In certain regions of the world, particularly the Southern U.S., saying yes/no sir/ma'am etc. is a sign of respect. In other parts of the world, however, it is seen as sarcastic and rude. So, do you use the words "sir" or "ma'am" to address adults or people of authority? Discuss.
No I'm pretty sure people would look at you like you're from another planet if you called them "sir" or "ma'am" around here (New Jersey).
And that sounds so disgustingly ingratiating to me. I'm polite to everyone I meet, but that doesn't mean I need to go out of my way to "show my respect" to my "elders." I'm not going to call you sir just because you were born earlier than me Earn my respect.
Yes, everybody says it here (Tennessee). It's like second nature to me. It's not so much like that everywhere else though. In Boston people were like .
No I'm pretty sure people would look at you like you're from another planet if you called them "sir" or "ma'am" around here.
And that sounds so disgustingly ingratiating to me. I'm polite to everyone I meet, but that doesn't mean I need to go out of my way to "show my respect" to my "elders." I'm not going to call you sir just because you were born earlier than me Earn my respect.