Is it really polite to call a woman "ma'am"?

[Anonymous]

The reason I ask is because today had an incident. Like 6 people wanted to enter the room. I held the door for everyone and the last guy that went in said "thank you ma'am"! I knew he was been respectful but at the same time the word really bothered me because it made me few old, damn it I'm only 27, I thought a "thank you" was enough. Anyway, is this word that bothers me, I'm not so sure if it's all polite or if it's also an indirect to a woman's age. What do you think? Feel free to share your opinion!

[JesseEllyson]

It's a little old-school, I suppose. I still say "sir" and "ma'am" all the time. I can't help it. I was raised to be polite. The word is all-encompassing and doesn't actually infer a particular age. However, when addressing a young woman, the title of "miss" is also appropriate if not also a tad time-worn. I suspect we will soon come to a time when the only acceptable address is "Hey you!"

[Asker]

Don't get me wrong, I prefer to be treated with respect instead of "hey you". My only problem is the word "ma'am" and the person who said it who tends to be a real jerk and loudmouth. So I can't really determine if he was been authentic or if he was been a jerk like always.

[CeloxUmbra]

Generally it depends on where the person is from and their upbringing, or if they are military, generally ma'am is reserved for adults so I wouldn't let it concern you too much, most every one I know who says sir or ma'am means it out of politeness and respect.

[Asker]

Usually I don't get touchy about this, is just that the guy who said it tends to be a AH and jerk with everyone in my class. So obviously his politeness threw me off because I couldn't determine if he was been sincere or if he wasn't been a jerk like always. Regardless of his intention, he made me feel uncomfortable and dragged me into this "ma'am" word question.

[btbc92]

It's very polite. Rather get called that then something else vulgar. A lot of people don't bother to learn this nowadays. It has nothing to do with age. It's common courteously. Put it this way. Would you like to be called: "Yah MA!" or "Yes, Ma'am/ Madam Mozelle"? [sorry if I spelled it wrote].

[lordeisqueen]

Ma'am is considered polite but I wouldn't want people me calling that. Don't think he meant to be disrespectful.

[LucieI]

It's polite, miss and ma'am are like the equivalents to mr and sir.

[reixun]

It’s irritating to me, this isn’t the 20th century just say thank you and go

[phoenixmp]

Girls laugh all the time because I ALWAYS say ma'am. Doesn't matter the age... I just say ma'am. It's respect. I don't like not showing a woman respect. Sorry.

[FakeName123]

Of course it is.

https://ci.memecdn.com/7417844.jpg

[MyAtlantis]

It is very nice and polite way to call a woman. It doesn't matter how old you are. It shows respect.

[bobnvagene62]

Ma'am has no reference to a womans age in particular so there's nothing to worry about.

[Cosytoasty]

Very polite. It’s old school manners and doesn’t meant YOU are old at all.

[Kranjec]

After 25 you are close to the wall so you are half ma'am already.

[ThePetSquirrel]

Ma'am is the formal version to call a woman, regardless of their age. It's like calling a man "sir", it's polite regardless of the man's age.

[Dinnye001]

Well, in the military, every woman is ma'am to the lower grades so I don't feel any abnormality there.

[noraaenots]

It's polite. Accept it and be grateful there are still decent blokes out there

[TheUglyMonk]

"Ma'am" is the equivalent of "Sir" for the opposing gender.

[mark098]

I say it all the time, regardless of their age. It's just a habit to me.

[XxBunniLuvXx]

I hate it. It makes me feel old. I prefer Miss.

[winterfox10]

Yes it's polite. Ma'am is like the 'Sir" of women.

[StarLord1]

It's a respectful title regardless of age.

[AlexDelux]

If you are a cowboy. Yes

[CT_CD]

Yes ma'am