Quote:
Originally Posted by Mortis
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 |
In NT aboriginal society being called 'old man' or 'old lady' is a term of respect. (Even more respect or sycophantic if you are young). A 'young girl' is the lowest of the low. Bloke was given a sour look once when he thanked an 'old lady' in Adelaide. We were so used to Arnhem land he didn't know she would be offended.