Yes sir

[dedicatedenglish]

It seems a lot of American men respond to another man's closed ended questions (did you do this? is this correct? does it make sense?, etc) with "yes, sir". This seems to happen in everyday conversations. Is this a correct observation? If so, I assume the phrase doesn't sound formal among American men?

 

[Tarheel]

That's one possibility.

I wouldn't say it's formal, but it could be

 

[dedicatedenglish]

I wouldn't say it's formal, but not could be

You meant but it could be?

Is it uncommon for women to say "yes, sir" to a man in casual conversation?

 

[SoothingDave]

In general, Americans will use a "sir" or "ma'am" as a sign of respect. Or in place of a name, when not known. Like "excuse me, sir, you dropped your wallet."

There's no reason why a woman can't also use "sir" or "madam."

Note that this is in a general context, where we are equals.


It is also used more formally in military/police/etc. contexts, or when talking to a big boss in a corporation. Then it is more about position and who is superior.

 

[emsr2d2]

It seems a lot of American men respond to another man's closed ended questions, such as "Did you do this?", "Is this correct?", "Does it make sense?" etc with "Yes, sir". This seems to happen in everyday conversations. Is this a correct observation? If so, I assume the phrase doesn't sound formal among American men?

Please note my corrections above.

SoothingDave has given you a great explanation of how it works in AmE. Note that, in the UK, outside of the military and amongst the nobility, we don't refer to each other as "sir", "ma'am" or "madam".

 

[Skrej]

It's also very much a generational and regional thing in the US. I was raised to address all my elders as 'sir' or 'ma'am' accordingly. Particularly in the southern US, it's still very common for nearly everyone to use the phrases, from children to adults in everyday casual conversation.

The further up and out of the American South you move, the less common it becomes, except as a formal address for people in positions of authority.

 

[dedicatedenglish]

There's no reason why a woman can't also use "sir" or "madam."

Note that this is in a general context, where we are equals.

I agree but I don't want to get into a debate about gender equality.

My understanding is outside of the US south, in casual conversation it's common for men to say to other men "yes, sir", and it's much less common for women to say that to men in response to a question. But it seems you're saying that in your experience, it's common for both men and women to say "yes, sir", in casual conversation?

 

[Skrej]

I agree but I don't want to get into a debate about gender equality.

My understanding is outside of the US south, in casual conversation it's common for men to say to other men "yes, sir", and it's much less common for women to say that to men in response to a question. But it seems you're saying that in your experience, it's common for both men and women to say "yes, sir", in casual conversation?

I can't speak for Dave, but in my experience you're just as likely to hear a woman say it as a man. What gives you the idea that it's less common for women to say it?

 

[dedicatedenglish]

I can't speak for Dave, but in my experience you're just as likely to hear a woman say it as a man. What gives you the idea that it's less common for women to say it?

I don't hear it often but it could be because I'm not paying attention.