Being called "sir".

[FootyJunkie]

Do you like it at all?

A bit too formal for my take. Seems to be used a lot in the U.S. in relation to customer service.

I appreciate the fact that someone is trying to convey a level of respect towards me when I'm addressed as "sir", but I just don't like it. I don't want to feel that I am above anyone else that is around me and that I deserve some sort of special treatment. I'd rather be called "mate", "pal", "buddy" or nothing. "Gentleman" is still a bit too formal for me, but I don't mind it... but "sir?"... call me "sir" after I've been knighted by the queen.

 

[Meow]

There's nothing wrong with being called "sir" in countries where it's the norm. When in the US, I usually just told people who called me "sir" repeatedly that whilst I understand they are trying to be polite, I'd prefer them to not address me as such.

Sounds a little weird when a person here in Australia says it though.

 

[RoosterLad]

I only really get called 'Sir' by foreigners over here. It's a bit over the top, I'd prefer to be called 'campaigner'.

 

[Smoooothy]

For once I'd like to be called sir without hearing you're making a scene

 

[THRILLHO]

Just once I'd like for someone to call me 'sir'... without adding 'you're making a scene.'

 

[THRILLHO]

I'm a teacher, so I dig being called 'sir'. You just get used to it. I get weirdly annoyed when students call me 'mister'. It's just a variation, but it just grates so badly on me.

Oh, and Mr_Smooth, you were quicker but I was more accurate

 

[HappyChappy35]

The term 'sir' is too formal for my liking. As a matter of fact, I even feel somewhat uncomfortable when another person addresses me as such within Australia (would rather not be subject to overt humility such as this).

Again though, it's perfectly acceptable in foreign countries and particular situations where this term of endearment is commonly used. If you are in a situation where someone else repeatedly calls you 'sir', simply tell them that whilst you accept their politeness, you'd rather not be addressed using this term.

 

[zimma]

Never liked it nor most pronouns used to address someone to be honest... Up there with people using my full given name, just irks me.

 

[Blood Bath]

I have to say "sir" about 100 times a day. Does my head in.

 

[Smoooothy]

I'm a teacher, so I dig being called 'sir'. You just get used to it. I get weirdly annoyed when students call me 'mister'. It's just a variation, but it just grates so badly on me.

Oh, and Mr_Smooth, you were quicker but I was more accurate

If I had a dollar for every time I heard that!

 

[zimma]

I have to say "sir" about 100 times a day. Does my head in.

I was like that when i worked at a bank and a lesser extent in retail... Nothing like having to call someone in mismatched thongs, torn jeans and a wife beater who's chugging $2.50 wine out of the bottle "Sir"

 

[radiojake]

One of my teachers at high school hated being called 'sir' - everytime someone did he would be sure to tell us that he has never been knighted by the Queen so there was no need to use that title.

One of my mates had spent a lot of time in private schools and just used to call every male teacher 'sir', and would continually call the teacher mentioned 'sir' out of habit and then the two would invariably have an arguement - funny times -

 

[Optimax]

I'm a teacher, so I dig being called 'sir'. You just get used to it. I get weirdly annoyed when students call me 'mister'. It's just a variation, but it just grates so badly on me.

Oh, and Mr_Smooth, you were quicker but I was more accurate

Yeah as annoyingly formal as being called sir is, it's so much better then being called mister just mister

 

[Messenger]

Worthwhile to use with older members of the community in a health setting. Deferential without tugging the forelock.

Use to see a lot of army recruits at our clinic straight out of basic training on their first deployment. Every third word out of their mouth was sir.

 

[Silent Alarm]

Calling a teacher "sir" or "miss" was the apex of patronisation. "Oi what sir? I didn't anything!" So good.

 

[PP34]

I feel weird when someone calls me sir.

 

[Poseidon]

Called all my male teachers 'sir' and the female ones 'miss'
I don't mind being called 'sir' but being 21 I think it's pretty rare. I think the last time someone called me 'sir' was at the Hungry Jacks drive thru.
I just call all men "mate" and I still call older women "miss"

 

[Marlowe]

I have never been called 'sir' sincerely. I only get 'boy'.

 

[Sydney Bloods]

It took me a long time to adjust to calling people sir, had to do it for work. That said I personally cannot stand being called sir. Makes me feel like a complete w***er even new hires etc they call me sir, I stop them introduce myself and tell em my first name.

That's another thing campaigners that call you Mr *insert last name here* i get it on telephone banking or whatever but seriously this isn't Europe you yuppie.

 

[Northworth]

being called sir is funny -or by your surname (with the prefix Mr) - any time it happens I catch myself looking for my dad before realising they were talking to me

 

[Smoooothy]

I have never been called 'sir' sincerely. I only get 'boy'.

Black?

 

[dales.girl38]

'Sir' is better than the female equivalents of 'maam' or 'madam'. I got called 'maam' once, I'm 21 FFS.

 

[Gough]

Last time I got called sir it was followed by what is that you are smoking and could you please empty your pockets.

 

[Dont be a lemon]

Calling a teacher "sir" or "miss" was the apex of patronisation. "Oi what sir? I didn't anything!" So good.

At my school we seemed to use it when it felt easier than saying "Mister Lastname".

 

[Dont be a lemon]

call me "sir" after I've been knighted by the queen.

They still do that in New Zealand.

Sad, inferior country...