Thanks for all the replies. I hope i was able to answer the question.

On reflection, I agree with Moomba that it simply means a "tounge-in-cheek" sort of reply. Now that i think of it, my sisters when growing up sometimes stuck their tounge out at me when i told them something and of course my current assistants do the same when i give them an occasional order (in a kind manner mind you).

But i do not think it something that needs to be changed currently on FT - it's been around a long time and probably something we've gotten used to.