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Given the author appears to be female, I suspect the irony is entirely on purpose.

I'm not sure it is. I suspect it's intended as a genuine term of endearment and the author is oblivious to the negative connotation. Still unfortunate.

I find it odd that someone who was writing a paragraph about sexism in tech (or any industry) wouldn’t be aware of the negative connotation - but your explanation could be right.

I find it odd too.

It's pretty clearly being used condescendingly in this case.

However, the author may genuinely not have noticed the sexist connotation until it was pointed out.

Specifically, I think she is using it in much the same manner as in Chris Rock used the "n" word in his "Black People vs. Niggaz" stand-up skit.

Either that or she is being deliberately patronising towards perceived innocence, also for comedic effect.

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