Is it a Southern thing to call women of any age "ma'am"?

Question

I'm from Ontario and I recently visited my boyfriend who lives in Georgia and thought it was so neat that everyone called females of all ages ma'am. Talk about culture shock. Here it is insulting unless the woman is married or over 40.

I think it sounds very classy. Although, admittedly, when I get called ma'am, I get offended. Except for when I go down south.

If you are curious, here we refer to younger women as "Miss"

Answer 1

Yes, pretty much. I'm pleased that you thought it "neat", too. ;^) Too many young women allow themselves to be refered to in vulgar terms.
Uncouth jerks like the Bush basher are part of the problem because of their poor upbringing that didn't teach respect for anyone.

Answer 2

In general, I think ma'am might just be a little out-of-date. I understand that there are times in customer service situations when it may be essential, but many times the person addresses me as ma'am when I am standing right in front of her, and it is completely unnecessary. I would almost prefer Madam like I was addressed in England over Ma'am. I think it is usually unnecessary outside a customer service situation; to be called ma'am by an older man, 20 years my senior, was a bit odd at the swimming pool when I was 30, a few years ago, and wearing a bikini. It just felt out of place, not offensive, but in some ways kind of odd.

Answer 3

Yes. I'm 27 and I was raised in rural Texas. Not only do I call any stranger "ma'am" or "sir," but I get irritated when strangers do not call me "ma'am." Starting when I was 16 and worked at McDonald's--if a customer called me by the name on my nametag instead of "ma'am," I considered them rude (or not from here, which is different). With acquaintances, the rules are a little different and slightly more complex, but with strangers it's just the polite form of address. Also, in the cities it's a little more mixed.

But yeah, it's a respect thing, not an age thing.

To the guy who hates the South--this has nothing to do with Bush! I've voted against him more times than you (had to vote against him for governor, too) and I still embrace the terms "ma'am" and "sir."

Answer 4

If someone calls you Ma'am, they were raised right! My mother is from Detroit and my step-dad was from Texas if I didn't say sir or ma'am I got smacked so hard it rattled my teeth! It is a sign of respect and as with all good things , manners are going by the way-side.

Answer 5

I'm from texas and i don't think it is just a southern thing. I was taught just like a lot of other people that anybody that is over 17 is a ma'am. I went to visit my family in virgina and i heard ma'am also. So i think it all just steams from respect.

Answer 6

The southern custom is to be respectful in speech. Any women over 18 who you are not related to is to be called Ma'am.

Answer 7

Yes they are very polite there I was Amazed when I visted friends in south carolina & everyone called me ma'am lol even the children they were the Best

Answer 8

Rather it sounds strange or not, Miss or Ma'am . Being polite is to my way of thinking is the way to go. Follow his lead if in doubt. If he introduces you and uses Ma'am. use that , or just say. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Go with the flow. Arion

Answer 9

I wouldn't say it is limited to the South, although it is prominent there. I live in Iowa and often say "Ma'am" or "Sir" to people I don't know. It just has to do with the way that you're brought up.

Answer 10

I moved to Va from new england and was surprised to find my name now has a "Miss" in front of it.I was told it is a sign of respect It's not ma'am and I'm 50