I'm concerned that the person I'm addressing as "m'am" might feel old. However, I don't want to just call someone by her first name especially if it's a formal conversation like a job interview.
2007-02-07 05:23:32 · 14 answers · asked by Roland 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It's always better to say "m'am" or "sir" in an interview, because it shows respect. Women have always been called "m'am" regardless of marital status. The difference lies in Ms. Miss or Mrs.
2007-02-07 06:04:05 · answer #1 · answered by teeney1116 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Lol! Why are you calling a woman m'am in the first place, except in passing? You should make a concsious effort to find out names, last names etc. This just plain courtesy. If you come into contact with some one, shake their hand and at the same time say "your name?". I used to do HR and If you called me ma'm in a job interview and you dont even know who is interviewing you, thats just grounds for not getting passed that interview. If you know their first name, and dont want to sound repetitive saying it, just ask them if maam is ok or what not.
Good luck!!
2007-02-07 13:47:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use this term very frequently. I beluieve it to be polite like using sir, though I do feel that some people feel offended when addressed by mam. I believe that some feel the terms sir and m'am are to be used when addressing "older" people, meaning senoir citizens.
2007-02-07 14:11:01 · answer #3 · answered by jlovett72078 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you know their name, call them Miss ____ until they tell you "oh, please call me (first name)." If you don't know their name, I would use m'am, but use it sparingly or it'll sound like kissing-up. Miss is acceptable as well.
Yeah, I'm 29 and "m'am" does make me feel older but I don't take offense because I know it's a gesture of politeness and respect.
2007-02-07 13:49:29 · answer #4 · answered by Sandy Sandals 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're positive she is a 'ma'am.'
Otherwise -- 'miss.'
And, better to err on the side of 'miss.' Very few, if any, madams are going to be insulted by being thought of as miss, but I was pretty jarred the odd time I got 'ma'am' when I was clearly a miss.
It does beat addressing somebody you don't know well by their first name, but if it's a formal conversation with somebody whose name you should know -- go for Ms/Miss/Mrs Suchandsuch. 'Ma'am' often precedes or follows stuff like 'Would you like me to take these groceries out to your trunk for you?,' not 'I think I have a lot to offer your company.'
2007-02-07 13:39:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would use M'am instead of miss. Using miss might make them believe that you think you are older &/or wiser to them.
~Dark Aphotic
2007-02-07 15:53:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is polite if it is formal and you are young.. i don;t know how old you are but if you are older than 25 it might not be okay unless the person is at least 50
2007-02-07 13:32:25 · answer #7 · answered by leesharoo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I totally feel old when young men 17,18 ect call me MAM. I am 43 and do not feel or look it!! I feel so old after hearing MAM. So use judgement , and caution. Yes Mam and No Sir are very polite however could be offensive as well.... If they look OLD its Mam, if they look cool and hip its MISS!!!
2007-02-07 13:48:25 · answer #8 · answered by vampire 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think ma'am is the best way to go about... i work as a receptionist in NYC and that's how i greet all females, even if they are young or not married... its the most polite way, i believe!
2007-02-07 13:37:26 · answer #9 · answered by Nessa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think ma'am is absolutely polite. i have two boys, ages 4 and 5, and they always use sir and ma'am with their manners.
2007-02-07 13:40:58 · answer #10 · answered by jttoledo9279@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