What does the title 'Sir' mean?

Question

I am from the USA.

Answer 1

When a man receives a Knighthood from The Queen his title becomes Sir such a body because he is a Knight of the British Empire, this title has been bestowed on certain deserving individuals for over a thousand years. Other than that it is respectful to call certain persons Sir, eg teachers, employers etc.

Answer 2

If it replaces Mr. then it is a Royal Title given by the queen or handed down or if you loan Labour a million pounds you are given a Knighthood in the honours list which entitles you to be called Sir.
If you mean Sir used mostly by waiters,shop assistants or when writing a letter then it is a term of respect

Answer 3

The title Sir is used by someone who has been knighted by our Queen, and they are entitled to put SIR in front of their name. It is also used as a matter of courtesy to another person, although that person has not been knighted. Children in school address the schoolmaster as Sir. we would also address an imprtant official as Sir. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I think it comes from the Latin 'senex' meaning old man, from which we also get senate and senior, and the Spanish get senor. It is a term of respect and as others have noted, is used by the 2000 or so knights and baronets in the UK.

Answer 5

In England a Sir is usually someone who has a title such as a knight or baronet. The title [in it's good mannered format] is also used when addressing a person of senior rank to oneself - the BOSS.

Answer 6

Those who use the title Sir, are either knights (non hereditary) or baronets, which is hereditary. Basically, minor nobility/aristocracy.

Answer 7

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sir

Answer 8

its a term of respect.