wd: please elaborate on what you mean author means in the context you are talking about.
And you mentioned mating as carnal knowledge, and then I said to you. Of course I am messing with you, as in the context of mating effing and all that. Cause I do have humour, since it is not always carnal knowledge. when I am messing with people. Cause in your case I was just having some good old fun with words. Since you did not like me calling you mate, matey 😀
Since messing, effing and mating has at least two meanings. After all, I doubt you are Auntie Ogg, from Discworld. Or you are insinuating I am gay, cause then you are stepping into a territory you should NOT venture any further. Since then I will be angry .