When you were a kid, did you have to say Yes Sir, No Sir, Yes Mam, No Mam?

Question

I had the perfect Leave It To Beaver life. I still today say them. Even as an adult

TrueConfection · Accepted Answer

No one used Sir or Ma'am where I grew up. Kids didn't even say Mr. or Mrs., adults were addressed by their first names (with the exception of teachers). If a kid addressed an adult as Mr. or Mrs. it would have been considered so formal that it left a chill. Sir or Ma'am was something sarcastic between kids and it meant the recipient was too bossy.

My own children have grown up in a different state and Mr./Mrs. is customary. Two of my kids attend southern universities and they use Sir Ma'am in the south.

Sour-rose · Accepted Answer

Yes. I was born in the 90s... and am black. So you better believe I did.

Ey, funny story my boss told me. I was told at my job that i was complained about I gave attitude. i worked 5 years there and did my best to satisfy my job (i was that girl who was a pushover and had no reason to be so... defiant.) Of course, he waved it off but told me how in a state if a kid said "Yes, ma'am!" the bitch would take it as disrespect like ya getting mouthy. I... and you think you know america.

Leapfrog00 · Accepted Answer

My parents didn't deserve such respect. I think parents who make their children call them sir or mam have a power trip issue.

OlderAndWiser · Accepted Answer

Yes, absoutely!

WonderBell99 · Answer

Yep. We were required to use “sir” and “ma’am” all through elementary, middle school and high school. I am expected to use these terms to address my professors even in college. I have no problem with it since it signifies respect for authority.

However, to address a person who is not related to me, but older than me, I use “uncle” and “aunty” (informal)

Nikki1989 · Answer

Yes, and I still do most of the time. It is called manners, something sadly lacking from most people these days.

exitseven · Answer

Yes, and I picked it up again when I was in basic training.

NathanDavis · Answer

not those specific words, no... but we do, and would change our grammar in order to address others with respect  and I still do that, today... lol

Brainsbeforebeauty · Answer

My parents weren’t strict with this but my step grandpa was the summer we spent with them in South Carolina…

Smashingdoozy · Answer

Only when I was living in abusive foster homes. Really says something about the kind of people who expect to be treated like that.

mandyfire98 · Answer

Absolutely. I'm from the south and it's part of society here. I still say it.

ShadezMcgee · Answer

Didn't have to do that, no. Just a reflex at this point due to contact with DoD civilians a lot.

worldscolide · Answer

Dude I still say it. Politeness doesn't die when you become an adult.

LukeSkyler · Answer

No I didn't. Then again, my father died of cancer when I was 4; barely even remembered him. My mother tried her best at raising me but it wasn't an obligation to say that.

Likes2drive · Answer

No, it was just either mom or dad, aunt or Uncle

fonduegirl · Answer

No, that's a thing I learnt in college. I also learnt about narcissism and my professors might be suffering with it.

douride2 · Answer

Yes sir that is how I was brought up.

Sparkie460 · Answer

Of course I did. I was brought up to be respectful of my elders

LazerBean · Answer

Yes, I did and still do. Old people love it.

Anonymous · Answer

Not sir or mam. At most MR, Master, Ms or Mrs

Dargil · Answer

Yes, then and now. Marines do that to you.

XXblack88 · Answer

No, I didn't.

OddBeMe · Answer

No I wasn’t in the military.

najekim · Answer

Yup. Called manners.

TracyF · Answer

Yes sir

Static_In_The_Attic · Answer

No Sir.

Iron_Man · Answer

Yes some

When you were a kid, did you have to say Yes Sir, No Sir, Yes Mam, No Mam?

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