Being called “ma’am” can be jarring for some women. While it’s generally considered a term of respect, it can come across very differently depending on region or context.

Reader wonders if there is a gender-neutral alternative to using “sir” or “ma’am” to get a stranger’s attention.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I always try to be respectful of clerks, waitstaff, checkout workers at stores, etc. I thank them and address them as “miss,” “ma’am,” “sir” or “young man.” ...

Miss Ma'am's luck turned when a Slippery Rock University student, Brenden, came into the shelter. Baughman told him about Miss Ma'am, although she was hesitant about Brenden being in a fraternity.

Being called “ma’am” can be jarring for some women. While it’s generally considered a term of respect, it can come across very differently depending on region or context.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is there a gender-neutral alternative to “sir” and “ma’am”? I was in a retail establishment this morning, and a staff member walked past me pulling a flatbed cart full ...

But the English words “miss” and “ma’am” have hung around. Today, when some women hear “ma’am,” instead of envisioning an elegant French lady, they picture a woman past her prime.

By Janelle Davis, CNN An unexpected rainstorm. A traffic jam on your morning commute. Realizing you forget to put on deodorant. There are many things that can turn your day from good to bad. But ...