Do you address men and women as "sir" and "ma'am" in day to day life outside of work?
Posted by lavender_dumpling@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 348 comments
As the title says
ShimorEgypt4227@reddit
I feel like "sir" and "ma'am" have two different connotations in my area. Most women i know would be insulted if you called them ma'am. Sir is different. Whenever someone calls me sir i take it as a compliment, the same goes for most other men
TheGesor@reddit
New Englander here. No.
d4n4scu11y__@reddit
I don't even address people as "sir" or "ma'am" at work. Don't think I've ever called anyone those things.
clearliquidclearjar@reddit
I live in the south, so yes, kind of. Like, if I need to get by someone I'll say, "Excuse me, sir, just gotta get past you here." It's not like a weird knights and ladies thing. I'm not saying stuff like "Pray ye, Sir, allow me access to this gas pump that you are crowding."
wumbologistPHD@reddit
I work in an office full of fellow southerners, pretty much everyone says yessir to everyone. Except the women, they don't say yessir to anyone.
lavender_dumpling@reddit (OP)
That would stand out as odd where I'm from in Arkansas lol. Not to me, but if a woman never said "sir", it'd be taken as disrespect.
glorlop@reddit
Also from Arkansas and am woman. I sir and ma’am pretty much every human I come across, age doesn’t matter. As I was explaining to someone I work with from NJ, it’s just about being respectful. If someone ever tells me they don’t like it, I stop.
DogOrDonut@reddit
HR had to tell my coworker to stop, especially with the ma'ams because I live in NY and everyone was taking offense to it. I told him I would rather him call me a fucking bitch than ma'am.
glorlop@reddit
Cultural differences are so fascinating, even here in the same country. I truly can see where it can been seen as sarcastic or offensive, but where I’m from it is just so integral to the way i interact with the people physically around me. Bump into someone? “oh, excuse me sir!” Someone trying to get your attention? “Yes ma’am, what can I help you with?”
I’ve seen some people liken it to submission, and that true in some places, where it’s like a respect for your elders/ “betters,” but even as a toddler/little kid/youth/teenager, adults would refer to me as ma’am just as much as I would refer to them as ma’am/sir.
I do try and temper my use when I know I’m talking to someone from a northern state, or if they denote using non-binary pronouns in their work signature etc. I can shed a lot of my accent/cultural language when need be and talk in what I call my newscaster voice, but ma’am, sir, and y’all are deeply ingrained and it is very hard to break that habit.
IHaveALittleNeck@reddit
In other words, you called HR because you’re insecure that you might be perceived as being of a certain age. Sounds like a you problem, ma’am.
DogOrDonut@reddit
I didn't call HR. I explained to him personally that he wasn't in Texas anymore and ma'am is generally considered offensive. Someone else complained to HR because she told him multiple times to stop and he didn't so she took it as intentional disrespect/insults/misogyny as opposed to a force of habit. I was like 2-3 years out of college when this happened so it's not like I was actually old.
I see both sides. On one had I get habbits are hard to break but on the other if multiple people have told you not to call them something, and ask you repeatedly not to do it, and you don't listen to that feedback for months, how hard are you really trying to break that habbit?
IHaveALittleNeck@reddit
I’m NJ born and raised, and I “sir” and “ma’am” everyone.
adevilnguyen@reddit
I'm from Louisiana, and I do this. Sir, ma'am everyone.
mandarinandbasil@reddit
Probably why they're not into it ¯_(ツ)_/¯
mandarinandbasil@reddit
(to be clearer, I mean if a woman is absolutely expected to pay this weird respect that is not reciprocated, it would feel shitty)
geri73@reddit
I think it depends on the person you say it too. Yes sir and yes ma'am is the norm here in Missouri, but I have had some people ask me not to do that. It does not happen often, but when it does, it can trip me up for a minute. I even address my kids and pets like this. I assume my kids don't mind because I'm their mom, I guess? My cats don't care because they just want scratches and food.
I_am_photo@reddit
Not a guy and being from Texas I don't think I called anyone sir unless it was a serious situation. Which happened at school or church maybe once or twice when we were in trouble. Otherwise if it was formal or professional and not on a first name basis it was Mr. Their last name.
Canard-Rouge@reddit
Idk, as an intern I worked with another intern from Texas. I'm from the northeast and this job was in the northeast. She would say "excuse me, sir?" to get my attention. Honestly, it felt great.
CubedMeatAtrocity@reddit
I live in Dallas and women say yes sir as much as men say yes ma’am.
Frequent-Bird-Eater@reddit
Sir and ma'am are so useful for addressing people you don't know.
I live overseas where the language has no equivalent, and I'm constantly struggling when I have to address strangers.
Here you use a social role (e.g., "hello Mr. Customer") or a kinship term (e.g., my neighbor told her son to "Say good morning to big brother [me]").
Kinship terms for strangers will never not be difficult for me, so I still just kinda freeze when I have to shout down a stranger because they dropped something or whatever.
It also means the culture here is so much more direct, because you can't just say, "sorry, sir," you have to go up and stop them, or touch their shoulder, or whatever to get their attention.
Sir and ma'am are just really great words to have. I also love the old timey "hey mister!"
IHaveALittleNeck@reddit
Pardonnez moi, monsieur.
adevilnguyen@reddit
Im American and speak Vietnamese. Kinship terms for strangers will be the death of me.
Canard-Rouge@reddit
What does Vietnamese have anything to do with the above?
broadfuckingcity@reddit
I don't know for sure but I'm guessing it's a feature of the language based on the context of the comment.
Kevin-W@reddit
I grew up in the south and we were taught to use "sir" and "ma'am" and would be corrected if we didn't. Nowadays it isn't used as often as it used to be.
sanka@reddit
This was a huge change for me when I moved to Texas from Iowa. Everyone called their boss "sir" and they always said "ma'am". I had never heard "Y'all" outside of a movie and I was almost 30.
I travel a LOT for work, 50-60 flights a year. I've been all over and I generally fall into their speech cadence and mannerisms. That "sir" and "ma'am" thing was hard to shake.
lavender_dumpling@reddit (OP)
It's not the ye olde "Ope, let me scoot right past ya", but that works too ;)
Fred42096@reddit
I live in an interesting overlap. Nothing here is quite “southern”, but it’s not “midwestern” either. A weird blend of the two exists. I’ve never been anywhere in the Midwest for a meaningful amount of time, but your “ope let me scoot right past ya” or “sorry/‘scuse me” is a lot closer to my mannerisms and the mannerisms I’m used to than “excuse me, sir”. I personally have never even used terms like “y’all” (though they are very popular, just never really settled in my dialect).
Interestingly enough, if you travel west at all, you get a more cowboy/“true Texas” aesthetic. South, you get more traditional Deep South stuff. North takes you into plains culture. East into a mix of Deep South and Upper south. But the city stands as an island of not-quite-any of those. Probably why the rest of the state gets off on making fun of “fake Texas” lol.
MancinaPuzzled@reddit
Nope—that’s only a southern thing. Some say it’s a relic of slavery, poverty, and plantation/hierarchical society. I wouldn’t know. I don’t really like it as I didn’t grow up in the south and I don’t like being called ma’am—many non-southern women don’t because it implies we’re too old to be “miss”. I don’t love using honorifics in general and wasn’t brought up that way myself—in fact, I went to a school for my entire K-12 education where we called our teachers David and Ken and Miranda (those were some of my favorite teachers 😊)
Closetbrainer@reddit
No
Run_Lift_Think@reddit
As a southerner, it’s the norm. Less so in other regions of the country. When in doubt, pay attention to what others are doing or just ask.
Americans, to our credit, are almost always happy to help foreign visitors fit in. We don’t play the game of watching people stumble socially for our amusement. I think our idea of the “melting pot” makes us embrace anyone who makes an effort to fit in with local customs & norms.
Specific-Jury4270@reddit
i'm from texas- yes
NotTheMariner@reddit
Yes, almost universally unless I know them personally
Lildemon198@reddit
This, using Sir or Ma'am is the most respectful thing I can universally call people.
I've made a couple situations awkward by bailing out of a Sir or a Ma'am halfway through because I realize that someone is androgynous enough that I'm worried about misgendering.
If I realize before that I'm not sure of their gender I just don't.
reyadeyat@reddit
I'm an androgynous 6'0" woman and I got a lot of "siiiiirma'am" when I lived in the south, lol.
(I wasn't offended by it)
TrickyShare242@reddit
I'm ex-military so I do it but like you if I'm unsure I use sarge or captain
agelessArbitrator@reddit
Yep, same
CardiologistSweet343@reddit
Gawd, no. And not at work either.
Calling people sir and ma’am came from back when we used to address nobility like that. We called them Sire and Madam or Maam.
It’s super gross and weird that common people today demand to be addressed like nobility to prove you “respect” them.
Nope. No thank you.
poisonedkiwi@reddit
I don't think anybody "demands" to be referred to as nobility... It's not seen as that nowadays, it's just a polite expression to refer to someone if you don't know their name. I don't think a vast majority of the population even considers those terms to be describing nobility anymore. We haven't had that shit in how long now?
TyrionIsntALannister@reddit
Baffled by the number of people in this thread saying “only if a stranger has dropped something.” That’s such a specific instance?
caraperdida@reddit
Eh. It's one of the few instances you ever need to get the attention of a stanger who might not be looking at you and thus can't see you're addressing them.
It's more polite and slightly more specific than "hey you!"
*shrug*
cool_weed_dad@reddit
It’s the main circumstance where you would need to get someone’s attention while not knowing their name
Bawstahn123@reddit
I don't do it at work, much less out of work.
From a Northern perspective, it just seems so gratingly obsequious.
caraperdida@reddit
I was rasied in the south and I'll use it with strangers where I don't know any name.
"Excuse me, Ma'am."
"Sir! You dropped your phone!"
That kind of thing.
Don't it at work is what's unimaginable to me! I hate calling my boss "sir" or "ma'am" because it seems so obsequious rather than just polite.
caraperdida@reddit
I'd feel weirder doing it at work!
If it's a stranger, I might say "excuse me Sir/Ma'am" because I don't know any name to call them.
However, calling my boss Sir?
Fuck that noise! I'm not a child, nor are you a feudal lord and I your vassal!
For the more conservative/formal people I work with I'll call them Dr. I rarely run into any like that who aren't doctors.
However, if someone insists on Mr. or Ms., that's fine.
I can deal with that, but if you tell me to call your "Sir" you better be able to prove you've been knighted!
rosietherosebud@reddit
I only say sir or ma'am when trying to get a stranger's attention and "excuse me" haven't worked. It's like my break glass in case of emergency option.
DOMSdeluise@reddit
I don't address people as sir or ma'am in the office lol
Shortstack1980@reddit
Same, maybe once in a while in a joking way.
itsmejustmeonlyme@reddit
Joking, yes. But not seriously.
lavender_dumpling@reddit (OP)
Nor do I, but I'm in the Army, so I'd say it probably stands out to folks who just arrive to our unit. First name basis, usually, or just last name.
Sabertooth767@reddit
Aviation?
lavender_dumpling@reddit (OP)
EOD
itsmejustmeonlyme@reddit
No, I do not. To my own ears if I try to say sir or ma’am I sound sarcastic
RyouIshtar@reddit
Yeah it's how i was raised to do. If people wanna be mad about it, then that's their right.
BuildNuyTheUrbanGuy@reddit
Yes.
Adventurous_cyborg@reddit
Live in the Pacific NW and no. It's too formal and comes off as classist. When in high school and elementary school, yes.
Wii_wii_baget@reddit
I don’t but regardless of what I’m doing or where I am I use my fancy restaurant manners
birdiebegood@reddit
No. I rarely do at work, either, unless I'm certain of that person's pronouns. Gender neutral language has saved me from SO many awkward conversations and corrections.
Kyauphie@reddit
It's normal in the Mid-Atlantic; we have a Southern and military culture mixing bowl. It makes people who aren't from here obvious whether they're aware or not
Kyauphie@reddit
It's normal in the Mid-Atlantic; we have a Southern and military culture mixing bowl. It makes people who aren't from here obvious whether they're aware or not
landsharkmark@reddit
I live in Portland and yes generally I do. Unless they are being disrespectful or is one of my friends. Then it's usually "hey asshole" or I completely ignore them.
ReasonLast9206@reddit
I am loathe to say "ma'am" but I do say "sir" a lot. Usually when addressing strangers, esp in a service role ("Excuse me, sir, could you tell me where the elevators are located?) but also kinda cutesy/ironically to friends and family ("Thank you, sir.")
cool_weed_dad@reddit
Never. I’m from New England it’s generally considered rude up here as it’s mostly only used sarcastically as an insult
discosanfrancisco@reddit
No, because I’ve learned that assigning gender to a stranger can often cause more damage than it helps.
Boi_eats_worlds@reddit
I try not to. I dont want to assume anything and when someone calls me ma'am, I feel like I a 60yo
SanchosaurusRex@reddit
If I’m being respectful and talking briefly to someone older or in a professional manner, yeah.
Cincoro@reddit
Nope.
I get that on occasion because I am the boss, but still, it's rare.
lilwebbyboi@reddit
Very rarely. Usually only when I'm talking to elders I respect
perigrinate@reddit
not a ton, unless I don’t know a person’s name. I worked as a cashier for a while, and I said sir/maam a fair amount then, but only to get their attention (ie never “you’re welcome, sir”, just things like “sir! you forgot this!”)
I teach now, and occasionally my students call me ma’am out of genuine respect, usually in the context of “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am”. I guess they picked it up at home, because I certainly don’t feel the need to be called anything other than ms. name.
All that said, I live in the northeast, which is a very different matter from, say, the south. I was in North Carolina this summer and I heard a lot more of it down there!
butterscotchketchup@reddit
i usually say miss instead of ma'am unless they're a lot older, but yeah
blueraspberryicepop@reddit
What do you consider to be a lot older? I'm 47 and if anyone calls me miss, I correct them immediately
butterscotchketchup@reddit
i was raised to say miss to people in their 20s/30s and ma'am to 40s+ 😭 it just seems a lot more respectful to other women , i don't say miss if they're my age tho
Brief-First@reddit
No, and I don't use it at work either. I don't like being called ma'am, so why would I call someone else thar?
No_Practice_970@reddit
In the Southern East Coast, it's used as a form of respect, but it's also part of our vernacular.
Example: Mrs. Ray, have you finished grading our tests? "Yes, Sir, check Google classroom. As always, you guys did awesome."
Child splashing others at the water fountain. "NO, Sir! Since you're not thirsty, Josh just head back to class."
Dog tapping her bell repeatedly to go outside. "Yes, ma'am, I heard you the first time. You hear me coming. Patience, please. "
JBark1990@reddit
Yes, but I have a very professional job. It’s bled into my daily life to where I use it with strangers, too—despite NOT being from the south where it’s more normal.
Not a bad thing to use it more often than not in my opinion. I’m also institutionalized and it feels wrong to say anything else now. 😅
unintentionalfat@reddit
Yes. Out of politeness and respect.
Goody2Shuuz@reddit
I do — being an older Gen X is probably why.
ColumbiaWahoo@reddit
Almost never
cohrt@reddit
never done this in my life.
confusedrabbit247@reddit
Literally never
Glittering_Animal395@reddit
Yes. No explanation is needed because it's foolproof and easy.
MidwesternClara@reddit
Born & raised in the northern midwest and definitely do this.
-Ixlr8@reddit
To strangers that I meet,yes.
RodeoBoss66@reddit
Depending on the circumstances and how formally or informally I am with individuals, I do. I find it tends to elevate the overall level of discourse. Most people like being treated respectfully without asking for it or demanding it. I also say “please” and “thank you.”
Sure_Tree_5042@reddit
I live in the south. So Yes, Sir/Ma’am I do. I even call dogs and infants sir or ma’am
bobobedo@reddit
Sir, Ma'am or Miss.
Recent-Irish@reddit
Actually I do it exclusively outside of work. Are usually refer to strangers as sir and ma’am, but my coworkers by their names.
tinycole2971@reddit
I'm in management, I usually refer to the people that work for me as "sir" or "ma'am". But never my higher-ups as that.
va2wv2va@reddit
I do the same
lavender_dumpling@reddit (OP)
I'd say it's always a safe bet if you don't know them personally, nor know their name. If I know their name, and they're older, it's usually Mr./Mrs./Ms. (insert name).
KingSlimp@reddit
Sir or ma’am is usually used for people you don’t know. For example, if a man drops his wallet I will call him sir to get his attention, as I don’t know his name but want to address him respectfully. Or say I’m standing in line and the woman in front of me doesn’t realize the line has moved, I would say “excuse me, ma’am” to get their attention. Usually if you know someone’s name you will refer to them as such.
4point5billion45@reddit
Never.
Fantastic-Leopard131@reddit
If i want to show respect then yes. I probably wouldn’t use it with someone my own age or younger (25; id prob use some type of slang name like chica or girlly) but id use it with anyone older than me. Ex- “excuse me maam you dropped this”
PAXICHEN@reddit
Yes. If I don’t know them and they’re older than me (getting rarer). Yes sir. Thank you ma’am.
AND I’m from NJ and MA. But I did go to college in Virginia.
Aggressive_FIamingo@reddit
I don't think I've ever called anyone sir or ma'am non-sarcastically.
toridyar@reddit
I’m from Alabama and moved to NY for a short time in my early 20s. The first time I called someone “sir” was sooo embarrassing, I was made fun of soooo much
refused26@reddit
Yeah that has been my experience here in the east coast (NY/NJ area). You're only Sir'd and Ma'am'd when getting called out because you were doing something you weren't supposed to do. Ex: Ma'am! Step away from the vehicle! Sir, the end of the line is over there, wait for your turn!!! If I'm being addressed as ma'am, I feel instantly guilty 😂
Blaze0511@reddit
Confirmed....I'm from the PA/NJ area and the only time I use Sir or Ma'am is when im calling someone out.
WhoDoesntLikeADonut@reddit
Yes, not always but frequently
rainydaygermanwoman@reddit
In the south, typically yes.
If they are elderly or an authority figure, ALWAYS ma'am and sir
Middle aged, or for example meeting your friend's parents for the first time, start with ma'am and sir and continue until they either tell you it's not necessary or you realize they're very relaxed and casual
For peers (as a kid/teenager/young adult) usually never, but sometimes still use it for flavor. Ex: "Will you bring me a beer?" "Yes sir I will" or "That greasy burger was exactly what I needed for this hangover" "YES. MA'AM. I feel like a whole new woman."
innocent_bystander@reddit
Grew up in the south, and had teachers that would absolutely not reply or acknowledge you in any way without a "sir" or a "ma'am" attached to it. Still with me to this day, so absolutely I do.
jameson8016@reddit
Yes, and there are no exceptions for age. From fetus to casket. Don't care who ya are, you're getting an honorific. Only exceptions are for non binary folk and folk with nontraditional pronouns, and that's only because I don't know a non-gendered honorific for that usage, and it honestly drives me up the bloody wall. If someone doesn't give me one soon, I'm gonna just start using 'Your grace' for everyone. Better yet, 'your imminence.'
But yea, I'm from the south, and that's just part of how I was raised. At this point, it is compulsory. It literally causes mental anguish to not do that. Lol
stoopidivy233@reddit
Not even at work. Am from California
WinterBourne25@reddit
Yes sir, I do. It’s ingrained in our culture out of politeness to specifically say, “Yes sir/ma’am,” or “No sir/ma’am.” It doesn’t accompany every sentence.
