The dad of the worker posted the story on Reddit, saying his daughter was “completely puzzled and confused” by the exchange.

While serving the customer at a deli, the worker used the term “mate” while serving the customer.

“‘Can I tell you something? Please don’t call me mate’,” the customer replied according to the dad’s post.

“She apologised with ‘I’m so sorry if I have offended you.”

The customer then said it was “unprofessional” for the term to be “used in the workplace”.

“My daughter works at a fruit and vegetable and deli shop,” her dad said.

“She’s pretty sure the customer was also Australian which added to her being more confused.

“When did the word ‘mate’ become unprofessional?”

Redditors were quick to share their own stories of using the word “mate” in the workplace.

“Woah what an over-reaction. I use mate all the time, I’m female in my mid-30s. If someone said ‘hey mate how can I help?’ I wouldn’t even blink. And I’d say ‘thanks mate’ too! Anyone finding this odd, that’s on them. What a strange thing to pull someone up for!” said one person.

“It’s casual, but it’s not unprofessional or rude. Australian culture is a casual culture. Customers who find the word ‘mate’ problematic are looking for something to whinge about,” said another.