What does being called ma'am mean?

[Anonymous]

A lady at Dunkin donuts always address me as ma'am but she's older than me. I don't get it.

It's just a respect thing

It means I look older than my 30's

[Billlewis]

It's a respectful salutation for addressing a woman. It's an abbreviation for 'madam'. Any time a guy addresses you as 'ma'am', he's being as courteous and deferential as possible.

[qwert1234]

It's culture and respect.

I had foreign counterparts ask me these, why some of our juniors at work call them sir or ma'm. :) Explained to them that it's just culture.

[BrookeAZ90]

They're probably just told to say that to everyone. Makes me feel old though when people do it.

[sage2021]

I think people from the South just grow up saying it, then always say it.

[OfMiceandMen]

Sir and Ma'am, both used as a sign of respect. Has nothing to do with age.

[Dargil]

In the Marines, calling a man Sir is an expression of respect, regardless of his rank. So it is with Ma'am.

[KrakenAttackin]

You are in your 40's and don't understand? Fucking clueless.

[BoopBoopBeep]

It means you have a vagina and are over 18.

[NamerOfStars]

It means you're a BLOODY VIKING!

[Anonymous]

Respect as a client...

[riverrat3]

Respect