Personally I think some of the problem is that everyday people do not understand the banter that occurs in the construction industry, some of it seems highly personal and even offensive to outsiders, I have seen this in offices over the years during small works or refurbs. Everyone is getting on famously, having a good crack, but the clients employees think WWIII is breaking out and everyone are mad homosexuals...yet we all leave happy...they don't get that bit...
I do believe that after many years in the industry that it is likely some of us, not just sparks and plumb-bobs, don't always turn that sarcasm and banter off when we leave site at night..and it carries over to our "normal" lives...