"Resource" is never the purpose for which you are interacting with someone. I'd never even dream of calling the barista "The Resource Who is Making Me Coffee."

"Resource" is never the purpose for which you are interacting with someone. I'd never even dream of calling the barista "The Resource Who is Making Me Coffee." While it may not be a straightforward leap from "Resource" to "Code Monkey," both labels are born from the same carelessness: a lack of regard for how the person to whom you're referring will perceive your evaluation of their relative worth. I do agree with you that it can be taken way too far in the name of not hurting feelings. To spend too much time on each person's unique qualities in passing conversation is a time-waster. We should pick words that acknowledge that such qualities exist. I think "resource" does not, and "programmer" is slightly better.