Is it OK to say yes sir?
Saying "yes, ma'am" and "yes, sir" can be considered a sign of respect in many cultures, particularly in the southern United States. However, the appropriateness of these terms can vary depending on the context and the preferences of the person being addressed.
According to Cambridge Dictionary, the grammatically correct version will be Yes, Sir instead of Yes sir. But if it's informal writing where grammar is not pointed out then there is no harm in writing yes sir without a comma.
| yowzah | yepper |
|---|---|
| alright | absolutely |
| agreed | indeed |
| ya | OK |
| surely | correct |
The term “sir" is often used to address someone in a position of authority or respect. And it is actually considered rude not to do so. Of course there are exceptions, best learned from years of experience and context.
The Southern US still clings to a sense of etiquette and propriety, and one of the first things a child learns is to call women “ma'am” and men “sir”. You answer a question with “yes ma'am/no ma'am” or “yes sir/no sir”. We're also taught to say “please” and “thank you” at every opportunity.
Using ma'am and sir are deemed traditionally Southern in the United States but may originally stem from 18th century England. It is an extension of formal politeness and a sign of good manners.
Typically speaking, Americans do not observe the same "social distance" as that observed in most of the world. A term such as "sir" is typically reserved for addressing someone of higher status.
used for expressing strong agreement: He asked if he could talk to me, and I said, "Yes, sir." (Definition of yes, sir from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
"Yessir" is a slang term used to show affirmation or agreement. It is often used as a way of expressing enthusiastic consent or acknowledgment. “yessir” just means what it means “yes sir!” or “hell yeah!”
In the rest of the country, this is largely not acceptable for a couple reasons: Age sensitivity: some people feel being called sir/ma'am is implying they're old. Typically, older (over 65) Americans are more comfortable being called sir/ma'am than younger Americans.
Do people like being called sir?
Some people may not like to be called "sir" for a variety of reasons. Some may feel that it is too formal and creates a sense of distance between them and the person addressing them. Others may associate the term with hierarchical structures or authority figures, which they may not feel comfortable with.
Anyone who is a senior in education and official rank would be called 'Sir' in the first place. Again, anyone who inspires and is exceptionally well in his/her area of expertise can also be called 'Sir'. Don't be afraid to call someone sir as it will ease your work and give room for further closer communication.
/ˈjessɜːr/ (informal, especially North American English) used to emphasize your opinion or say that you agree very strongly.
When a guy sends a girl "yes ma'am," it can be a sign of respect or politeness. In some cultures or regions, using "ma'am" is a formal way of addressing someone, especially a woman, to show respect or deference.
What are some nonbinary alternatives to sir and ma'am? Mx. (pronounced “mix” or “mux”) is coming into use more and more in recent years. It can be used either for a person of unknown or non-binary gender.
- Yeah, sure. Here you go.
- No problem! I'm always happy to help.
- Yep! I will be right there. (Yep is another informal way to say yes like yeah.)
- Yeah, I'd be happy to!
- Cool. (Yes, cool can really be used to say yes or to show agreement.)
- You got it.
- Okay.
Additionally, since the late modern period, Sir has been used as a respectful way to address a man of superior social status or military rank. Equivalent terms of address for women are Madam (shortened to Ma'am), in addition to social honorifics such as Mrs, Ms or Miss.
The way to begin a conversation with a southerner is by saying: “hey y'all” or “howdy.” This will create a familiar environment for the conversation. Once the conversation has begun, the speaker should slow down their language ever so slightly to avoid being asked to repeat themselves.
Dame is an honorific title and the feminine form of address for the honour of damehood in many Christian chivalric orders, as well as the British honours system and those of several other Commonwealth realms, such as Australia and New Zealand, with the masculine form of address being Sir.
A British citizen granted a knighthood or Damehood is entitled to style themselves as Sir or Dame. However, a non-British citizen who receives a knighthood or Damehood is not officially allowed to use the Sir or Dame title.
How do Brits say sir?
Below is the UK transcription for 'sir': Modern IPA: sə́ː Traditional IPA: sɜː 1 syllable: "SUR"
“Yes, Sir” is an affirmative response to almost any question and is appropriate, usually. Naval Orders are an exception. “Aye” or “Aye, Sir” is an affirmative response to a Naval order, also meaning I hear and obey. “Aye” is appropriate in most cases.
When a girl calls you "sir," it is often a sign of respect or formality. In some cultures or contexts, it may be a polite way of addressing someone, especially if there is an age or authority difference.
While some people may use terms like "yes sir" in their relationships, it's essential to remember that communication dynamics and language choices are personal and can differ greatly from one relationship to another. It's always important to prioritize mutual respect and open communication in any relationship.
Army does not use sir in both the beginning and end of the statement. Ie sir yes sir. Army would just say yes sir. Marines on the other hand say this.
