Question about "Ma'am"

[welldone]

How old is a woman when it's appropriate to call her "Ma'am", assuming she is a stranger?

The other day when I was watching "Will&Grace", Grace got upset because somebody called her "ma'am". Was it because that implies that she looks old?

Thanks!

 

[Tdol]

I would use 'Madam' for an older woman or when trying to be very formal. I wouldn't use 'Ma'am' as that is for the queen, in the UK. ;-)

 

[twostep]

I would use 'Madam' for an older woman or when trying to be very formal. I wouldn't use 'Ma'am' as that is for the queen, in the UK. ;-)

In the southern US it is considered good manners and polite to call a woman m'am. Just do not call me madam. :wink:

 

[Tdol]

Rightie-ho, ma'am. ;-)

 

[amigo]

Here comes some questions from "Ma'am":

In AE,do u use the spelling "ma'am" or "madam" in formal letter or speech script?
If use "madam",do u pronunce it the AE way or the British way?

Also,for a former prostitute who now runs her own "ranch" are called "Madam",e.g Madam ABC,

It spells "Madam".do u call them "Ma'am" or the British way "Madam"?

Thanks

 

[welldone]

Thanks for everybody's answer.
It seems that ma'am is more often used in America. I have heard people use that quite often at banks, restaurants, etc.

 

[Tdol]

Brothelkeepers are called 'madam'in AE and 'madame' (French pronunciation) in BE. ;-)

 

[twostep]

Brothelkeepers are called 'madam'in AE and 'madame' (French pronunciation) in BE. ;-)

When using geography stay with the correct term - cathouse. Meow! :wink: :wink: