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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

For those who feel like “ma’am” is too old and “miss” is diminutive, implying the subject is childlike, then maybe it’s time for a new word entirely.

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.

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.