I think addisonbr is on to something. In my exper...

2009-11-04T08:58:37.028-05:00

I think addisonbr is on to something. In my experience, in the north (and the west) "ma'am" and "sir" usually do mean "you're a dinosaur" or are used as a (not really-very-polite) form of placating someone while being not-very-nice or condescending to them. I've seen it a lot.

For egalitarians in those geographies, it's can also be offensive because it can be perceived as servile or like groveling.

But really respecting people means not using it where it's perceived as rude, right? I've lived in the south, and always used those terms with elders there, but I'd never use them elsewhere without being absolutely certain they're welcome.

Regarding servers: Loved the list. My evenings out should NEVER be about the server. But I'm figuring that things won't change soon. Maybe we should all leave the list along with our tips?

Re: "ma'am"... Maybe it's a &quo...

2009-11-02T11:15:33.008-05:00

Re: "ma'am"... Maybe it's a "When in Rome" thing. Sort of like eye contact - usually polite here, often rude elsewhere, regardless of intention? Maybe here "ma'am" is the equivalent of saying "I'm younger than you. Ha."

Comments on A Child Of Atom: 100 Things

I think addisonbr is on to something. In my exper...

Re: "ma'am"... Maybe it's a &quo...