When working at a large organization with many divisions or departments, it may be necessary to differentiate between the extent of your working relationship with people in your organization. Co-workers would be those who work in your workgroup or department, or those whom you have a close working relationship with in another workgroup or department. Workplace acquaintances are people you know of but don't have a close working relationship with. These individuals are typically in other departments or divisions of the company.
In office fraternization situations, workplace acquaintances can be considered (although weakly so) the exception to the "I don't date co-workers" rule. The argument being that because he or she is not considered a co-worker (defined in the preceding paragraph), that person can be considered dating material because, even though you both work in the same company, you both work in a different division or department.
In office fraternization situations, workplace acquaintances can be considered (although weakly so) the exception to the "I don't date co-workers" rule. The argument being that because he or she is not considered a co-worker (defined in the preceding paragraph), that person can be considered dating material because, even though you both work in the same company, you both work in a different division or department.
Rob: I am thinking of asking Trish from Accounting out to dinner and a movie.
Jon: Cool, she's hot! But you said you don't date co-workers.
Rob: She's in a different department, so that doesn't make her a co-worker, just a workplace acquaintance.
Jon: Cool, she's hot! But you said you don't date co-workers.
Rob: She's in a different department, so that doesn't make her a co-worker, just a workplace acquaintance.
by johnne-boy April 18, 2010
Mainly said by females and is the more polite term for a fuck buddy or a friend with benefits, useful for when in company where you cannot describe the person as a fuck buddy but need to make sure that everyone is aware that you're not going out with him.
Girl 1: "So what's with you and Tom?"
Girl 2: "Nothing he's just a male acquaintance."
Girl 1: "So you're sleeping with him?"
Girl 2: "Yeah pretty much."
Girl 2: "Nothing he's just a male acquaintance."
Girl 1: "So you're sleeping with him?"
Girl 2: "Yeah pretty much."
by phallic cranium November 13, 2013
Similar to being friend zoned, only far worse.
While being friend zoned can sometimes produce a friend, being acquaintance zoned produces nothing.
While being friend zoned can sometimes produce a friend, being acquaintance zoned produces nothing.
Josh: So how did asking out Sarah go?
Larry: Not well at all. No interest.
Josh: Friend zoned?
Larry: Worse. Acquaintance zoned.
Larry: Not well at all. No interest.
Josh: Friend zoned?
Larry: Worse. Acquaintance zoned.
by ratdude747 February 11, 2013
by Ejg54jbh May 21, 2017
A person whose company you don't particularly enjoy or like, but circumstances force you to interact or spend time with him or her.
by EdgyHipster69 March 2, 2019
Somebody you know thru work (colleague, customer, etc.) with whom you're friendly on the job, but you aren't interested in becoming their buddy/ mate nor in fraternizing with them elsewhere.
Brian: I eat lunch in the employee cafeteria with David three times a week, but when I invite him to a barbecue or to go out drinking on Saturdays, he always claims to be busy or have other plans.
Scott: Sounds like he considers you an occupational acquaintance!
Scott: Sounds like he considers you an occupational acquaintance!
by Powerpasser January 12, 2018
The act of, after being (re)introduced to a person of former/new acquaintance, maintaining a tie via text, phone, etc in the event something more could come of the (re)introduction; such as friendship, sex, love, etc
Oh, I knew of Bob in high school, and I had a chance to get to know him a little at the 10 year high school reunion. I really like him. He was my best friends brother's best friend! Too bad we live in different states. Looks like I'm going to have to do some "acquaintance maintenance" to see what comes of this!
by cowgirl justice September 27, 2010