It was expected from our parents and our teachers at school. My kids told me it was also expected of them at school too. They are Gen Zers.
fahhgedaboutit@reddit
Never have called anyone sir or ma’am once in my life tbh
SurfSwordfish@reddit
Yeah everywhere I go or on work calls always
pleased_to_yeet_you@reddit
Yep
cookiesandginge@reddit
I went to Florida for two weeks and started doing it 😂
UFOWIS@reddit
I address my cats as “sir” and “ma’am.” “Sir! Get down from there.” Ma’am! That hurts.”
va2wv2va@reddit
Yes, literally every day. It’s the way I was taught to respect people. I don’t use it with people I am familiar with, including work colleagues. But I always use it in public unless asked not to. Some people do not like it, and while I don’t understand that, I always respect it.
Super_girl-1010@reddit
Yes ma’am/sir. I am from the south and this is how I was raised.
vanchica@reddit
Senior citizens, yes
Tasty_Cardiologist53@reddit
Not anymore, most don't deserve it.
sgtm7@reddit
Yes. I use it outside of work almost all the time. With civilians at work, I only use their name. With military officers at work I will use sir.
Kwt920@reddit
I live in New England and no, I don’t address people that way at work or in an informal environment.
Enby_Disaster_@reddit
no !! to steal an example from someone else here, if im trying to get past someone, ill say 'excuse me!' and thats it. you only tack on an honorific if its someone you Really genuinely want to show respect to, IF then.
risky_bisket@reddit
Yes including older family members which might surprise some people.
KathyA11@reddit
I'm from New Jersey, spend nearly 40 years working with the public, so it's pretty much ingrained by now. I mean, it's handy when you don't know someone's name.
Dunamivora@reddit
Thinking about it, I do not. If I don't ask for their name, I don't usually address them even if I choose to talk to them.
StrangeLikeNormal@reddit
Generally I do, but lately I’ve been struggling to find a gender neutral term that I can use and feels right. My partner calls everyone “friend” as a gender neutral term but to me that feels weird and forced
spaghettinoodle15@reddit
I’m from the north so no I genuinely never really saw it. I actually had to train myself to do it just so I could do it at work.
Gswizzlee@reddit
Sometimes? I spent half my life in central ca and the other half in the south. So I have a mix of both dialects
idkbroidk-_-@reddit
No but my SO who is from the south always does lol
Jlchevz@reddit
But does it sound weird to you or is it just something relatively common that you’re not used to saying?
idkbroidk-_-@reddit
I’m not sure if it sounds weird I think it’s just something I’m not used to hearing in a non joking/sarcastic way. When my SO met my mother for the first time and called her ma'am we all laughed a little because we weren’t used to it.
Jlchevz@reddit
I see what you mean, thanks!! I was just curious
BankManager69420@reddit
If I don’t know them then yes. If I do I use their name.
MiketheTzar@reddit
If I don't say sir or ma'am in everyday conversation with strangers at say a fast food drive through I can physically feel my momma smacking me on the back of the head and saying "yes what, yes what, yes what"
L4ZYSMURF@reddit
Yessir
qu33nof5pad35@reddit
When I worked at a medical office, I used to. But I haven’t addressed anyone as either in a couple of years.
bigred9310@reddit
I do most of the time. Unless they piss me off.
Gatorae@reddit
Yes but only to strangers.
Dsxm41780@reddit
Honestly I mostly use it when there is some kind of conflict and I’m trying to show I’m being respectful and de-escalate the situation while still proving a point.
aprillikesthings@reddit
Outside of work I think I only say "Sir" to the cat. When he's being naughty or especially cute.
Gladyskravitz99@reddit
I don't call anyone sir or ma'am and haven't in almost 40 years. I barely ever did as a kid, either. I'd say never, but I'm sure I said sir and ma'am to teachers.
My oldest child sir-ed and ma'am-ed teachers too, but I don't think my youngest has ever said sir or ma'am in his life. He addresses people by their names, and almost universally by their first names.
RachelRTR@reddit
Did you grow up in Alabama?
Gladyskravitz99@reddit
Yes
CaelestisInteritum@reddit
No, imagine thinking trying to guess what's in someone's pants and referring to them as that is "rEsPeCtFuL"
xkcx123@reddit
It depends on how they address me for the most part and what iam doing.
Life_Confidence128@reddit
Yes. But I’ve only done it out of habit due to interacting with customers at work. I also use it as a sign of respect to my elders. Folks around my age I don’t say it as much but sometimes I’ll say it out of habit. Doesn’t hurt either way, it is respectful!
orange-peakoe@reddit
Yes. I have no memory for names.
yourphotondealer@reddit
Never, and especially not at work. What are they, a valent knight of the realm?
Apocalyptic0n3@reddit
If I don't know the person's name, yes. I grew up playing soccer and it was beat into my thick skull by coaches that the only thing you start or end every statement to a ref with Sir or Ma'am. It grew into use with other groups and now 15 years post-soccer life, it's really just strangers.
missdovahkiin1@reddit
Not really a thing here. I think I can speak for most of us when I say it makes us uncomfortable.
drivernopassenger@reddit
If the situation calls for it, but it’s not phrasing I’d say I use regularly.
nygenxmom@reddit
Nope, not at all. Not that common in the Northeast.
mmmpeg@reddit
Of course.
SynesthesiaLady@reddit
Every man, to me, ages 2-110, is "sir". Older women are "Miss", middle-aged to younger women are sister and girly. Or no address. I can't find a good respect+informal greeting but the sisters seem to love the innocence of "sister" and "girly".
Ladygoingup@reddit
Nope. Not in person or office.
LoopyMercutio@reddit
Yup, I’m from the South, and that’s just how you address anyone older than you by default (until they show they don’t deserve it, at least).
arcticsummertime@reddit
If they look older than me
ostiarius@reddit
Never. Nor inside of work either.
GardenWitchMom@reddit
Yes.
mag_safe@reddit
I say yes sir/no sir, yes ma’am/no ma’am as a rule as a sign of respect. Just the way I was raised.
NaNaNaNaNatman@reddit
Very rarely. I might if I was trying really hard to get a stranger’s attention.
Practical-Ordinary-6@reddit
Sometimes.
Bookworm_mama@reddit
Yes, but I live in the South.
lucash7@reddit
Yeah.
It’s a habit that was instilled in me at a very young age - it was yessir, no sir, yes ma’am, no ma’am.
