[General] Is "Hang on" a rude word.Is this the right word to use to pause someone in meetings?

[phani333]

Is "Hang on" a rude word.Is this the right word to use to pause someone in meetings?

Dear Experts

I have seen few people in my team using the word "Hang on" very frequently during discussions/debates. I would like to know if this is the right word to use while talking to colleagues in professional meetings. Somehow this word sounds a bit rude to me. Please correct me.

Thanks
Phani Akella

 

[Raymott]

Re: Is "Hang on" a rude word.Is this the right word to use to pause someone in meetin

Dear Experts

I have seen a few people in my team using the [STRIKE]word[/STRIKE] phrase (or 'words') "Hang on" very frequently during discussions/debates. I would like to know if this is the right word to use while talking to colleagues in professional meetings. Somehow this word sounds a bit rude to me. Please correct me.

Thanks
Phani Akella

What are they using the phrase to mean? I can think of two possible uses, one ruder than the other, but both better avoided in professional discussions. Colloquially, it's usually OK.

 

[Tdol]

Re: Is "Hang on" a rude word.Is this the right word to use to pause someone in meetin

Are they using it to get an opportunity to speak or to disagree? I wouldn't use it formally, but I would use it with most colleagues for the former, but not the latter.

 

[Raymott]

Re: Is "Hang on" a rude word.Is this the right word to use to pause someone in meetin

Are they using it to get an opportunity to speak or to disagree? I wouldn't use it formally, but I would use it with most colleagues for the former, but not the latter.

I was thinking also of the usage which occurs when a person forgets something, or needs a moment to reflect, etc.
"I have the figures here. Hang on, they're in my briefcase."
That is not rude, while the "hang on" that interrupts someone else usually is. I still wouldn't use "hang on" professionally. Better would be "One moment", "One second", "Excuse me", or even "Just a sec.".