Is Ma am a southern thing?

The important thing to understand is the regional difference in the way people think about the use of "ma'am" and "sir." Their use is more prevalent in the South and Midwest and, of course, in the military.

Why do Southerners say ma am?

Georgia Southern University activities coordinator Catherine Bishop, raised in Madison, Georgia, says that “sir” and “ma'am” is simply how she expresses politeness and respect. She says she makes a mental note if people ask her not to refer to them by the terms, but she doesn't necessarily feel guilty if she slips up.

Is it rude to say yes ma am?

Yes ma'am is a polite way of affirming something an older or superior woman has said, often used to show sass or excitement in response to something more generally. Related words: no ma'am.

Where did ma'am originate from?

In the 1300s, “ma'am” became a contraction of the word “madam.” The word madam came from an Anglo-French reference for “ma dame,” which was the literal translation for the term “my lady.” To me, “yes, sir” and “no ma'am” are as important as please and thank you in the area of mandatory manners.

Is it OK to say ma am?

Ma'am is somewhat outdated honourific and a contraction of madame. It is a sign of respect and should never cause offence. It is usually reserved for older or married women and today may not be in common usage, depending on where you live.

"Ma'am" is Not an Insult

Do British people say sir and ma am?

in britain only butlers say sir and ma'am though they pronounce ma'am very different to americans which is more like maayyym compared to british maaam.

How do you call a girl respect?

Madam is the word to call a woman with respect.

Is it rude to say ma'am and sir?

In the case of sir and ma'am, it is as appropriate in the northern, eastern and western parts of the country as it is in the South. It's not so much about location, it's just polite — respectful adults using the words and mindful parents teaching their children to do the same.

Is saying sir disrespectful?

If you call someone in their 50's Sir or Ma'am, you may be insulting them. Most people in their 60's and 70's will still understand the reference to respect and appreciate it, but in general terms, the younger a person is, the higher the chance that they'll take offence to being called by a formal term of address.

Why do they call me ma am?

“In theory, ma'am is a courtesy term, meant to convey respect and graciousness lightly salted with deference. Yet much evidence suggests that when it comes to fomenting a sense of good will ma'am fails even more spectacularly than 'Have a nice day.

What does Yessir mean?

/ˈjesər/, /ˈjessɜːr/ (informal, especially North American English) ​used to emphasize your opinion or say that you agree very strongly. Yessir, she was beautiful.

Does Ma am mean married?

“It looks like at that time 'ma'am' was new enough that it was still considered relatively slangy and satirizable. So it probably originated and became popular in England sometime in the mid-17th century.” “Madame” is technically used to address married women in the French language, however.

How do you say yes in the South?

“Yes Ma'am (Sir)”

This is not just a southern phrase, but yes ma'am or yes sir is the only way to answer a yes question in the South, and the same would apply if the answer is no.

Is it OK to say yes sir?

So, what's the correct etiquette to follow in such a situation? Well, if you're not comfortable addressing a senior by name or surname, then it's alright to say 'sir' or 'ma'am' once early in the conversation. Thereafter, maintain a polite and helpful tone, but use the term as sparingly as possible.

Where does Mam and sir come from?

“Ma'am” comes from the more formal “madam,” a term of address once used for a married woman. “Sir,” besides being what folks called knights in merry old England, became a catch-all for addressing a gentleman. Both have been historically used to address people of a certain age without using given names.

Can you say yes sir to a woman?

Sir is for men. Most women would be offended if you called them sir (with the possible exception of some supreme feminists). Like John M. Landsberg commented, "Ma'am" is what you want to use unless you're asking for trouble.

What do you call your senior?

In many families, using “ma'am” or “sir” to refer to your elders is boilerplate. In others, the terms may only come up now and again or never come up at all. But if you need to address an older family member, and you're at a loss for what to call them, “ma'am” or “sir” should be your go-to, default options.

Can we call HR as sir?

there are many corporate sectors and industries where calling someone sir or ma'am is considered unprofessional. since a senior (by age) can be a junior by profession and he should not call his peers by sir or ma'am. the very best way to call your senior is my mister or miss.

Is Yes ma'am professional?

Judge me if you may, but “ma'am” does not make me feel good coming from an adult and … it should never be used in a professional environment. These names that mean respect in the home do not belong in the workplace. Save them for your family environment.

How do you get a guy to respect you after sleeping with him?

What do you call a girl instead of beautiful?

admirable, adorable, alluring, angelic, appealing, beauteous, bewitching, captivating, charming, classy, comely, cute, dazzling, delicate, delightful, divine, elegant, enthralling, enticing, excellent, exquisite, fair, fascinating, fetching, fine, foxy, good-looking, gorgeous, graceful, grand, handsome, ideal, inviting ...

How do you say Girl in slang?

Is The Queen mam or Marm?

Usage notes

In British English, ma'am has become uncommon, although it is prescribed when addressing the queen more than once: after first addressing her as Your Majesty, one uses ma'am.

How do you say ma'am in a British accent?

Back in the day, the word ma'am (when addressing the Queen) was always pronounced “marm”. British TV shows from before the 80s confirm this. In the movie The Queen, we are told that the correct pronunciation for ma'am is “ma'am” as in “ham”, and not “ma'am” as in “farm”.