny

And to be culturally sensitive to my diversified team, I’ve started learning how to say each of the above in each native language of my team members. Don’t want anyone to feel left out of the conversation.

smarthelpful

Lol ... so PwC4 is an efficient poster, able to mock sensitivity around potentially sexist language while also making transphobic comments 👏

like

HAHAHAHA

like

And “mankind”…?

like

The correct term is “Brosephs”

like

Ok that’s hilarious haha I’ve said that in a joking way before not knowing at all that’s what it meant 😂

LMAO

What about folks? Everyone says this in consulting!

😂 @AD1 2 bonus points for keepin' it PC

like

Just say "kinfolk" 🤫

Just say “buddies”

They’re the same people who can’t remotely fathom the recent and pending political whiplash.

Feels like a creepy word

Why do we need any gendered language at work. People, you all, and they pretty much covers it. If it's that easy to help even one colleague to feel more comfortable, why not do it?

Or you could just leave people alone.

Hot take: Maybe whoever reported you just doesn’t like you.

That’s definitely what is is and it’s pitiful

Maybe "comrades" would be more acceptable :)

But seriously…. Who used the word “brethren” if you’re not in a church?!

Why are people so weirded out by this? Appropriation of 'sacred' language to describe everyday secular things (or, profane things - if you want to use a word that also has been adapted out of the Christian lexicon to describe a thing that's 'similar-yet-different') is an old tradition in English.

Use of 'bretheren' to casually refer to a group of folks that one is associated with is not that uncommon, just like referring to secular literature or films as 'canonical' is. It's not uncommon for Jews like myself to casually use the term 'kosher' to refer to something that's adherent to an arbitrary set of rules. Even non-Jews have picked this habit up!

like

Related Posts

How do you deal with clients who act like they know more than you even though they don't?

like

I’ve accepted I suck at work. And I don’t know what people get from humiliating or criticizing you to the point you think you are worthless.

like

What % do you guys charge a partner to advertise on social using your handle/ad account? Is a 100% markup fee plus an "agency" like fee for maintenance of 15% too aggressive?

What do I do if I’ve only worked one job (the one I’m currently at) and another company is asking for references? I could do professors from college but not sure if that’s a good idea. I wish I could give my current manager’s contact but I don’t want her knowing :/

like

Partners / Managing Directors: in your junior years, how did you manage not wanting to work with a Senior Mgr who consistently tries to pull you into work he is doing? (He lies, tries to make you think that he is doing you favors, etc.) Does your answer now change as a Partner / MD?

like

Where is it written that employees are expected to endure abuse of any kind while at work?

Is it appropriate to give your PL a gift (MD)? It was a promotion year to SM…

like

Answering the "conflict in your team" behavioral question: I feel naive because honestly with my teams, interpersonal dynamics have been smooth because people are generally mature and good natured. Can y'all share some examples that would satisfy this question? I might be thinking too narrowly of "conflict"

like

This is why I secretly avoid 1:1s with my manager!

Post Photo
likefunny

How do you handle it when a direct report reacts negatively during a performance review?

like

Do you shoe check others at the office?

likefunny

I have seen that Some people are seriously demeaning Publicis Sapient looks like they have a personal grudge. I would suggest to connect with your HR and manager in PS or look for right people on LinkedIn.

likefunny

Completely and totally miserable at my firm and just need a space to vent because my friends are tired of hearing about it. I wish the worst part about it was the amount of work, rather than the completely toxic culture, lack of appreciation, arbitrary and back/breaking deadlines, lack of mentorship/feedback/training, and the fact that the associates act like they don’t even know each other. I cry every day and constantly am made to feel stupid for not understanding the highly technical (cont.)

like

How to tell your firm that you are lateraling to a different firm? Feel like it’s not going to go well.

like

I work on a team that is 95% H1b (it’s really just me and 1 other on a team that’s 20+). The client has a few topics that are restricted to US citizens on US soil only. There’s a few team members that are visibly (not recently because it’s virtual) upset when asked to leave the room for these discussions to take place. Why would they get so offended?

like

Scheduling added another S3 (my level) to my engagement but acting as a manager, while I’ve been on this engagement for a few years and getting great reviews. My ego is shot and I’m insulted. Advice?

Did you tell any close coworkers when you accepted your offer/before you put in notice?

like

Want to get new bag for work and not sure if I should get a Tumi briefcase or backpack. Seems like I’ve seen more backpacks these days. Thoughts?

like

Do any single M&A associates have dogs? I am a third year at a generally work from home flexible firm and considering getting a dog for mental and physical health reasons. Has having a dog been an issue with work? And any tips for bringing a dog home while working insane hours with occasional trips to the office?

like

Do managers tend to make a scene while you put your papers?

More Posts

Hi all,
I'm looking for Salesforce CRM Analytics (Einstein) course or training videos. Please someone help me.
Thanks!

like

Can anyone provide referral for UBS ?

