Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by dragonwriter 3251 days ago
> Are we just not allowed to talk about genitalia?

In a work environment, if there isn't a solid work-related need to make a literal (not metaphorical) reference to genitalia, it's a good idea not to refer to genitalia. I wouldn't say “not allowed”, but it wouldn't be the worst idea to treat it that way.

> As a guy, this line was pretty funny, and I could see myself saying it (on an all male team). I

As a guy, this line is the kind of thing I would have found funny the year I started high school, but found obnoxious by the time I finished.

> I guess as a baseline rule it's inappropriate, sure, but he's not being suggestive or soliciting.

Perhaps, but while those things would make it more inappropriate, there absence doesn't make it appropriate.

> As described, it's obviously a joke.

Sure, but being intended as a joke doesn't make it appropriate either. Particular jokes, despite being jokes, can be inappropriate for work.