72%
Yes, Ma’am
72%
28%
No
28%
2
Comments
Theresa Scherf
These modes of address are typically used when speaking to people who are older than oneself and with persons who have an especially prominent role in one's community/society. In my 70s and with a fairly significant societal role, I would not use them with others--NOR wish others to use them for me.
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Valerie Lantz
I'm a very informal, casual person. I'm friendly, repectful and usually in good humour. Sir and Mam see too formal to me.
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Yes, it shows respect
ReplyYes on occasion. When my husband worked in retail he swore by "miss" instead of "ma'am" with women of all ages and said many times that older women would exclaim delightedly, "I haven't been called miss in so long!" It's all in the delivery.
ReplyYes, it shows respect
ReplyI was reared to say Ma'am and Sir as a sign of respect. Now in old age and another part of the country, I realize that using Sir and Ma'am in all social and business interactions is rewarded in nearly every case with superior customer service. As civility has diminished in society, this has grown.
Replyrespect
ReplyI did, especially when I lived in the south. Here in Canada, if you call someone ma'am, you are distancing yourself for some reason. If I have a chance to use sir or ma'am, I will. p.s. I wish I lived in the south again...
ReplyBorn n raised in Texas. It's a way of life for us
ReplyI'm from the boomer generation! Those words come out without me even thinking about it!!
ReplyYes. My parent's friends or folks that could be parents to me. (Age)
ReplyYes, I was raised to do so. I feel it shows a certain amount of respect which I like to offer.
ReplyShows respect
ReplyI was brought up to use these terms.
ReplyI use sir quite often, not so much the ma'am due to women (including myself) not liking called that
ReplyIt's the right thing to do.
ReplyI do at work. But, I secretly hate when customers ask not to be called Ma'am, Sir, or Mr. <surname> because it makes them feel old. Impossible when our lifetime interaction lasts 3 minutes and they're otherwise nameless to me, or I feel rude using their 1st names. I understand when I'm called Ma'am.
ReplyI was raised in the south, it's just natural. I do, my husband does, my kids (27, 26, 21) do. We've moved out west to New Mexico, and people are shocked when one of us uses Sir or Ma'am.
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