I’ve fought to grow out of it as I’ve gotten older as my growing circle of friends have included nonbinary, etc. folks.
Oddly enough, I’ve just replaced it with other words. Dude, bud, folks, etc.
Spyderbeast@reddit
If I am trying to get the attention of a stranger, I would probably say "Excuse me (sir or ma'am), you dropped this".
I am definitely using sir or ma'am if stopped for a traffic violation
UltraShadowArbiter@reddit
Nope. Here in the north, calling someone sir or ma'am is offensive. Because it implies that the person is old.
RealBenWoodruff@reddit
I live in the south. Yes.
knightw0lf55@reddit
Former military here. Yes, yes, I do. I also put Miss in the mix. My general rule of thumb is if the woman looks under the age of 25 I call her ma'am, letting her think she looks more mature for her age. 25 to 45 I say Miss allowing them to think they look younger than they actually do. 45 to 65 back to ma'am. No games here I'm just going to call it as I see it. Over 65 and I'm referring to them as Miss again. And my experience women over the age of 65 love being called Miss and it makes them smile. Now I understand this is pretty manipulative but I'm not doing it to get anything out of these people I just want to brighten up their day a little bit. Based on experience this works 95% of the time.
mouse_Jupiter@reddit
Never
mouse_Jupiter@reddit
Being called sir used to and csn still annoy me. When I was younger it made me feel old and a lot of people who approach you with “sir” want something from you, like beggars usually use “sir”.
Rofig95@reddit
Almost never. It’s way too formal or old fashioned for me.
Maybe if they’re a complete stranger and I need to address something to them urgently to grab their attention, but I don’t see any reason why I would use those words other than that.
noperopehope@reddit
The only people I call sir and ma’am are my two very entitled pet rabbits
Independent-Fall-466@reddit
I semi- kinda does but i have a military background.
JustAnArizonan@reddit
I was raised to say, “yes sir, no sir, yes ma’am, no ma’am”. Sir is just a way to adress a man and ma’am is a way to address a woman,
Bonegirl06@reddit
Never
lanfear2020@reddit
I just addressed my dog as Sir not even 5 minutes ago when he tired to smell an inappropriate spot.
TheGreenSquier@reddit
Southern CA here. “Dude” and “man” are the go-to words for my bosses, subordinates, random people, men, women, friends, family, etc. Lol
Deaconse@reddit
I do! Though I address women as "Madam," not "Ma'am"
Mountain_Air1544@reddit
Yes that is basic manners
StonyBolonyy@reddit
Yes.
1DietCokedUpChick@reddit
Nope.
Sweet_Race_6829@reddit
I’m 45, grew up in SC, and now live in NC and I never say it. I did occasionally as a kid because some adults expected it but I never liked it.
HoldMyWong@reddit
Yeah to strangers who I don’t know their name
What else are you supposed to call them?
lavender_dumpling@reddit (OP)
"Hey, man" or "Hey, brother" usually lmao. For a woman? Honestly not in the business of attempting to get random women's attention on the street often, so I'm unsure. I'd likely say "Hey, miss", if not ma'am.
Gladyskravitz99@reddit
Or just "excuse me." And it works for anyone, no matter how they identify.
chtrace@reddit
Use it everyday, but I'm an old guy from Texas. Even if it pisses them off (like some women), I don't really care what they think, I'm gonna do me.
Yotsubauniverse@reddit
Yep, I was born and raised in the south, but it's purely out of habit.
Gaeilgeoir215@reddit
Yes. It's just polite, and sounds far better than “hey you.” 😄
Tripple-Helix@reddit
I'm in Texas and I make a point of using sir and ma'am any time I'm dealing with someone whose job or apparent economic status seems like they might feel invisible. A simple "Thank you sir" to the teen bagging groceries might just make their job more tolerable that day.
OpalMagnus@reddit
Sometimes, like if I'm trying to get a complete stranger's attention.
I will say, the day someone called me "ma'am" instead of "miss" broke me, so I always say "miss" instead of "ma'am".
LAUNCHB0XX@reddit
Yes I leave in the south, it's a habit I can't break anymore
Weskit@reddit
If a person is an adult whose name I don't know and I need to address them, then yes, I consider it the only acceptable thing to call them.
localjargon@reddit
Me too, except I call all women Miss, regardless of age.
LavaPoppyJax@reddit
My experience in Northern and Southern California is that it isn't used. Rare exception is trying to get a strangers attention. Children are not taught to use it. I wasn't taught it as a child in the 60's, didn't teach my child in the 90's. Never heard it used much.
Baymavision@reddit
All the time. I'm from the north and live in the south but I was raised this way.
QualityPrunes@reddit
Yes. If they are older than I am, it’s the correct thing to do. Or if they are on a position or authority and they are not my friend, I do. I am a Southerner, but that is good manners.
Xtorin_Ohern@reddit
I use "sir" and "mam" more outside of work than I do at work.
My boss is a dickwad, I think I've called him "asshole" more than "sir", and I don't work with the general public.
But the average member of the general public has likely never done anything other than slightly inconvenience me, so they're worthy of a more respectful tone
oarmash@reddit
I’m more likely to do it outside of work than during
TRLK9802@reddit
Yes, all the time.
Anxious_Public_5409@reddit
I don’t live in the south but I do tend to address people as sir/ma’am depending on where I am and their (possible) ages. I do actually still address women 20+ years older than me (I’m in my late 40s) as Ms. (Enter name)
Neat_Yak_6121@reddit
I grew up in Virginia right above the North Carolina line and I have never been in the habit of calling anyone sir or ma'am unless that person specifically insisted it and to be honest, the only people I can think of who wanted to be addressed with sir were my high school JROTC instructors and that was only when we were in formation.
I think it's one of those things that people think other people care about, but no one really cares about.
Dr_puffnsmoke@reddit
Bostonian married to a Georgian living in the Carolinas here. It’s weird as shit to in the northeast to say in any circumstance but I’ve been living and married in southern areas awhile now and it’s just how you address people you don’t know well and or want to be polite with. Like not as a royal heralding but like how you’d say thank you in a drive thru or greeting a stranger. Like yes sir no ma’am answers during a transaction are pretty typical but id never call a friend sir or ma’am in causal conversation (although maybe that’s the Bostonian in me that would prefer to roast a friend than be nice to them).
NedThomas@reddit
I’ve used “sir” and “ma’am” everyday of my life outside of work.
Snoo_63187@reddit
Everyone is a dude to me.
AtheneSchmidt@reddit
I tend to use "Miss" over "Ma'am" unless the woman is visibly gray and wrinkly. Women in their 70s don't like "Miss" here, so much, but women in their 40s and 50s, don't want to be called "Ma'am.
jastay3@reddit
The main people I talk to are family and internet friends or acquaintances so no.
Jesus-slaves@reddit
I was born and raised in Alabama, where, as a child, you’re taught to use ma’am and sir basically every time you say yes or no to someone older than you.
People also often say it to children when correcting or encouraging them as well as pets..
I now live in the midwest and avoid using it bc most people give you dirty looks for it.
brandnewspacemachine@reddit
Absolutely not, I'm deferential to no one. "Excuse me" is polite enough. Adding a little pet name (which I might be wrong about, to add a layer of complication) is completely unnecessary.
And I'm Texan so I get that the southern thing is a thing but it's not my thing.
Steelquill@reddit
If I don't know them personally, yes.
DueCaramel7770@reddit
If I’m speaking to a stranger, especially in a work setting and it’s a client or customer.
Unusual_Sundae8483@reddit
Only when I’m back in the south
IMissMyLife1994@reddit
Yep, all the time. It's a respect thing
JudgeWhoOverrules@reddit
Yes because it's more polite. Especially when I'm asking them to do things on my behalf, no different from adding a please.
Techaissance@reddit
Sometimes with strangers but not at work.
GenomeXIII@reddit
I'm from the UK now living in Texas and, while I have always called men "sir" albeit in a somewhat joking way, since I have lived here I have fallen into the habit of calling people "sir" and "ma'am". It sounds a little weird in my English accent but people don't seem to mind. Pretty much everyone does it here. I like it.
Judgy-Introvert@reddit
I don’t use those in or outside work.
cyvaquero@reddit
Yes, I'm from rural PA and live in Texas. It was pretty ingrained as common courtesy. We drop it with people we are familiar with but replying with a yessir or nosir (not in the military fashion) is still pretty automatic.
To compound it my wife is a black Texan and I would never think to address my mother-in-law, any of the aunts, or grandmother-in-law as anything other than Miss X and ma'am.
ElTito5@reddit
Yes, to sir. Using ma'am is a guaranteed way to annoy older 20 year old and 30 year old woman.
PartyCat78@reddit
Yes. I live in the South, it’s what you do. Prior to living here, nope.
G00dSh0tJans0n@reddit
Not usually, except for roles where it behooves me to do so such as interacting with a police officer.
AppHelper@reddit
I have a very popular post with tips for US Visa interviews. My first tip is not to call the visa officer "sir" or "ma'am" because it's overly formal and obsequious.
When I help prepare students for their interviews, it blows some of their minds that even when the other person is older, the appropriate response to "good morning" is "good morning."
TechnologyDragon6973@reddit
Not even at work. Even clients, rare as it is that I deal with them, are addressed by first name.
davdev@reddit
Only if I am being sarcastic as fuck. If I call someone sir or ma’am, I am basically calling them a man asshole. And that includes at work.
mis_no_mer@reddit
No.
Vachic09@reddit
Sometimes
SurpriseEcstatic1761@reddit
Yes, if I don't know your name, what should I call you? Hey Bubba?
Squirrel179@reddit
In most scenarios, I find I don't need to call them anything at all
"Excuse me, did you drop this?" Works every bit as well as "Excuse me, ma'am, did you drop this?"
lavender_dumpling@reddit (OP)
Lord, that might not invoke the best reaction lmao
BigBlaisanGirl@reddit
Yes. It's a respectful way to address a stranger.
Ted_Denslow@reddit
I don't even do it AT work.
KiraiEclipse@reddit
No. I don't do it in work either. I grew up in the South and despise this common demand for forced submission touted as "politeness."
Gladyskravitz99@reddit
Exactly. You can be perfectly polite without sir-ing and ma'am-ing. People should address each other as equals as much as possible, imo, especially if they want to truly communicate with each other. That's why my youngest was never taught to use sir and ma'am. How can you have a real conversation while putting up what amounts to a symbolic wall?
lavender_dumpling@reddit (OP)
I despised it at first and then relented later on lmao. However, there was this one teacher that was born/raised in Minnesota and yelled at me for not calling her "ma'am" because she "had to learn it and she's also not from the South". When I tell you my ears went red, Lord.
yungScooter30@reddit
I'll say sir outside of work but will never say ma'am.
byebybuy@reddit
OP, as you can judge by the comments, this is pretty much exclusively a Southern thing. No one anywhere else really cares, and, to southerners' collective chagrin, we are not all disrespectful shitheads because we don't use it.
JimBones31@reddit
I don't do this at work, nevermind out of work.
Maybe occasionally if I need to address someone I don't know.
MattinglyDineen@reddit
No. Never.
AladeenModaFuqa@reddit
Yes, because I have manners, unlike these northerners and westerners.
justsomeplainmeadows@reddit
I do not.
Johnthebolt@reddit
We, Texans have it engrained in our DNA to be as polite to superiors/elders as possible. We learn that from an early age, like learning to talk early
AnybodySeeMyKeys@reddit
If it's a stranger, yes. It's being polite.
the_owl_syndicate@reddit
That's how I was taught. Half the time I'm not even aware of saying it. I say how are you and have a good day and thank you and please and ma'am and sir.
dumbandconcerned@reddit
Yeah, typically. Very normal in the south. At work and not at work.
Courwes@reddit
Yes. I think it’s very much a southern quirk.
jeffgrantMEDIA@reddit
Do my best to not leave my house outside of work.
Akem0417@reddit
No, I'm in California
misterlakatos@reddit
Only when being facetious.
I did not serve in the military or grow up in the South, therefore this does not apply to me in a serious manner.
MuppetManiac@reddit
If I’m trying to get the attention of a stranger, yes.
yosefsbeard@reddit
All the time
Shady2304@reddit
Nope. I’m from the Midwest and don’t hear this at work or outside of work.
Dawashingtonian@reddit
no never. i can honestly say iv never said “yes sir” or “yes ma’am” earnestly.
DrGerbal@reddit
Yes sir, I sure do. It’s not an age thing. It’s just kind of ingrained in me when I’m checking out at the store or getting food or just talking with anybody I don’t know or that’s like a teacher or something
favouritemistake@reddit
People in my region are far more likely to call kids “sir” or “ma’am” than adults, in my experience.
KimberlyElaineS@reddit
Yes, please and thank you took, but only because I was raised to and it’s like automatic v
MissPlaceDApostrophe@reddit
I overdo it. I'm originally from New England and now live in Texas after a few years in Georgia. It doesn't come naturally to me,so, ya, the end result is that I overdo it.
