Do you address strangers by ma'am or sir?
I'm 17 and I live in the Midlands.
I've grown up addressing people by ma'am or sir because that's what we've always been taught at school (It's a private school so we're taught to uphold traditional customs, I presume).
However, I've heard that it is impolite as people who aren't used to it are offended by it.
Is this true? If so, what must I address them by? I don't know any other way.
I've found that the older generation - 65+ recognise that it is just a form of respect but I'm not sure if I'm unintentionally offending people who don't realise this.
Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!
Comments
Very few of the younger generation use these terms today. It is a dying trend which should be brought back to show respect. In Spain, where I now live, people always use the words Señor, Señora, or Señorita, which is Sir, Madam and Miss in English.
People should not be offended by it and I suggest you carry on in the way you have been taught. You will be respected more for it.
I had the same issue which you are currently facing. I was also brought up in a society where male teachers were addressed by Sir or Professor and ladies were addressed by Ma'am or Madam. When i went abroad for my bachelors, i was shocked to find that the teachers were addressed by their first names and the teachers encouraged this approach. I couldn't bring myself to call them by their first names and yes some teachers didn't like being called Sir or Madam.
Its all good.
they are mad that they are starting to be older adequate to be called sir or ma'am. thats all. the 1st time I have been given "sir'd" i replaced into like, what do you have a topic! Now Im like, i know Im going gray dammit, do you could desire to rub it in!?? merely say what you like, in the event that they dont like it, then tell then they are getting offended at appreciate. they are the only with the subject.
I use Sir or Madam when dealing with the public. I've never had anyone be offended to my knowledge.
This is by my opinion;
I call every guy that Is older than me sir, because it shows that you have respect towards them.
And for a female I say "Miss".
I think I called a woman as "mam" on a plane and she didn't replied back. Some younger woman will be offended if you call her "mam". Better to address them as "miss".
definitely more polite than calling them bro, dude or hey.
idiots who feel offended by this polite adressing should have their heads checked (or they might prefer being adressed comrade).
You should know