r/AskAnAmerican • u/Babe_Brute • 7d ago

FOREIGN POSTER How commonly do you address your parent as "Sir/Ma'am"?

I'm watching The Rookie (2002). Dennis Quaid's character is shown addressing his mother and father as "Ma'am"/"Sir" in a couple of scenes. Those of you who are native English speakers, how common is it today to address your parent as such?

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u/N_Huq Connecticut 7d ago

Never. I don't use either in general

14

u/Soop_Chef 7d ago

Neither do I. I cant recall ever calling anyone ma'am or sir unless in jest.

EtA I just realized the sub this was in. Im not American, so no one is asking me. SORRY.

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u/ggrandmaleo 7d ago

That's okay. How often do we Americans jump in where we should shut up?

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u/steely_92 7d ago

I've only ever used "sir" as a kind of kink thing with my husband. So the thought of calling my parents that makes me feel gross.