Being called "ma'am" doesn't happen to me a lot. We aren't that polite here in Norway. We don't make use of mr/mrs either. However, one summer when I worked in a grocery store, there were a lot of tourist customers and an American lady called me "ma'am". Wow, I felt old! At the time I would definitely have prefered "miss". But I also felt respected, so for me it was a positive thing.

It's certainly an American thing. The US is very formal compare to many other countries.

It doesn't really bother me to be called Ma'am. I have been, several times and have a very polite southern young man that works in our department that always says Ma'am. It seems to annoy some of my co-workers, but I pretty much take it as someone being courteous no matter who it's from.

The rarity of manners nowadays makes me pleased when someone says it. Besides, like someone else mentioned (forgot who now, sorry), it goes with martial arts. I got used to it when training in taekwondo. Plus I live in the southern US...hence the southern charm. Sir and Ma'am are pounded into many folks who grew up down here. I didn't grow up this far south so I don't do it much. Mostly just for someone in authority or an older person. Now I'm not a youngster any more so an "older person" is getting OLDER as I age too.

Isn't it odd that people would be annoyed by someone being polite to them. Kinda says something about today's society doesn't it.

Next time they complain you should ask them what they would prefer he call them. Maybe they'd prefer a simple "Hey you." or maybe just ignore them all-together?

Isn't it odd that people would be annoyed by someone being polite to them. Kinda says something about today's society doesn't it.

Next time they complain you should ask them what they would prefer he call them. Maybe they'd prefer a simple "Hey you." or maybe just ignore them all-together?

Agreed. Even though there was just that one time, I was really surprised yet pleased to be called "Ma'am". It's a wonderful sign of respect imo. Especially in today's society.

LOL Kiwi. I know what you mean. It's like the talk from above that it makes them feel old, but being from the south US they should expect it. I think it's possibly also they are just not used to it at work. We just took on a more "leadership" roll (as core department members, several new younger members coming on) that we're not used to and the ma'am thing might still surprise them.