It was funny the first time I was on a trip home and called one of my aunties ma'am. Relatives got a kick out of that!
Xavierwold@reddit
I do all the time. Like buying a coke at 711 I'll say "Thank you ma'am or sir."
for_dishonor@reddit
Generally, but not religiously. Depends in part on who I'm addressing.
TheRandomestWonderer@reddit
I absolutely do. 3 or 93 you’re getting a sir or ma’am.
Horaciow14@reddit
I do if it’s a much older person and I’m in a decent mood
jmochicago@reddit
GenX Northerner. Not at work, never have used, no. I frequently use sir/ma'am for customer service people helping me.
tlonreddit@reddit
Sarcastically.
“Sir, this is a Wendy’s.”
hx87@reddit
I don't, because it sounds pretentious, authoritarian, or both. As a former southerner where the only reason someone would call a 16 year old "sir" was to give orders, the New England attitude makes a lot of sense to me.
EmmaWoodsy@reddit
Nope. I don’t even do it at work. If I wanted to call someone sir I’d join the military.
__Noble_Savage__@reddit
I've watched a lot of Star Trek over the years so I call the women sir too
Agile_Property9943@reddit
I do it depends, I usually say miss or sir
blueraspberryicepop@reddit
I hate being called "miss"
Agile_Property9943@reddit
Umm ok? So if someone does it and you don’t like it tell them so they won’t.
blueraspberryicepop@reddit
Oh I always do. But I wish we could just do away with the honorifics all together
TheMainEffort@reddit
I think the context of “excuse me, miss” it’s not really an honorific, but you could probably get the same result just saying “excuse me.”
blueraspberryicepop@reddit
Exactly, just a simple "excuse me" is fine
Agile_Property9943@reddit
What do you suggest people say?
blueraspberryicepop@reddit
Why not just "excuse me?"
Agile_Property9943@reddit
Sometimes I do that
Mmmmmmm_Bacon@reddit
No I do not. Never have. That’s unusual in these parts. I also don’t really like being referred to as sir either.
nomoregroundhogs@reddit
The only time I ever use the words is if I’m trying to get someone’s attention and I don’t know their name. I almost never call anyone by their name either though. I’ve always been kind of weird about names but it just feels like a waste of syllables to me most of the time.
TheMainEffort@reddit
Unless I’m angry enough to fight, then it’s “hey, you dropped your wallet you dumb bitch.”
pirawalla22@reddit
Yes, I am the same. "Sir? You dropped this." That's it.
Yes_2_Anal@reddit
Only if it's preceded by the word Yes/No do I call people that. And it's more like a "yezzurrrr" type deal
cdb03b@reddit
Yes. It is basic common courtesy and respect for another human being.
I_Am_Mandark_Hahaha@reddit
Only time someone addressed me as 'sir', it was followed by 'you're making a scene' /jk
RioTheLeoo@reddit
Pretty much never. I only reluctantly will call a stranger “miss” or “mister” if I need to get their attention
Honorifics just feel very unnatural to say out loud to me
nogueydude@reddit
Every single person I come in to contact with gets a ma'am or sir including children and animals.
RaptorRex787@reddit
Yeah I'll say it almost anywhere, don't know what I'd say otherwise
LizzardBreath94@reddit
Yes, but I live in Alabama and it’s engrained in me. Also already teaching my niece the same thing.
nemo_sum@reddit
Yes, of course. That's basic manners.
anneofgraygardens@reddit
No. I don't at work either, it would be so weird.
MrLongWalk@reddit
Yeah
Regular_Ad_6362@reddit
Yes, but usually only if I don’t know them personally
Degleewana007@reddit
Yes, its just the etiquette here in Texas
AWEDZ5@reddit
Yes. I am from the south and grew up being taught that it was respectful to address people as sir or ma'am.
RedAtomic@reddit
I do and some people take offense. So for ladies I use “miss”, and for guys I use “good sir”.
blueraspberryicepop@reddit
See, I take offense to "miss"
RedAtomic@reddit
Apologies madam
blueraspberryicepop@reddit
Ooh fancy!
BAC2Think@reddit
About the only (person) I've been calling sir on any kind of regular basis is our dog, and I have no particular reason why
willtag70@reddit
Born, raised and live in the south. Yes, I do say "sir" and "ma'am". Live in an urban area, but I'm old so that is likely a factor as well.
ApprehensivePie1195@reddit
I typically only use ma'am with older women as a respect thing.
Dinocop1234@reddit
Yes
Building_a_life@reddit
I learned the saying, "Wham, bam, thank you ma'am" from my mother when I was too young to know what it meant. As a kid in New England, that's one of the few times I heard it. I say Mizz or Mister to get the attention of someone I don't know.
sundial11sxm@reddit
I address homeless people as Sir or Ma'am, and that's about it. It helps with my interactions with them at work and on the street.
And I'm a Southerner.
JoeCensored@reddit
I use sir and miss. At work it is first names.
boulevardofdef@reddit
I'm not sure if I've ever addressed anyone as "sir" or "ma'am" in my entire life.
cametosnark@reddit
Also from the Northeast and same, it would never occur to me
Morlock19@reddit
yessir i do
especially when i'm out and about and someone is clearly older than me, i give them some basic respect. if i know their last name and they are a woman, i call them miss [LASTNAME] for the most part.
its am honorific that you get when you've survived life that long.
awildaustinappears@reddit
Sir & Ma’am strike as a cultural thing in the south, but I rarely hear that in the central or western US. My parents (and most adults I know in CO & WY) actually do not like to be called that. They say it makes them “feel old.”
My BF is from Tennessee & that is everywhere there. In school, church, your friend’s parents, restaurants, etc.
WashuOtaku@reddit
I do not work in customer service, so I have no reason to use sir/ma'am at work. However, I do use sir/ma'am outside of work exclusively. It is just good manners.
OldDudeOpinion@reddit
Yes, very often. But I have good manners.
naliedel@reddit
Depends on the situation.
Grimthe18@reddit
Oh yea unless we're coworkers or you tell me otherwise I'm calling you sir or ma'am also I'm from the south so it's kinda ingrained in me to do so lol
DeeDeeW1313@reddit
Old people when I’m back in rural Texas I always say Sir & Ma’am.
In Portland absolutely never.
lynny_lynn@reddit
I usually do.
prombloodd@reddit
Yes, typically.
blackwolfdown@reddit
Every day, do you not? I call my cats ma'am and sir too.
therlwl@reddit
Yes, how else am I to get a person's attention, though if they're under a certain age it's miss.
