Around what age would you refer to a woman as "Maam" rather than Ms.?

Question

Looking more for personal opinion than ettiquette.

Answer 1

Miss always refers to an unmarried lady, regardless of age, while Mrs. refers to the opposite. Ms. is used when you are uncertain. "Ma'am" would be used to any lady older than yourself or in a position of authority, and is used as an object (as in "Yes, Ma'am"), irrespecitive of marital status or (advanced) age.

Answer 2

To be honest, I think it depends on the person that is referring to you. If they are much younger and being respectful and know you on a personal level, I have them call me "miss" with my first name, even though I am married. I grew up in the South and yes, it is respectful to be called either by someone younger; however, I used to get ticked off if someone only a few years younger would say "ma'am"... or worse if they were older and called me "dear". Now, after a few more years and more maturity, I am glad if anyone refers to me either as "maam" or "miss" instead of "Hey you!" ... :)

Since you asked for opinion and not so much etiquette, my answer is to personalize it if they are young and need to learn manners and be respectful (by either Miss or Mrs and your first name) and if they are strangers (clerks, waiters, etc) I feel either is appropriate and much better than not addressing me by a title. My daughters are in their late teens and call my best friend "Miss Sandy" out of respect even though she is 10 years older than me and married. She appreciates it and I am glad that it is respectful. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I use "Maam" more in respect to my own age than anything else. If they are older than me (I'm 21) by around ten years I call them "Maam" upon first meeting them or if our relationship is formal. If they are around my age, I use "Ms."

I know that "Maam" is a shortened version of "Madame" but I don't think you have to be strictly married in order to apply it, it's just anyone who you are showing respect/deference towards.

Answer 4

I'm 21, and since I was around 16 people have called me both ma'am and miss. They were of varied ages too. I typically call girls under 18 miss and anyone who appears older ma'am just out of politeness and respect.

Answer 5

Most women that I have interacted with, would prefer Miss, because it makes them feel young. I can't stand being called maam myself; it makes me feel old!

I've worked in the customer service industry for over 14 years and only came across one woman who was offended by me calling her miss........she was also 90 years old.

Answer 6

I refer to my 15 month old granddaughter as ma'am, but that's more as a training device than anything else. Where I'm from you rarely hear anyone referred to as "Ms" or "Miss". We use ma'am for all females. As a young girl I would have thought it odd to be called "Miss" and "Ms" was unheard of at the time.

Answer 7

I am not a elderly woman and I am not a twenty something. I do not wear a wedding ring, hence giving a clue that I am not married. I never like to be called "Ma am," not even over the phone, when none of those clues to who I am are visible. Miss or Ms.is good enough for me.

Answer 8

I am 34 I still get carded all the time but when I am in a restaurant or store I& get called maam it makes me feel old. I want to look for my mom. I like miss. I think miss is never wrong. we called our adult family friends miss --- or aunt ----

Answer 9

Depends on events, places & situations. Supposing you're a sales lady in a department, customers always would address you as miss. When you're the customer, you will be addressed by the sales lady as Ma'am. Ma'am is use for women who are superior in status or even in looks.

Answer 10

I would say about 32. Unless this "women" is surrounded by kids then I just go straight to ma'am.