Why I Intentionally Misspell My Coworkers’ Names (And Why It Totally Works)
There’s an unspoken rule in the corporate world: spell people’s names right in emails. It’s the digital version of remembering someone’s birthday—not strictly necessary, but it goes a long way in showing respect (or at least basic attention). Yet, despite this, some people seem to butcher names with reckless abandon, even when the correct spelling is staring them in the face. If you’ve ever been a “Shaun” called “Sean” (or vice versa), you know the pain.
But what if you could turn the tables? What if, instead of sighing in frustration every time “Alyson” becomes “Allison,” you exacted a little harmless revenge? That’s exactly what one corporate hero did, and Reddit is here for it.
The Spelling Wars: A Petty (But Powerful) Office Tactic
Let’s set the scene: u/Col_Atreides works in a typical corporate setting, firing off emails to sales reps all day. Their name isn’t hard, but it’s less common—a “Shaun” instead of “Sean,” if you will. And yet, despite Outlook literally requiring reps to search for and select the correct spelling, they still reply with the wrong one. The disrespect!
So our protagonist hatches a plan. If “Austin” can’t bother to spell “Shaun” right, maybe “Austin” should become “Austen.” “Don” might suddenly morph into “Dan.” A simple switch. A harmless typo. Or is it?
The genius of this move is in its subtlety. It’s not ranting or replying all in a fit of rage. It’s not even calling the offender out directly. It’s a quiet, calculated act of “petty revenge” that sends a message: I see you, and I see your lack of attention to detail.
Why Misspelling Names Hurts (and Why It Matters)
Let’s be clear: your name is part of your identity. Seeing it misspelled—especially by people who should know better—can feel like a tiny paper cut to the soul. It’s not just a typo; it’s a sign that someone didn’t care enough to get it right (even when Outlook literally does the work for them).
It’s also a special kind of corporate irony: you’re in an environment obsessed with details, process, and professionalism, but people can’t take the extra second to check your name? The hypocrisy!
The Ripple Effect: Does Petty Revenge Actually Work?
Here’s where things get fun. According to u/Col_Atreides, their little experiment is working. The moment you spell “Austen” instead of “Austin,” or “Dan” instead of “Don,” people suddenly become a lot more careful with your name. It’s like holding up a mirror: “See how it feels?”
It’s not about being mean; it’s about setting a low-stakes boundary. In a world where direct confrontation can be awkward (or risky), this is a way to nudge people toward better behavior. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying.
Office Etiquette, Petty Justice, and the Name Game
This story isn’t just about misspelled names—it’s about the tiny acts of self-advocacy we wield in our daily lives. In the vast jungle of corporate etiquette, sometimes the pettiest acts are the most effective.
Petty revenge gets a bad rap, but let’s be real: sometimes it’s the most efficient way to get results. You’re not causing harm; you’re highlighting an issue in a way that’s memorable. And who knows? Maybe your little act of rebellion will spark a wave of name-accuracy across your organization. (One can dream!)
Moral of the Story: Spell People’s Names Right!
So, the next time you start an email, take two seconds to check the name at the top. Not only will you avoid the wrath of a quietly vengeful coworker, but you’ll also show a little bit of humanity in a world of endless reply-alls and passive-aggressive CCs.
Have you ever been the victim (or perpetrator) of a name-mangling email? Have you tried your own brand of petty revenge at work? Share your stories in the comments—we’re all in this spelling bee together.
Getting names right isn’t just about etiquette; it’s about respect. And if you need to teach people that lesson with a little harmless typo, well… sometimes, petty justice is the best justice.
What’s the pettiest thing you’ve done at work that secretly made your day? Let’s swap stories below!
Original Reddit Post: I keep misspelling coworkers names