Do women like being called ma'am?

Question

WindAtMyBack · Accepted Answer

If a store clerk calls me sir, it's good business. If a young child calls me sir, it shows they had good upbringing. If a co-worker or boss calls me sir every now and then, it show respect and professionalism.

Everyone else should call me by my name or something very casual.

I think women are somewhat the same, but are more likely to take offense at it. It comes across as thinking they are old. So you have to be a bit more careful when you use it.

Billlewis · Accepted Answer

As a woman pointed out earlier, there is no salutation more deferential or respectful with which to address a woman than, 'ma'am' Unfortunately, the erroneous notion that this is a title that is only appropriate for old ladies has permeated the public perception of it. Women have said to me, 'Don't call me 'ma'am' -- I'm not an old bag', etc, unaware of how well suited such a title is, etiquette wise.

dustybiker2 · Accepted Answer

I have known a lot of touchy woman when it comes to this. I was raised to respect others, add in taekwondo and it's even stronger. I sometimes use it myself and if I get a look explain I am in martial arts. lol

PeachyPie93 · Accepted Answer

I like being called miss or mrs. Ma am just sounds horrible in general and makes you feel old. Call me a Dame before you ever think to call me a Ma'am lol

TommyMountainFigure · Answer

Police women DEFINITELY do, and I always call them Ma'am irrespective of their age!

RavVid · Answer

We are not so formal in Australia and seldom do Sir's and Ma'ams. I never have.

I think most women would take ma'am to indicate you think they're an old chook and won't take it well. They still want to be called girls at 50 after all.

SeriouslyNotSerious · Answer

No sir.. we like being called sexy. 😗 But seriously, Miss is the safest formal word to call a woman. I don't know in other places though. (I'm from Southeast Asia)

Sirenboobzilla · Answer

100% prefer "miss" over "ma'am." Ma'am makes me feel old 😫

Aubrey97 · Answer

I know people are doing it to be polite but it doesn't mean I don't feel old when I hear it

avery58 · Answer

If it's a guy, no problem. If it's a woman then it feels weird.

midnightcavern01 · Answer

I've only ever been called it once by an older gentleman and it was definitely more flattering than the standard greetings and goodbyes

frenchgirl123 · Answer

It is fine to get someone's attention. In France, that is how they address women, with mademoiselle being reserved for girls under 18.

EmmaMary · Answer

I would much prefer to be called Madam than Ma'am, which sounds so outdated these days.

femalenpc · Answer

Why would anyone say no? It means you respect someone.

Klandestina · Answer

I prefer "miss". Ma'am sounds old.

kellytheman · Answer

Maybe if they are a little young to be called ma’am especially younger than 40 because they feel they look old. I usually just say hi or ladies when I work security.

Massageman · Answer

As long as they ARE ma'ams. It's theirs to accept, but the politeness has been offered up.

DrPepper12 · Answer

Sounds old maidish. I don't know what to use instead tho

Sasquach · Answer

No, ma'am is interpreted as being called old to many women

Staximus · Answer

Young women hate it in this part of the country

Iron_Man · Answer

They don’t, but I call them that sometimes it irritates them

Jason2469 · Answer

As a Pennsylvanian now living in Texas. No. They fucking Hate it. Be smart. Don't associate with woman that Hate being called ma'am

Kingofkings1992 · Answer

Older women or women in authority probably don’t mind, but it’s more than likely not a preferred method of address for young women.

MemeSupreme · Answer

i feel old being called ma'am

Jennz6 · Answer

It makes me feel old

Jessikaah91 · Answer

No it sounds like a old grandmother lol

brokengirl1 · Answer

Neither lady and woman I would prefer miss ✨

Simslover92 · Answer

Not really unless you're of a certain age.

oreosarethebest · Answer

i get called miss a lot 😂 but not really ma’am

SugarSugarplum · Answer

I'm OK with it.

paledreams · Answer

If only they didn't think I was saying man 😳♂️

Yannae · Answer

My friends don't mind when I say it.

Lokiion · Answer

No it makes them feel old

OtterMan68 · Answer

depends on their age and who is calling them that

Charliefretz329 · Answer

It’s just a respectful title.

pethouse · Answer

I got yelled at for calling someone ma’am.

Anonymous · Answer

yes/

Do women like being called ma'am?

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Do women actually like to be called ma'am?

Do women like being called ma'am?

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Do women actually like to be called ma'am?

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