It's like asking someone to "Netflix and Chill" today vs 3 years ago. At some point it may not have only meant one thing but those days have passed.
This is quite literally the first I've ever heard this. Is there an official list of what we can and can't say anywhere?
Then it's good that you heard about it now, so you don't do it to anyone in the future!
Here's some references to better understand why this is a bad thing:
* http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erika-hardison/its-important-f...
* http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/04/09/47343350...
This goes for a lot of that stupid shit people who barely know each other seem obligated to say at each other in the office. No one needs it. I mean just a polite nod acknowledging one's existence is fine, or maybe a "Good Morning". Let's stop all this "How are you?" with people we aren't even on a first name basis with. I mean do you really want to know the answer?
And if you don't know a person well enough to know if they're mad or they just look a certain way while they're deep in thought or rushing off somewhere, then don't say anything. It's _totes annoying_ and presumptuous. You saying a kind word while passing in the hallway is not going to magically unfuck someone's day.
Although holding doors when lugging laptop bags and so forth is always appreciated. Please continue to do this if you do. That just might unfuck someone's day a little bit.
Unless you actually have got someone fired for an innocuous comment. Then it's tough shit for them, I suppose.
Google "telling women to smile" (no quotes) should prove enlightening. If you want something more specific, I've provided two references in the post below.
I am of the opinion minor discomforts are things we have to deal with/adapt to. Especially when there is work to do. You seem to be of the opinion that personal discomforts are something that we should avoid causing as a matter of the upmost importance.
I think we have to agree to disagree.
It costs you nothing to not say something sexist to women. So it's pretty much a no-brainer to not say something sexist to them.
Why would you want to be the minor discomfort that people have to adapt to?