i work retail and noticed some people get real pissed when you call them this.
but the thing is --WHAT else am i sposed to say???
2007-04-11 21:25:27 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
maybe it makes them feel old. well try other finding other words to be polite.
2007-04-12 01:45:43 · answer #1 · answered by crying krasimir 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find that I'm constently called Ma'am and I'm only 25! It makes me feel so old!
I work retail and I do whatever I can to avoid calling people Sir or Ma'am. It's really not needed. If you need to get someone's attention, a simple "excuse me" usually works. If your handing them something, you can simply say "here you go". You really don't need to add Sir or Ma'am.
2007-04-12 12:13:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ma'am is an abbreviated word to Madame which means prostitute so Im not suprised women dont like being called that, I know I dont, plus it makes you sound really old. As for Sir Im not a male so I dont know how that could offend.
I too worked in retail but I avoided saying Ma'am or Sir. Just say thank you, and have a nice day. That way you cant offend.
2007-04-11 23:47:40 · answer #3 · answered by ktsz 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You are correct in addressing your customers as ma'am or sir because it shows respect. Some people, as you say, get bent out of shape needlessly over the usage because they don't or can't appreciate the custom behind it.
People say 'sir' to me because I'm old. They also said it to me when I was a senior NCO in the Army. I say 'sir' and 'ma'am' all the time to whomever deserves it.
Years ago, a teacher of my oldest boy took umbrage at being called ma'am by him and admonished him for it. My wife went to the teacher in person and told her that we teach our sons to be respectful of authority and that she dare not change it!
Using 'sir' and 'ma'am' represents respect for authority and for civility everywhere. Simply shrug at such counter-statements with a, "Yes, sir" or a "Yes, ma'am" and move on.
What's more, such a custom is dominate in the South and in the military.
2007-04-12 02:23:01 · answer #4 · answered by Guitarpicker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It IS sad that people get so offended at the simplest things. Had you not addressed the person at all, then I would have been offended. Your intent was not to disrespect that person and they just need to get over it! You are doing good customer service.
I am happy to hear someone address myself or husband in this manner, I see it as a nice gesture and in no way does it make me feel old.
Cheers,
From a 34 yr/old!!
2007-04-12 09:31:58 · answer #5 · answered by gurlie7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of this. However, from my point of view, I can say that I really don't like being called ma'am just because it makes me feel old.
2007-04-12 01:46:19 · answer #6 · answered by Widowzpeak 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've noticed that at my job as well. Next time wait till the person is facing you,then ask,"Yes,may I help you?"
2007-04-12 12:15:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that your are just take it as a "joke" or your are express a feeling when your heard some specil things,or right?
2007-04-11 23:46:09 · answer #8 · answered by jerry 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup i've noticed this too. I don't call people anything now.
Its weird and I dont understand it.
2007-04-11 21:32:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