Quote:
Originally Posted by bjones6416
Where did you grow up? Here in the southern U.S. it isn't offensive at all to most people to be called Ma'am or Sir, not matter what your age is. It's kind of a cultural thing here -- most of us grew up using those terms both for anyone older than us and for pretty much anyone we don't know. For instance, when trying to get a server's attention in a restaurant here a lot of people say, "Ma'am?( or "Sir?) May I have a refill on my coffee, please?" And children are pretty much EXPECTED to say Ma'am or Sir here -- it's a respect-for-your-elders thing.
|
I grew up in Canada and the area I'm from adults only ever call someone Sir or Ma'am if they are younger than the person they are addressing or they are police officers something like this "Sir, have you been drinking tonight?"
I guess it only took me by surprise here because it's so uncommon over here, kids here will call you "Uncle or Aunty", any adult that called Uncle would get a withering look
I did get called old man once, it was right before the little bugger told me to hand over my wallet :P