03zx3@reddit
Of course, I'm not an animal.
oliviamrow@reddit
In theory, if I need to flag down a stranger- say, someone who's dropped something -and just "excuse me" didn't work I may follow up with sir/ma'am. But that's not really an everyday occurrence per se.
I might use sir/ma'am in a lighthearted way with people I know, like a "yessir" in response to something a coworker has asked for, if I have an appropriately casual relationship with them.
Other than that, I use sir and ma'am pretty much just for shitposting, usually for emphasis and/or tone. (Think "Sir, this is a Wendy's" type stuff.)
Tossing_Goblets@reddit
Yes but if there's any doubt I default to "Miss" when addressing younger women.
Cutebrute203@reddit
It’s how I would talk to the elderly or my professors in college yeah. In I don’t call my boss maam she’s only like a decade older than me.
w84primo@reddit
Although we are in the south, we’re still not quite southern. However if I need to get someone’s attention I might use it.
j4321g4321@reddit
Never. Not at work, either. I’m from New York and maybe it’s just not a thing here as it may be in the south. I address my coworkers by their first names. Outside of work, if I need to get someone’s attention whose name I don’t know, I’ll usually just say “excuse me” and then begin speaking. I find ma’am and sir to be very awkward to say.
thepineapplemen@reddit
No, unless they’re way older than me, I suppose. Like 50 or older, I suppose?
sics2014@reddit
I don't even call people that at work.
TellTailWag@reddit
In certain situations (particularly retail) where you don't have a name for the person, sir or ma'am is used but more often you just drop it. "How are you today?". "Let me know if I can help you." generally if you have been "introduced" you just use first names. I also have the impression that some people don't like being called ma'am so I am cautious using it.
Most often I would use sir/ma'am in situations where the person was a complete stranger. "Sir/Ma'am you dropped this." or similar.
TheBimpo@reddit
Yeah. Spending half of my adulthood in the south I picked it up.
Blahkbustuh@reddit
Pretty much never. The only time I can imagine saying those is if I see someone dropped something and they're walking away, "sir" or "ma'am" is what I'd bellow at the person to get their attention.
I've heard a few people use those and they were fresh out of the military.
ironfoot22@reddit
I say it casually, just as sort of a friendly courtesy during short interactions. Like even if I friend hands me something I need or does a tiny favor I’ll say “thank ya sir!” It’s not some intense social obligation, but a casual gesture of respect.
wooper346@reddit
Only in a very casual and friendly way, usually with people I already know very well.
marenamoo@reddit
Mid-Atlantic. Never at the office. Rarely in public unless asking a question. Never to my parents.
azuth89@reddit
Yeah, it's a pretty reflexive part of addressing a stranger. It's polite but not automatically deferential like it is in some places.
Epsilia@reddit
I don't even do that during work. It feels too dated, and women HATE being called "ma'am"
Squissyfood@reddit
Yes, especially when referring to people older than me. How else do you get a rando's attention? I've heard it plenty in NJ/NY area, don't see how it's a southern thing really.
For someone younger it's bud/sport/squirt (if you're being exceptionally annoying). For someone my age it's just dude/man. Shit like lady will get me smacked silly by someone
bigdreamstinydogs@reddit
No, never.
psychocentric@reddit
Most of my interactions are casual, so no. If I'm trying to get someone's attention that I don't know, I might ma'am or sir them. People around here can get quite pissy if you use the proper way of addressing someone. I even had a co-worker get upset I used "yes, sir." when talking to him in an official manner. I thought it was funny after the fact.
I've worked several places where it's expected to use jobtitle lastname format. Then I'll address someone formally until told otherwise.
Nellylocheadbean@reddit
Not at all
Amaliatanase@reddit
I only use it to get people's attention if I don't use their name: "Excuse ma'am, you dropped your wallet" kind of thing.
2PlasticLobsters@reddit
The only times I use those terms is when I need to get the attention of strangers. Sir, you just dropped your wallet. Ma'am, your shoelace is untied. Or whatever.
Swimming-Book-1296@reddit
Yes, outside of work only. Unless you work in selling to stragers you don't do this, much.
Swimming-Book-1296@reddit
Yes.
itsmejpt@reddit
Only if they've dropped something.
ms_sinn@reddit
No. But I regularly address animals by sir and Ma’am. Every time my cat does something audacious, “SIR! I have you, sir!”
macoafi@reddit
Work is exactly where I wouldn't. If I need to get someone's attention, I might shout "excuse me, sir!" but at work, I call my coworkers and boss by first name.
CPolland12@reddit
Yes. I live in the south and use it multiple times on a daily basis. Even casually.
Fancy-Primary-2070@reddit
Not even in work. Maybe especially at work. It would be a faux pas.
Only time I can think of where it would be heard here in a non-sarcastic way (New England) is military, martial arts, football coach --- or a stranger dropped something in public and you want to call to get their attention.
Tiny_Ear_61@reddit
I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit never using sir and ma'am. when I was 15 I moved to a small town in Louisiana and had to get used to it very quickly. Since then, it's stuck with me.
cbrooks97@reddit
Women? Definitely. I live in the south.
BreakfastBeerz@reddit
I use it with anyone that I don't know their name.
TokyoDrifblim@reddit
I live in Georgia, so yes. Grew up in South Carolina doing the same thing. It's pretty much localized to this corner of the country
timothythefirst@reddit
I’ll say it if it’s like an old person and I’m saying “excuse me sir” or something but not just to everybody in general
luxury_identities@reddit
Most of them time I do, that's just how my parents raised me and the fact that we're southern
depressionmedswork@reddit
I do. Southerner here though.
MsCardeno@reddit
I don’t use it my personal or professional life. And if someone said it me in personal or professional it would be notable bc the practice is so uncommon in my life.
taftpanda@reddit
I probably do more outside of work than I do at work. My workplace is pretty casual.
I’m a big fan of saying “thank ya, sir/ma’am” to pretty much everyone I interact with. I say it in a pretty casual way, but it just seems like a friendly way to talk to people.
Jakebob70@reddit
No... but I'm not from the south and not in the military either.
lavender_dumpling@reddit (OP)
My father always has, but he grew up in southeast Texas and southern Alabama. Not saying either, especially to his parents, would get him slapped as a kid for disrespect.
My mother grew up in southern Indiana, stones throw away from Kentucky, but never has uttered either of those words to her parents. However, she'd never call them by their first names as it'd be taken as disrespectful.
I was only raised to say sir or ma'am to my parents when they were angry and yelling at me. The infamous "YES, WHAT?!" still gives me chills lmao.