Quote:
Originally Posted by neilmarr
Of course, Zelda, you're right. I feel, though, that 'monsieur' (in a country where
French is the native language) is more like an informal apology that your surname is unknown, but at the same time offers a gentle, unobtrusive sense of respect (you would return the 'monsieur' to whoever addresses you, though if a taillor or shopkeeper addresses you as 'sir' in an English-speaking country, you're unlikely to respond in kind. Followed by the surname (M. Marr) it's different. Makes me feel old and makes me feel like I'm a mere visitor to the day. I also like how folks where I live refer to a man as 'le monsieur': that gives even a passing stranger a little standing as a man with esteem even though he's just ... well ... just a guy. Also, I don't mind: "Hi man -- how's it go?" I'm not one for formality.
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yes, i think that's quite right. of course, my friend who twitches when someone calls him "monsieur" reacts that way because he's more used to hearing "hé mec" or maybe "comrade".
