I know that British men always initiate conversation with “I say, Old Chap. . . “ Do British women do it, too?
Not serious enough for GQ
I don’t think anybody outside the south east of England has initiated a conversation with “I say, old chap…” since the 1950’s, let alone the women.
Now, look what you’ve gone and done, old chap. The Giggle Ad at the base of the page is for “Leather Chaps For Women.” Satisfaction guaranteed, it says.
I think the superfluous words here are ‘outside the south east of England’ 
I was going to say “other than in an Agatha Cristie novel”, but yeah.
How do you know this?
:dubious:
When initiating conversation with a gentleman, it is best to avoid addressing his old chap. Look him squarely in the eye instead.
Of course when initiating conversation with someone who is not a gentleman feel free to latch on and have a wank.
Now, I say, old chap, no need to get shirty about the Queen of Mystery and all that, what? Least said, soonest mended, what what? Mustn’t grumble about those who don’t know their betters, they’re ever so cheeky–butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths! Sorry to bother.
Ta ta! cheerio-bye!
I’d fit right in. Tell me I’m wrong.
Somehow I don’t envision Amy Winehouse talking to her coke dealer, “I say, old chap, have you a safety razor, looking glass and a quid I could roll?”
Its specifically a man thing.
Just like how all American males finish their sentences by yelling “YEEE-HAAAA!” and shooting their guns in the air.
Yes. Yes they do. Every single conversation is initiated by the words ‘I say’ and ended with ‘jolly hockey sticks, what?’.
I didn’t before, but I sure as hell will now.
I always pictured her referring to him as “guv’nor.”
No, it’s just not cricket.
Finally, a useful answer.
Ya know, I never really thought about it, but we do don’t we.
Least ways I know I do.
'Course the real tell is starting a sentence with “Hey y’all, watch 'iss!”
Good times, good times.
You mean 21st Century Britons don’t speak like P.G Wodehouse characters? That’s as unbelievable as the possibility that a few obscure Americans aren’t at all like “Jerry Springer: The Opera.”