Robbie,
It's confusing for sure. A google search shows British newspapers refering to important people by their last names only. Nobility is also often called by surnames. Are these other exceptions?
If I refer to Mr. Richard Whitworth as
Whitworth I am thought rude and disrespectful. But if I call the UK Prime Minister,
Cameron and the heir to throne,
Cambridge, then I am safe as if they were my school pals.
You are right. We are divided by the same language. Is there a catchall used that does not anger people?
Dan
Dan,
On this side of the pond it is more usual to refer to people by their full name - either Mr Whitworth or Tim Whitworth, using the surname only is usually only used when one is criticising or being intentionally disrespectful. I reckon it is one of the reasons the two sides of the Atlantic are divided by the same language!!!!!
Also, even though some of the contributors are moderators, the statement "case closed" is just a wish to see it closed, I strongly doubt it was an instruction -- that isn't the usual form of this site!!
You'll get used to us -- we are generally happy to be criticised and argued with - we don't take offence and usually don't intend any either!! It is VERY unusual that a moderator issues instructions!
Welcome to the forum and I hope you'll make many contributions, Regards from Ireland!
Cheers!
