I've found that when someone doesn't have a high opinion or general respect for someone, they won't use their "name" when referring to them. IM's general disinterest in EC is REALLY disturbing. One wonders if she even bothered to put any "Missing Person" flyers around the rescue...........?
An old college roommate of mine used to refer to guys she couldn't stand (usually her roommates' boyfriends) as "IT"
IT ate all the taquitos. IT was chewing tobacco in the bathtub. IT let my cat out...
...but I can say I have been happily married to IT for 8 years, and he no longer chews in the bathtub. WINNING