Sir: Thomas Sutcliffe considered that the term 'mate' could take the edge off social embarrassment (Glossary, 8 April). In my experience, the term 'mate' is only used when precisely the opposite meaning is intended - for instance, 'What do you think you're looking at, mate?'
Yours faithfully,
JOHN DUFF
Tynemouth,
Tyne & Wear
8 April
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