Buck Up, Little Camper

I've started doing this thing, which I think slightly annoys everyone, but I do it anyway. I'll see a friend of mine at work and I'll say, "Hi, little buddy." All of these friends are invariably male and they all take offense at the phrase "little buddy." One guy even once responded, "Um, hi...big buddy."

I guess guys don't take too kindly with the idea of being referred to as "little"?

So one day my co-worker Tad walked up to me and I burst out, "Hi, little buddy!"

He gave me the crustiest look before responding, "I'm not THAT little."

Whoa. Okay. That is not what I meant. He's a dude and I'm short. All guys are bigger than me. Even the short ones (like him, lol).

I laughed it off and told him he needed to relax.

Turns out I got a little karmic retribution a week later when another co-worker texted me with the phrase, "Buck up, little camper."

When he texted me that message I was away in a meeting and had left my phone at my desk. I did not respond. He instantly became paranoid that he had hurt my feelings (usually I'm all for some quippy banter).

His response: And then there was silence.

My response (once I got to my phone): I'm still mulling over the fact that you called me "little camper."

His response: It had nothing to do with your stature, I assure you.

My response: No, it's not that. It's just that I don't camp.