Is the word "sir" basically understood intimidation? (male, member, children)

[Ollie4]

I think it is. You say "Sir" usually when talking to Authority; in Court, you're supposed to say "Your Honor," but I hear people say "Sir" too (assuming male judge.)

In the South, you're supposed to end every sentence with the word "Sir."

In the Military, you start and end each sentence with that word.

So, since the recipient is the one saying "Sir," is that not understood intimidation?

[SVTLightning]

not even a little bit. Its a sign of respect.


In the military you do not use it before every sentence.

[willow wind]

I don't find the word to be the least bit intimidating. Why would anyone be intimidated by it ?

It's simply a formality. It gets used less and less in everyday life as many people prefer informality. This is especially true of younger members of society.

I was walking out of the post office the other day. A man in front of me had a envelope slip from the pile of papers he was carrying. I called out to him " Sir, you dropped something " Sounds lot more polite than
" Hey, you" or " Hey, mister". How would " sir" be intimidating ?

[hertfordshire]

Originally Posted by Ollie4

In the South, you're supposed to end every sentence with the word "Sir."

Huh?

[germaine2626]

Originally Posted by willow wind

I don't find the word to be the least bit intimidating. Why would anyone be intimidated by it ?

It's simply a formality. It gets used less and less in everyday life as many people prefer informality. This is especially true of younger members of society.

I was walking out of the post office the other day. A man in front of me had a envelope slip from the pile of papers he was carrying. I called out to him " Sir, you dropped something " Sounds lot more polite than
" Hey, you" or " Hey, mister". How would " sir" be intimidating ?

I agree.

About the only time that I ever use "sir" is in similar situations (addressing a stranger about a problem).

[Old Guard]

Originally Posted by Ollie4

In the Military, you start and end each sentence with that word.

What military did you serve in?

[usayit]

I was raised to use sir and ma'am as a sign of respect.... not necessarily people of authority.

Part of my childhood was in the south... I don't recall people ending sentences with "sir".

I also don't recall military using sir at end and beginning of sentences... simply "Sir yes sir" to acknowledge an order.

[North Beach Person]

Wtf?!

[Old Guard]

Originally Posted by usayit

I was raised to use sir and ma'am as a sign of respect.... not necessarily people of authority.

Part of my childhood was in the south... I don't recall people ending sentences with "sir".

I also don't recall military using sir at end and beginning of sentences... simply "Sir yes sir" to acknowledge an order.

Actually "Yes Sir" and "No Sir" and ONLY if you were speaking to an officer or superior officer.

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by germaine2626

I agree.

About the only time that I ever use "sir" is in similar situations (addressing a stranger about a problem).

Same here. I realize in the south children are taught to do the Sir/Ma'am bit growing up as a sign of respect, but it's not a thing up north.