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Were you brought up to say Yes sir/ma’am?

It’s one of those things I had never considered to be SO American until today. I never did it as a kid but had a bunch of friends who would address their parents and other adults this way.

My kiddo used to have to say ‘yes sir’ or ‘yes ma’am’ when she was living with my aunt and uncle. I’ve told her she doesn’t have to anymore — wayyyy too formal for my liking — but she forgets sometimes and defaults back.

Today my (very British) Auntie told her to do something and she said “Yes ma’am!”. Everyone looked sooo confused. The other kids had clearly never even heard that before. My Auntie told her she can just say “Ok” or call her by her name 😂😂😂😂
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SW-User
4meAndyou · F
@SW-User Were you raised in the south?
SW-User
@4meAndyou yes ma’am I was
4meAndyou · F
@SW-User Someone commented here that they picked up the practice in the south. I am wondering if that was part of the language that black people had to learn in order to be seen as respectful or subservient? Maybe not today, but as a historical thing?

I always know when I am speaking to a black person from the south on the phone when they call me, "MISS so-and so".
SW-User
@4meAndyou hmmm
Interesting
I wasn’t aware it was more specific to any race
Just common and respectful manners
4meAndyou · F
@SW-User Historically, it was good manners and common among Europeans in the 19th century.