Sir - is that a sign of age

[Jim K..]

Fsv of "meat"...

[Harry Bloomfield]

At a loose end this morning - I've just been in a very large Tesco, a few miles from here and had a breakfast. I had no less than five 'Sirs' whilst in there - have Tesco gone up market? Makes a change from the more usual 'Eh oop!' from staff in those places.

[Broadback]

I remember well, some 50 years ago, when as a young man, I was first called "Sir". As I can still remember it well it obviously had a strong impression on me!

[Jim GM4DHJ ...]

hate sir especially on the air ..... so patronising .....

[alan_m]

But is slightly better than "have a nice day" or more recently " enjoy the rest of your day"

[newshound]

And much better than "Michael". Even if your name is Michael. One thing that practially guarantees "No Sale" is when a salesman uses my first name.

[michael adams]

Surely the best answer to that one is to give them a bogus first name such as Marmaduke or Algernon. Then if they still insist on exhibiting undue familiarity you will at least have derived some entertainment value from your retail experience.

michael adams

...

[Jim GM4DHJ ...]

yes but it just sounds that they are taking the piss....it never sounds genuine.....

[Jim GM4DHJ ...]

how the hell does he get that then ? .....

[charles]

either of those allows the reply "unfortunately, I've made other arrangements".

[Bob Eager]

The last time I called anyone Sir was when I was in the Royal Marine Cadets, at the age of about 18.

[Jim GM4DHJ ...]

worse than that was young chaps giving up their seat on a bus...I was shocked when that first happened when I was in my 50's ......refused it I was so annoyed.......

[newshound]

Because in some cases it will be in the records. And at some places I might introduce myself with both names, because Mr X sounds a bit pompous. That doesn't mean I expect to be addressed by my first name.

[PeterC]

Late 60s when it happened to me - a young woman, just to make it worse! I refused politely as, apart from her, I was the only one on the bus capable of standing for any time. I do like to get a seat when, as a couple of times this week, I walked 9 miles or so in rather warm weather then had a few good ales - saves falling so far when I nod off.

[newshound]

I gather it is the correct form of address the second time you speak to the Prince of Wales.

[harry]

You know you're getting on when somebody gives you their seat on the train/bus!

[tim...]

the guy in Morrisons called me "Young man" which I most definitely am not

tim

[Harry Bloomfield]

I will agree with that Americanism.

[Gareth's was W7 now W10 Downst]

With the lamentable dumbing down of educational standards, chances that the speakers are pronouncing with a soft C the word Cur!!!!!!

[Harry Bloomfield]

It happens that newshound formulated :

It does..

I usually get asked whether I want to be addressed as Mr or Harry and insist they use the less formal first name.