What Does Yes Ma’Am Mean?

Is MAM a bad word?

According to dictionary.reference.com, ”ma’am” is simply short for madam, a polite term of address to a woman, originally used only to a woman of rank or authority.

It’s just plain old dumb to be offended by a word that is meant to be nothing more than a polite gesture or a term of respect..

Is Sir a sign of respect?

Being called “sir” is a sign of respect when speaking to an unknown male. Neither title implies age, it only implies the good manners of the speaker.

What is a female officer called?

Female officers in all branches of the United States military are properly addressed as “Ma’am.” … Why is every sworn member of police department called an officer while in the military we distinguish between commissioned officers (usually called just officers), non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and enlisted?

Why are females called sir in Star Trek?

The Star Trek franchise reinforced this idea by the convention of awarding its female officers the honorific “sir”. … Likely, Kilgore is actually making reference to the use of “Mister Saavik” in the film, and perhaps equating it to “sir”.

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.

Is Dear ma’am correct?

Both are correct, but there are nuances. In the US, “ma’am” is the polite form of address in conversation — the exact equivalent of “sir.” By contrast, “madam” is hyper-polite and used only in formal situations (“Madam Secretary”) or in the salutations of business letters (“Dear Madam”).

Why do Southerners say ma’am and Sir?

Using ma’am and sir are deemed traditionally Southern in the United States but may originally stem from 18th century England. It is an extension of formal politeness and a sign of good manners.

What does ma’am mean?

madam: madam —used without a name as a form of respectful or polite address to a womanThank you, ma’am.” Yes, ma’am.

How do you respond to Ma am?

However, she noted that if you don’t wish to use “ma’am” or “sir,” you can use a more informal yet respectful “Mr.” or “Miss.”

Who is ma’am used for?

Madam (/ˈmædəm/), or madame (/ˈmædəm/ or /məˈdɑːm/), is a polite and formal form of address for women, often contracted to ma’am (pronounced /ˈmæm/ in American English and /ˈmɑːm/ in British English).

What is Sir short for?

Sir is a formal English honorific address for men, derived from Sire in the High Middle Ages. … Equivalent terms of address for women are Madam (shortened “Ma’am”), in addition to social honorifics such as Mr, Mrs, and Miss.

How do you reply to thank you politely?

10 English Phrases for Responding to “Thank You”You’re welcome.No problem.No worries.Don’t mention it.My pleasure.Anytime.It was the least I could do.Glad to help.More items…

Is it rude to call someone sir?

Not only is it not rude to call people “sir” or “ma’am,” the exact opposite is the case. It is considered rude not to do so. … Older gentlemen will sometimes call a very young man “young man” in a respectful tone, because the age differential can make “sir” a bit uncomfortable at times.

What should I say instead of ma’am or sir?

‘, ‘Ms. ‘, or ‘Miss’. ‘Miss’ is often used in a similar way to ‘Ma’am’ despite doubling as an honorific, and ‘Mister’ is often used in a way similar to ‘Sir’ even though ‘Ma’am’ and ‘Sir’ are not honorifics.

How do you type yes mam?

Originally Answered: Which one of these is correct ‘mam’ or ma’am? The correct way to write this word is ma’am. The word is the shortened form of madam. The “d” has been removed.

Can a woman be called sir?

In the American military, you would never address a female officer as “Sir.” In the United States, you would address the officer as “Ma’am” and not “Sir”. It’s considered disrespectful to use the term “Sir” for a female in both the army/navy and outside.

Is Ma am a southern thing?

The Southern US still clings to a sense of etiquette and propriety, and one of the first things a child learns is to call women “ma’am” and men “sir”. … Southern hospitality includes this sense of etiquette. I remember being shocked when a customer called in from California, and I called her ma’am.

Can females be knighted?

It is the female equivalent for knighthood, which is traditionally granted to males. Dame is also style used by baronetesses in their own right. … Since there is no female equivalent to a Knight Bachelor, women are always appointed to an order of chivalry.