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Not being a native English speaker, I recently heard that somebody called my female colleague an "aardvark". Googling this term was not very helpful since this term was mostly referred to in the context of the south-african animal but not a human being.
So, could somebody please explain how / why this term was used upon referring to my colleague? Frankly, it is just unclear whether to laugh it off or consider this as an offence / insult.
Thank you.
It is not an insult unless she accepts it. Offense is not given, it has to be taken.
Many English speakers would not have any idea what an aardvark is, except that it is a funny looking animal. That is a very lame insult, even if someone chooses to take it as an insult.
This is the only aardvark most people will ever see: a joke in the newspaper. davidtlamb.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/zot.jpg
It's a slang term really only used in Britain and parts of the southern United States. It really is more on the insulting side as they use it for a way of saying someone is foolish, worthless, retarded. They use it as a insult to the handicapped (whether mentally or physically) as well. So if the colleague being called "aardvark" is a friend you are in a place where you're allowed to be offended as well. You mentioned colleague is female and the Englishman is a dude. He's probably being sexist, especially if he's only been calling it to your female colleagues/friends.
I really appreciate your response and explanation regarding taking offence / accepting insult. :) Will take a note for sure.
Also, to clarify: the person who used this term is a British citizen and he is keen to use lame jokes / weird references in a business environment (working e-mail correspondence). On this basis I thought his saying had a hidden meaning only understandable to native English users.