Hey Guys,
I applied for UBS for Selenium Java QA profile and they have sent a hackerearth test. Can somebody share what the test-level is like ?
The test has 2 questions and 135 mins duration, will it be Java focused or can it have Selenium as well ?

#UBS #Selenium

Anyone have good resources (online or book) to learn about the finance function?

like

Average London Producer Salary?

like

Specific question for fish based in the UK.
Could you let me know what your employer contributions to your company pension scheme are?
For instance, they contribute half of your contribution up to a maximum of 3%. Before any tax incentives etc.
Interested to see the variances, it seems to be substantial from what I've seen. If it changes with level/seniority, please make that clear as well so we can differentiate between companywide averages and individual circumstances / positioning.

like

@BC what do you think about SHOP puts?

like

Can anyone give insight into interviewing at Uber? Specifically in their Internal Audit or FRM group? Uber

like

Hourly rate for freelance Sr Designer in NYC, any ranges?

like

Thoughts on DDB Chicago, more specifically the Army account?

Hello friends, I've 7.4 YOE as Senior Business Analyst. I've offers from both Capgemini and KPMG, both have similar offer. Which one is better to work with? please suggest..!!!
KPMG India Capgemini Tech Mahindra
Deloitte EY PwC

Please refer me in HCL as Service delivery manager. I have job id 1068582BR

like

Nothing sexier than an attractive man with a full head of gray hair.

like

How does moving from big 4 to MBB work? I wasn’t able to apply to MBB out of college because I’m from a non target school. Will my college still prevent me from being hired, or do I have a chance now having worked for PwC for 3 years?

Anyone moved from Product Management to Product Marketing? Pros, cons, regrets?

like

Which one is better fugitsu or Barclays for salesforce developer ( BA4 designation)?

like

Anyone working remote for US companies?

like

What’s the maximum anyone got out of the airline for damage to a new checked luggage bag

I'm a Canadian on the TN visa working in the US and planning on maxing my Roth IRA (6k) and will have enough left to max my 401k this year, but am not sure if I should just use a taxable account over 401k due to tax considerations when I move back to Canada (likely 1-2 years from now). Any thoughts here? I don't think I'll have enough RRSP room to move 401k>IRA>RRSP and I would prefer to not have to file US taxes every year in retirement for withdrawls if I left the 401k in the US.

like

Additional Posts in Consulting

FAANG folks - what are Facebook/Google roles like Country Lead/Industry Lead equivalent to? Are these Director level roles? What sort of compensation can you expect in something like that role?

like

For those with pets, how much do you spend on training/activity (not food or toys) a year? And what kind of pet? Trying to figure out budget

like

If I had a traditional IRA before being employed in a 401k eligible role, can / must I roll that IRA into the 401k or can I leave the accounts separate without deleterious tax consequences?

like

Is anyone here in McKinsey Digital or McKinseys Risk and resilience practice?

In tech consulting at EY and trying to make the jump- would love to talk to someone who’s done something similar! Thanks :)

like

Here goes LA

Post Photo
like

What does it take to start your own consulting business?

like

Any good books recommendation on effective client communication/business writing?

like

EY fish - when you are laid off, is it immediate the day you're told or do you get a little warning?

like

Looking for recommendations on time management books or apps , tips in general. Have been feeling overwhelmed with all the tasks and projects lately.

like

I’m looking to surprise my fiancée with something nice but not sure where to start. Are Cartier Love Bracelets considered tacky? Anything I should know before buying one for her?

like

After getting kicked out of McK late last year, this gives me schadenfreude 🤣

Post Photo
likefunny

What’s a safe level of income to buy (or finance) a boat?
I’m aware they are money pits but want one to fish / get out on the weekends

like

Anyone else feel that Trevor guy from Lincoln lawyer series resemble Jack dorsey?

like

What salary range would you describe as middle class.

LCOL I considered my family middle class when my dad made 50k in the 90s. Life seemed alright.

25 years later my dad and I both are at around 170, but I still consider us middle class like we were in the 90s, but now it feels like more of a struggle

likehelpfulfunny

Asking for advice: Working at a boutique doing ODD, and have found it not interesting to me due to levels of details. Anyone on the same boat? Would strategy consulting be different? Would product management be interesting?

like

Poll: What dress code do you follow at your home office?

SOS: How should I prepare for a case study interview with less than 24 hours to spare?
A recruiter from
Deloitte just reached out to me about interviewing tomorrow for a Tech Strategy Consultant position, which will include a case study. I’ve never done one before, so I’m kind of freaking out!! What’s the best way to prepare with such short notice? Deloitte

likeuplifting
like

I've been biking to my home office everyday so I've been wearing gym clothes and bringing a change of clothes with me. When I get in the morning how long can I sit at my desk before going to change?

like

Let's have a productive conversation about the Google employee who was just fired for his controversial diversity memo

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal