We can already hear the giggles now. Apparently, as reported by NetworkWorld’s Buzzblog, the phrase “big boobs” — or at least a geek’s coded version of the phrase — was slipped into some code by someone from Microsoft.

Maybe they can blame it on whoever was behind that Norwegian dance routine.

Take a moment to collect yourselves now.

Forever, it’s been rumored that Disney filmmakers always slip something rather adult into their children’s flicks. Consider this the high-tech version. The phrase “0xB16B00B5,” a.k.a., “big boobs,” has been caught in “software code that connects the Linux kernel to Microsoft’s HyperV virtualization product,” as Buzzblog reports. (Note: I have no idea what this means.) Microsoft reportedly jumped on the problem, apologized and fixed it right away.

The Buzzblog column goes on to deride the coder as a sexist monster and says this kind of behavior should never be tolerated!

As a woman, with boobs, I would like to ask everyone to take it down a level.

First: At work, in work, for your workplace, you should never pull such, as comments call it on Buzzblog, “frat house” type antics. It’s just never OK to put sexist or derogatory or degrading stuff into your work about anyone. And, as several women who work in such environments have pointed out, it’s still very much an Old Boy’s Club in these places. Which, again, as a woman, I get. And it sucks. And these antics are not helping us be considered as equals, get promotions or paid equally. And if you, male coders, had to endure probably one week as a woman in these places, you’d change your tune fast about what you deem acceptable behavior.

That said, it’s just boobs, people. I imagine the person who did this is a socially awkward, pleated khakis, cellphone-to-the-belt-wearing 37-year-old virgin who still lives with his mother. Or a stupid ex-frat boy who hates his boring-ass suburban life. It’s juvenile. It’s stupid. But it’s still just boobs.

Perhaps, may I say, if we embraced the breasts and their importance in society, instead of treating women’s bodies like a dirty joke, these kinds of things wouldn’t be that funny. Then again, adulthood really is just like high school, with better bank accounts, so perhaps that’s asking a bit much.

For a start, perhaps human resources at Microsoft should get everyone a copy of the new outstanding book, “Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History” by Florence Williams?

Photo via Bigstock

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