&gt; I was surprised to learn that MILF is not disrespectful enough for some folks to terminate the employee.<p>I suspect that some people are unclear of, or have suppressed in favor of the colloquial use, the definition or expanded form of MILF.  If you think of it as &quot;very attractive mother and&#x2F;or mature woman&quot;, which I think the meaning has shifted to somewhat over time, then I can see how some people might have differing interpretations for the severity of the remark.  That&#x27;s not to say it&#x27;s acceptable, it <i>is not</i>, but I can see how someone could be somewhat surprised <i>initially</i> the severity of the negative reaction to their comment, through <i>ignorance</i> or <i>carelessness</i>.