The tradition of addressing strangers or superiors as “Sir” or “Ma’am” is fading, especially as society becomes more aware of gender-identity concerns and moves away from outdated honorifics. However, a recent debate on Reddit, sparked by a manager insisting on being called “Sir,” has reignited discussion about workplace etiquette.
According to LiveMint, the issue arose in an Indian workplace during a WhatsApp exchange. A young employee raised a concern about a missing file, only for their manager to blame them and demand to be addressed as “Sir” instead of “Mr.” followed by his surname. The employee shared their frustration on social media, stating, “I don’t like using Sir/Ma’am. I’ve been professional and meant no disrespect, but his reaction shocked me.” Cultural norms in India likely influenced this exchange, where formal titles may carry more weight.
In the U.S., “Sir” and “Ma’am” persist in some contexts, particularly in the South and within military culture, where they’re seen as signs of respect. A Reddit user in an older thread asked why their manager used “Sir,” receiving this reply: “In the U.S., it’s a respectful way to address a male, especially for former military members, where saying ‘Yes, Sir!’ is ingrained.” Another user jokingly suggested, “They might’ve just forgotten your name.”
However, not everyone views these titles favorably. In Reddit discussions, some users called them outdated or uncomfortable. One wrote, “If I called my boss ‘Sir,’ he’d probably slap me.” Another reflected on their civil service job in the late 1970s, noting, “Even my supervisor was ‘Mr.’ back then, but now even directors go by first names.” A user from the Deep South argued, “Sir/Ma’am feels less polite and more about control, like deferring to someone older as an authority.”
For Gen-Z workers, gender-specific honorifics are particularly out of sync. This generation rejects many traditional workplace norms, often embracing openness about personal matters and showing greater sensitivity to LGBTQ+ issues, which can clash with gendered titles and controversial DEI initiatives.
What Can Companies Learn?
Workplace culture matters. Companies should clarify how employees should address each other and leadership—whether it’s first names, nicknames, or informal terms like “boss.” Creating a socially comfortable environment fosters happier, more productive teams. A workplace where senior staff insist on “Sir” or “Ma’am” may struggle to achieve this vibe.