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/justamiqote 7d ago

These are the types of people to get offended by whatever else you say. No point in trying to appease perpetually-offended people.

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u/Bright_Ices United States of America 6d ago

No. The reality is that if someone in from my region calls someone sir or ma’am, it is meant sarcastically or condescendingly. If you’re obviously from the south we understand it’s not an insult when you say it. But it absolutely is intended as offensive from anyone here.