Formality and Displeasure
By AmberLynn
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
United States
January 16, 2017 5:42pm CST
The thought crossed my mind this morning, when I had to call back to work and find out whether I was allowed to come in to work tonight.
I don't use formalities very often. I don't tend to say "Sir" or "Ma'am" at all. Obviously, if I am out at a restaurant or tending to things at the bank, post office, etc? I might use "Sir" or "Ma'am" but very rarely do I do these things anyway.
No, I don't even add those titles when thanking someone. I tend to say "Thank You Muchly" instead or when asking to get by someone? "Pardon Me."
Yes, I'm fancy, I don't even say "excuse me" Pfft Excuse me? HA!
Anyway... When do I use the titles of sir and ma'am? Oh, only when I don't like you.
If I don't like you, or are displeased with you? I'll say "Sir" or "Ma'am." Sometimes I am even overly nice only so that I am not overly rude (which I'd much rather be in these situations.)
So if you ever come across me and I call you "sir" or "ma'am" just know you've done something to irk me! 
What about you? Do you use these titles as a means of respect or a coy way to express displeasure?
What about you? Do you use these titles as a means of respect or a coy way to express displeasure?9 people like this
10 responses
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
17 Jan 17
I hate being called ma'am, it makes me feel old.
3 people like this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
17 Jan 17
@ScribbledAdNauseum it's worse when it's someone my own age
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
17 Jan 17
Same here!
Especially if I am out somewhere getting something and one of the teenage cashiers calls me "ma'm! I want to scream "I was your age twelve years ago!"
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
17 Jan 17
@katsmeow1213 Yes. I do understand that some people were taught to use it as a form of respect, but I feel like it's just too impersonal.
@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
17 Jan 17
I've been called "ma'am" many times (and I hate that), but come to think of it I don't think I ever use "sir" or "ma'am" period - I never call anyone that. Not so much titles, but I might use some choice words to express displeasure 
!
!1 person likes this
@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
18 Jan 17
@ScribbledAdNauseum That's true 
. I was thinking about this . . . I was thinking if were I were miffed at a little kid, I might say " Hey, Missy" or "Look, Mister".
That's true . I was thinking about this . . . I was thinking if were I were miffed at a little kid, I might say " Hey, Missy" or "Look, Mister".@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
18 Jan 17
@much2say haha "Little Missy" or "Young Man." I remember those as the beginning terms used before being disciplined as a kid. Of course no one called me "Young Man" lol.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
17 Jan 17
Ah, but there are times you can't use certain words! hehe.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189820)
• Boise, Idaho
17 Jan 17
I don't use them very often. I am usually the one being called 'mam' since I am older than most people I deal with.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (77084)
• Philippines
17 Jan 17
In my line of business, I do call my clients that. But it's the people around me that addresses me that.
Of course, I don't want you addressing me in that title. Now, I know.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
17 Jan 17
I don't think I'll ever have reason to address you like that. 
such a relief.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
16 Jan 17
I tend to use their first name, or maybe even their surname. That's a whole other point of discussion. I've never been one to say "Mr." or "Mrs"(Ms. Miss) either. Not even as a child.
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
17 Jan 17
Displeasure and sometimes sarcasm. It usually tells the person "Watch yourself...I can be offended easily" ...it's my signal to not cross over the line with me.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
17 Jan 17
A very good signal. Has there ever been a time someone didn't heed the warning?
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
17 Jan 17
I know a lot of people were taught to use it as a form of respect. I was even taught that, but I don't often use it.
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (22247)
• United States
17 Jan 17
I don't use those titles either. My mother, I think, uses them as displeasure.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
17 Jan 17
Even as a child, I called people by their first name or Mr / Mrs.
1 person likes this
@Happy2BeMe (99353)
• Canada
17 Jan 17
I am afraid I would never go to work if I had to call and ask them if I was allowed to go..lol No i never use sir or ma'am even though I am very polite and respect. Like you I tend to only use it in a sarcastic way.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
17 Jan 17
I had to call because it was "up in the air" whether or not they wanted me to come in.
I was only schedule for Friday but they asked me to come in Saturday and Sunday and potentially Monday.
Funny that, because the manager said "potentially monday" and as soon as he said I said "So monday is a play by ear situation?" he says "yes." Apparently, not ten minutes later, he told my assistant manager I'd be there on Monday...
I'm pretty sure the man only half listens to what he's saying! 
Anyway, While at work, there is a very slight possibility I might have to interact with customers, and so I do use "sir / ma'am" politely then.
Though a lot of the customers I see are on a first name basis sooo
Anyway, While at work, there is a very slight possibility I might have to interact with customers, and so I do use "sir / ma'am" politely then.
Though a lot of the customers I see are on a first name basis sooo1 person likes this
@TheInvisibleMan (17594)
•
17 Jan 17
Usually when I have to be very formal... In a business meeting, for example.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
17 Jan 17
Ah, well luckily for me, I don't have to worry about such formal meetings.
1 person likes this
