Dear Sir or Madam...?

[mollyL]

The thread about being asked for ID got me to thinking about the way I'm addressed by clerks etc as I grow older. It put a chill up my back the first time I was addressed as "ma'am" or "madam" or "missus". I've gotten well used to it now.
My husband, on the other hand, just doesn't look like a "sir", as he has a long ponytail, a beard, and is usually a very affable fellow. The guy clerks have figured out some other names: "Boss," which is a bit strange, "Big Dog", which sounds like a cartoon character, and yesterday he was called "Bubba". What next?

[Mickie31]

What about Hubba Bubba? It's the name of a bubble gum. I know what you mean about being called ma'am or missus I wouldn't like that either.

[Green-Moo]

Someone called your husband Bubba?! Seriously?! Only in America LoL

I think I'd rather go with Big Dog teeheee

[Green-Moo]

Originally Posted by mollyL

It put a chill up my back the first time I was addressed as "ma'am" or "madam" or "missus".

I really still haven't forgiven the first guy who called me Senhora instead of Senhorita

[justontime]

I'm in UK and I admit that I know very little about other countries except what I have gleaned from reading, but I thought the term Bubba was associated with a rather old fashioned (non PC) set of values. Have I misunderstood? I think I came across the term in one of Patricia Cornwell's books.

[Mickie31]

I'm in the UK as well, but I always connected the name Bubba with bubble gum, but I'm probably being daft!

[mollyL]

The way "Bubba" was originated was a southern (US) nickname for "Brother". As in mom says, "Go tell your bubba dinner's ready." Now it can mean that, or as a bit of an insulting name meaning "country bumpkin". Then there are some that say Bubba meaning a good friend , good man or "brother". I guess it depends on who says it.
I believe the guy that called my husband that meant it in the last connotation.

[mollyL]

Originally Posted by Green-Moo

Someone called your husband Bubba?! Seriously?! Only in America LoL

I think I'd rather go with Big Dog teeheee

LOL

[justontime]

Thanks for explaining about Bubba. It sounds as if a different form of greeting may have been more suitable. The people who really annoy me are sales people and estate agents who seem to use your first name in every sentence. Then before you know it they have shortened it and they are acting as if they have known you all their life. I find a meaningful stare works better than words in such circumstances.

[mollyL]

Politicians do it as well, as in,"You told me your name and see, I haven't forgotten."