Ambigious phrases

iSon · Fri 02 Jan, 2009 16.22

Now this has come about from a question I keep asking myself but can't settle on the right answer.

I start my new job on Monday, of which the first day is basically an induction day at the company's training centre. The letter inviting me states that the dress code is...

"Relaxed (Non offensive)".

Now just WHAT does that mean? We all understand things like "black tie" and "casual" but the hell is "relaxed" ? It would suggest that jeans and t-shirts are acceptable so long as you don't wear a top with see you next Tuesday emblazoned on it. But then, that's what I would describe as "casual". So as this is a job, it leads me to think that playing it safe with a shirt and trousers might not be too far off the mark.

But why cause such confusion in the first place? I'm sure there are many other phrases out there that equally have the power to befuddle even the most logical mind and get them thinking if the conclusion they've come to is indeed the correct one.

Or maybe I'm just special.

Sput · Fri 02 Jan, 2009 16.22

I think that means the crotchless chaps are out, but happily throwing on a nice dress will be fine!

Jovis · Fri 02 Jan, 2009 16.28

Metrousers.

rts · Fri 02 Jan, 2009 16.31

Although they say relaxed, first impressions mean a lot. Basically, I'd avoid t-shirts and jeans.

Open neck shirt, smartish pair slacks, and you'll be suitably "relaxed" without looking slobbish.

marksi · Fri 02 Jan, 2009 16.35

Who's to say what's offensive and what's not?

I find the colour pink offensive.

The first question I would be asking there is what prompted them to ask for "non-offensive" in their dresscode for the day.

A former local radio news editor I once worked for came in one morning and found two journos doing the breakfast shift and thought they were a bit too casual. As there were some "important" people coming round the next day he asked that they "make sure they're presentable".

When he arrived next morning one was typing the bulletin while wearing a flowing ball gown and the other reading the news in a dinner jacket and dickie.

He never commented on their appearance again.

Nick Harvey · Fri 02 Jan, 2009 16.37

rts wrote:Open neck shirt, smartish pair slacks, and you'll be suitably "relaxed" without looking slobbish.

I concur.

I was thinking exactly that before I got to Rod's post.

marksi wrote:a flowing ball gown

You didn't mention whether the person in the ball gown was male or female; and I'd hate to make a wrong assumption on here of all places.

iSon · Fri 02 Jan, 2009 16.43

marksi wrote:Who's to say what's offensive and what's not?

I find the colour pink offensive.

The first question I would be asking there is what prompted them to ask for "non-offensive" in their dresscode for the day.

A former local radio news editor I once worked for came in one morning and found two journos doing the breakfast shift and thought they were a bit too casual. As there were some "important" people coming round the next day he asked that they "make sure they're presentable".

When he arrived next morning one was typing the bulletin while wearing a flowing ball gown and the other reading the news in a dinner jacket and dickie.

He never commented on their appearance again.

I must admit I've been "guilty" of this one after someone commented on my appearance for the same reason. So yep I donned the dinner jacket the next morning for the breakfast shift. Thankfully my boss at the time found it very amusing.

I think the "non offensive" part of it is what makes it the most ambiguous. Offensive could be classed as language on an item of clothing, showing flesh, wearing the wrong type of clothes.

I'm beginning to think it's some sort of entrance test.

Jovis · Fri 02 Jan, 2009 16.54

I knew that would be a link to Peter Serafinowicz!

These days, many places won't allow prominent logos on clothing - so there's a chance that might be included under non offensive.

Nini · Fri 02 Jan, 2009 17.02

Corporate casual!

Just saying that's a little vague. How about a black mock turtleneck and jeans?

marksi · Fri 02 Jan, 2009 17.05

Nick Harvey wrote:
marksi wrote:a flowing ball gown
You didn't mention whether the person in the ball gown was male or female; and I'd hate to make a wrong assumption on here of all places.

Well no, you shouldn't assume. But it was indeed a woman in the ball gown.

Malpass93 · Fri 02 Jan, 2009 21.43

You'd be well advised to not wear a Chelsea top. Mucho hated. Chavvish (is that a word?), too.