Using sir and ma'am to address people...

[energizer bunny]

Seems to be more used by people from the south or with a military background.

I'm more of a "hey, what's up," guy myself.

[ignoramus]

Here in Melbourne, the only time someone calls me sir (in a Mumbai accent) is if they're trying to sell me a better electricity deal over the phone! WHILE I'M HAVING FUCKING DINNER!

[Alex K]

Yeah, I'm not ready to be called sir yet.

Yes sir!

Since my first prolonged exposure to the language was living in TX, I often say sir and ma'am. I have since acquired a more british-sounding accent which makes for a weird combo.

[Losty]

I hate being called ma'am but I prefer it to baby which is also very common where I live.


*edit: I'd rather be called baby than ma'am by friends but I hate when strangers call me baby

[Regina]

I use "sir" for older men (significantly older, I mean) who I don't know. I would not for someone my age-ish or younger

British people generally don't say "ma'am". If I'm writing formally I will use "Dear Sir/Madam" or if it's a stranger I would probably say "Miss" but I don't often

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

I use "sir" for older men (significantly older, I mean) who I don't know. I would not for someone my age-ish or younger

British people generally don't say "ma'am". If I'm writing formally I will use "Dear Sir/Madam" or if it's a stranger I would probably say "Miss" but I don't often

That's pretty much where I am. Males older than myself are 'sir' or'mister'. Males my age or younger are generally 'mate'. 'Ma'am' I reserve for female magistrates or the Queen. Woman I don't know I tend to address as 'miss' or (if they're older) 'dear'.

Boru

[Brian37]

It depends. I only say that to people whom I think are worthy of it. Obama yes, Trump, fuck no. Michelle yes, Ann Culthead, fuck no.

Outside that it depends on the setting. Formal sure, backyard barbecue with adult friends no.

Titles to me don't mean shit. How I address someone depends on how they treat me. I could give a shit less what you make, it is how you treat me that matters.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Yeah, I'm not ready to be called sir yet.

Okay, ma'am, we'll wait until the surgery is done. 

[Thumpalumpacus]

"Sir", "ma'am", and "miss" are all words I use daily.

[paulpablo]

I live in the north west of England were ma'am is unheard of, and sir is rarely heard of.

I have noticed some of the Africans I work with are quite likely to use "sir". I'm asuming it's because they learn a more formal way of speaking English than how it's actually spoken up here in the north west.  They also use "Mister", I've been called Mister Paul quite a bit.

I think the only time I speak like that is when I'm talking back to them, and trying to keep up with their level of formality.