Usually when I refer to someone as "the author", it's deep in a comment thread, as in a response to another commenter. And it's because I'm on my phone so I can't see the author's name easily and I don't remember it.

I'm terrible with names. And I'm often either too lazy or too pressed for time to deal with bad mobile layout.

I do try to read broadly and engage with new (to me) authors. But I'm not going to remember your name until I've read your work or come across it a few times. Or, I've come to like your work enough to follow you.

Of course, that's not the same intent as someone who's just trying to take the mickey out of you in a vain attempt to alleviate whatever irritation that burr in their saddle is causing them today.