A Question For The Ladies

[Marijn]

I hate being called "madam". Mostly this happens at restaurants by waiters, and it makes me cringe. I just wondered if I am alone in this, or if most us felt the same about it.

[erin-x]

I don't think i've ever been called madam!

It's always "lady" at work. They even sing "hello ladies, how are you?!" lol!

[sunny-dave]

CU Jimmy seems to work too, erin?

[boxtops]

I have no objection to being called madam (as long as it's not "a little madam" - it's good customer service. I really object to being called by my name on the telephone (especially when they get it wrong, as they often do). It riles me to be called darling or other endearments by people in shops who've never clapped eyes on me before.

[overthetop]

Just stick to McDonalds then.

[DTCwordfan]

No one has called me, 'Madam'.......

[erin-x]

There is that, Dave! :-)

[society]

If someone addressed me as madam it wouldn't bother me in the least bit.

[silliemillie]

I quite like to be called madam, doesnt happen enough. Makes me feel posh.

[Wak]

They obviously don't know if you are a Miss or a Mrs so I imagine that "Madam" covers all eventualities and removes any guess work on their part.

[tamaris]

Not fussed

[tamborine]

So long as it's mesdames in with a French accent

[silliemillie]

Like Wak says, we had to call all female teachers ma'am rather than Miss or Mrs XXX

[DaisyNonna]

Bb Past what?

[wildwood]

Mrs.WW always replies to that with "I haven't retired yet" so I guess she feels the same.

[joko]

i say hun sometimes on facebook or a txt - and i HATE doing it!
it just feels like i have to when they have said it to me, and sometimes it seems like i need to use some kind of word like that - like luv etc ... i don't know why i seem to do it back - i just cant think of another word to use.
not always of course, not even that often really.

i think i must try to stop!

i would never say it in conversation though. and i never ever say or write babe or chick

i don't like being called madam , but it doesn't bother me much. generally i get called miss though.

[boxtops]

I've not heard anyone called Miss for ages - is it a regional thing? (It's what we used to call our teacher!)

[askyourgran]

I don't mind madam, if it isn't emphasised, I do hate sweetheart, darling, dear or ducks (in South Yorkshire). Here we say love and think nothing of it.

[kia cat]

I'd find it difficult to say, "excuse me ... [etc]" without adding Sir or Madam.

I remember being earbashed by a female customer [She would've been late 20s/early 30s to my nearly 60], saying, "Don't call me Madam, I don't run a brothel; I'm not your Love, Darling or Honey/Hun; we're not on a building site, so don't say mate, pal or similar" to which I replied,
"how would you like me to address you?" to which she replied, "not at all"
So I guess that's it. I do find it hard, not to say anything else, after "Hello, Good Morning ..." Clearly my upbringing, schooling and 40+ years of dealing with the public. Milkman/DJ/Civil Servant/Journalist/Shop worker. I like to think I've always said it politely, not cringing, being sarcastic or ironic or smart-ar$ed.
I hope that doesn't sound pompous !

[elliemay1]

I hate being called "dear". Makes me feel ancient. Would never tip a waiter/waitress who says that.

[woofgang]

The one I do loathe is Ms pronounced Mzzzzzz.