I work in a male dominated industry and maybe this also applies to more mixed or female work places too but most of my colleagues indulge in "banter" where they trade ever increasing insults to the point where I am cringing with embarrassment ,I say this as an observer I stay well clear of any of this and have no wish to ever do so for fear of saying the wrong thing ,I listen sometimes and think they have really crossed the line this time but no offence is taken ,but I would be always be thinking I had upset someone even if it appeared I had not, occasionally someone will try to do this to me and I just do not know how to respond usually its someone who does not know me those that know me don't bother, I get the humour behind it all but this to me is a hidden mine field of invisible trip wires and have no idea what the rules are so as I say stay well clear of it ,but does any one else have this experience particularly the cringing embarrassment .
