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It doesn't really bother me. I agree it is a term used to show respect for our elders. We women just don't want to admit we are now the elders instead of the youngsters!
posted by
Annicita
on April 13, 2015 at 7:33 PM
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Re:
Well, "just" Kabu, I happen think you're very special (and I'm sure everyone here would agree). 
posted by
Mia890
on April 13, 2015 at 1:47 PM
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I like to assume that in whatever way I am addressed, it is meant to be positive.
posted by
TAPS.
on April 12, 2015 at 9:33 PM
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It all comes from what is political correct I think. Mrs. Mr. Miss. or Ms....what do you call people.
First name can be over familiar ...sweetie or dear can be degrading...Where does one go?
Wiley sometimes uses Ma'am and I love it. It isn't usual in Australia to be called Ma'am so I find it quite delicious actually. I often use endearments when I am talking with my fellow bloggers, especially if they are having a tough time...sending hugs and trying through words to be there for them. But when I was nursing one learned to read how to address the clients. Some wanted to be babied, others were so upset at losing their autonomy in the hospital, one stayed formal with them.
I myself am just Kabu. no one special, just Kabu.
posted by
Kabu
on April 12, 2015 at 6:17 PM
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I myself do not use, "Ma'am" to address women, just a preference of mine, nothing more. I either address someone by name or by a greeting if I do not know the person's name.
I remember a debate during the 2002 Maryland Gubernatorial Election. Bob Ehrlich kept calling Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (for those wondering, she is a daughter of RFK), "Ma'am," and afterwards, she expressed how furious she was. Ehrlich said that is how he was taught, and I do believe that.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on April 12, 2015 at 4:13 PM
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Mia
Well - Krisles has said it all for me, LOL - saves me a lot of typing! Except of course that nobody has ever addressed me as ma'am! But they have addressed me as 'Sir', and I don't find that offensive at all, where 'Pal' or 'Buddy' might be...Sorry, Corbin, here's where we don't agree...
posted by
Nautikos
on April 12, 2015 at 1:31 PM
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No as Corbin says Sir is a bit tight. Chief. Guv. Squire or well Dad is a bit off putting.
In am afraid I do call elderly ladies My Dear or My Duck a bit younger one's Ma'am or very young ones Miss. Or Hi-ya.
posted by
C_C_T
on April 12, 2015 at 12:30 PM
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MIA
OMG! Thank you! Has PCism now invaded manners for a large part of the country? I guess I didn't pick up that Pat was irritated about the Ma'am as much as the following around....I realize she is from near St.Louis and they are more affected by the East but, having lived in KC and traveled all over the rest of MO, KS, IA, NE, OK and then growing up in TX and working years with mostly people from LA,MS,AL,GA,FL,NC,SC,AZ,NM....I can tell you that my experience has been that the use of Ma'am (and Sir) is ingrained from birth for use, just as your dictionary told you....stemming as a contraction of Madam...and to be used in conjunction with the words "yes" and "no" automatically with anyone remotely older than yourself....as well with any other response or most questions. It's like breathing. I'll also add that talking on the phone to most parts of the country, I have no problems with people, even far younger than myself when I say it back, most customers appreciate the courtesy.
Honey and Sweetie really bugged my mom, as they do seem to bring to mind little old ladies I guess. Funny, the closer I grow to being a little old lady myself, the more I find myself calling everyone else Honey and Sweetie....it's just as an affectionate term. But, people are just so dang touchy, aren't they? Funny, you would think they had so many other things ...so much meaness....in this world to get upset about....
Sorry....hot button!
posted by
Krisles
on April 12, 2015 at 12:08 PM
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I am glad you posted this. What has happened to people? I applaud those who say Ma'am. Somebody still has some manners. How incredible? I know a woman who is so opposed to that and I feel she is simply insecure about her age. I am 79 and I feel some days I earned every day and love to be addressed with Ma'am.
posted by
Justi
on April 12, 2015 at 11:50 AM
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Don't forget......
Us guys don't exactly enjoy being "Sir"ed..........
posted by
Corbin_Dallas
on April 12, 2015 at 10:49 AM
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