(A woman and her daughter are standing by the cigarette counter where I am working.)

Child: “Mummy, can I have a chocolate bar?”

Mother: “Okay. Pick the one you want and give it to the man.”

(There is a long, tense pause as the child and I look at one another.)

Child: *in a very condescending tone* “Mummy. I think it’s a lady.”

Me: “She is correct.”