I swear! If one more bag boy calls me "Ma'am" I'm going to split an infinitive!
On the recent 38th annual List of Words to be Banished from the Queen’s English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness*, “fiscal cliff” and “trending” are listed. I'd like to weigh in with an early nomination for next year's list.
In my experience the word "Ma'am" has to go. Nowadays I hear it way too often (granted, my visible grey hairs might be a contributing factor). Sure, saying "Ma'am" is fine if you're a little kid who uses it out of respect for anyone over the age of 12, or if you hail from the south, but using it in everyday encounters can prove unnerving. Being called "Ma'am" makes me feel old and matronly. I feel old and matronly as it is! Personally, I'd rather be called "Hey, Lady" (go ahead and say it like Jerry Lewis - you know you want to) or go the complete opposite and call me "Smokin' Hot Cradle Robber" but pah-leez drop the use of "Ma'am" from your vocabulary. A little aside here - don't think calling me "Young Lady" will work either, unless you happen to be over the age of 80.
Who knows, deleting "Ma'am" from uttering your lips could qualify you for a Nobel Peace Prize. Your efforts to banish the word-which-must-not-be-spoken could prevent others from witnessing some woman (like me) from imploding. Talk about your hot mess...
Who knows, deleting "Ma'am" from uttering your lips could qualify you for a Nobel Peace Prize. Your efforts to banish the word-which-must-not-be-spoken could prevent others from witnessing some woman (like me) from imploding. Talk about your hot mess...
Boo! to the word Ma'am! I might wear a button that says Just Say No to Ma'am! or Don't Ma'am Me!I think I like the second one better! ;)
ReplyDeleteI like the second one too. If you create a button like that, let me know 'cause I'd like to buy one.
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