rob: They must be assuming that for most people shaking hands is never Derech Chibah. They would all agree that if it was for someone that that person should avoid it. Or, to quote Rav Schachter on handshakes, “if she’s ugly it’s Muttar Lechatchilah; if she’s pretty it’s Yeihareg V’al Ya’avor.”
Nisht: Chill. Everyone understood what he meant. Just because he chooses to transilterate in a particular way doesn’t mean he’s speaking “mermish”. You’re just picking a fight.