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IceCream49
23 lug 2021

  • Giapponese
  • Inglese (Stati Uniti)
Domande Inglese (Stati Uniti)

I hear that "Ma’am" is often used in the south of the US when speaking to women older than you, on the other hand, it can sound offensive, or uncomfortable in other parts of the US. Is that the case?

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Altair76
23 lug 2021

  • Inglese (Stati Uniti)

It is more common in the south, but I think a person would have to be very sensitive to be offended by it anywhere. If I were in New York City, for example, and had an older waitress and was trying to get her attention, I'm really not sure what I could call her except "Ma'am." If you called her "lady" that would definitely be offensive- you usually only say that when you are mad at someone.

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ephiphany
23 lug 2021

  • Inglese (Stati Uniti)

Yes Ma’am usually is said in the south but I use it all the time when I’m referring to someone older than me who identifies as a woman. For example, if I’m ordering Starbucks at the drive in window, if a a woman takes my order I usually say thank you Ma’am. The only time I can think it is offensive is when the person you are calling Ma’am does not identify as a woman. In this case, it is good to ask how the individual identifies themselves if they are offended.

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lrika
23 lug 2021

  • Inglese (Stati Uniti)

I have heard it used in the south as common language, but I myself never use it unless I’m joking. “Yes, ma’am!.” I have seen people be offended by it, so that is probably why I don’t use it. (Although I’m not sure why some people find it offensive.) As for flagging waitresses, I usually just go with a louder “Excuse me,” to get their attention, no matter what their age.

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I hear that "Ma’am" is often used in the south of the US when speaking to women older than you, on the other hand, it can sound offensive, or uncomfortable in other parts of the US. Is that the case?
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