... never makes it to Australian culture. If it ever does it must not be gender specific and apply equally to females because there is no female equivalent.

... but wait! It has already corrupted Ozpolitic BBS.

http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/DontCallMeSir_3434.png

Laugh till you cry wrote on Jul 14^th, 2014 at 6:34pm:

... never makes it to Australian culture. If it ever does it must not be gender specific and apply equally to females because there is no female equivalent. ... but wait! It has already corrupted Ozpolitic BBS. http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/DontCallMeSir_3434.png

The female equivalent of sir is maam. These terms are commonly used in australia and always have been.

OK, this is gonna hurt like hell: ian is 100% correct.

I don't like this "sir" business, by the way.

I was at a nice restaurant the other night and the waiters kept calling me "Sir" every five minutes.

I got so fed up with it that I decided not to order the third bottle of wine, and I left and went to the pub instead.

I detest being called "Sir".

Students use 'sir' regularly toward lecturers and tutors.

Many Ozpolitic denizens appear to like being called sir. Gives them a social lift. Is it just the poms and closet poms who like it?

greggerypeccary wrote on Jul 14^th, 2014 at 9:02pm:

OK, this is gonna hurt like hell: ian is 100% correct. I don't like this "sir" business, by the way. I was at a nice restaurant the other night and the waiters kept calling me "Sir" every five minutes. I got so fed up with it that I decided not to order the third bottle of wine, and I left and went to the pub instead. I detest being called "Sir".

Sounds like you would've done zero driving the next day?  ;) ;D

greggerypeccary wrote on Jul 14^th, 2014 at 9:02pm:

OK, this is gonna hurt like hell: ian is 100% correct. I don't like this "sir" business, by the way. I was at a nice restaurant the other night and the waiters kept calling me "Sir" every five minutes. I got so fed up with it that I decided not to order the third bottle of wine, and I left and went to the pub instead. I detest being called "Sir".

You wouldn't like the us then, they use it constantly in service industries. Even the coppers use it, the yanks are incredibly courteous.

ian wrote on Jul 15^th, 2014 at 12:08am:

greggerypeccary wrote on Jul 14th, 2014 at 9:02pm: OK, this is gonna hurt like hell: ian is 100% correct. I don't like this "sir" business, by the way. I was at a nice restaurant the other night and the waiters kept calling me "Sir" every five minutes. I got so fed up with it that I decided not to order the third bottle of wine, and I left and went to the pub instead. I detest being called "Sir". You wouldn't like the us then, they use it constantly in service industries. Even the coppers use it, the yanks are incredibly courteous.

Who is the "us"? Is that the royal "us"?

The use of the word "sir" by many people means that they don't know, they don't want to know or can't even be bothered remembering your name and is often used in a smarmy or facetious manner. I have no belief that the police use sir as an expression of respect. They use it to fend you off and avoid using their name to keep a distance from the person they are dealing with.

Maam is an abbreviation of Madam. A lady who manages a house of ill repute. Like the houses of denizens Mahdi and Hermoine.

What makes you think its an americanism? We were supposed to call teachers sir @ school. If we didnt we got in trouble.

SOB

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Jul 14^th, 2014 at 11:16pm:

Students use 'sir' regularly toward lecturers and tutors.

Really? What uni is that?

We called our male teachers sir at school in the fifties and sixties. They now use their title Mr, Mrs or Miss followed by their first or last name.

I never heard one student use sir at uni, we always used their first name.

Laugh till you cry wrote on Jul 14^th, 2014 at 6:34pm:

... never makes it to Australian culture. If it ever does it must not be gender specific and apply equally to females because there is no female equivalent. ... but wait! It has already corrupted Ozpolitic BBS. http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/DontCallMeSir_3434.png

The equivalent is Madam.

cheers

Sir Bobby

Amadd wrote on Jul 14^th, 2014 at 11:54pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Jul 14th, 2014 at 9:02pm: OK, this is gonna hurt like hell: ian is 100% correct. I don't like this "sir" business, by the way. I was at a nice restaurant the other night and the waiters kept calling me "Sir" every five minutes. I got so fed up with it that I decided not to order the third bottle of wine, and I left and went to the pub instead. I detest being called "Sir". Sounds like you would've done zero driving the next day?  ;) ;D

That is correct, sir.

It's called manners .... & as the waiter would not know your name that's what is politely used.

Should he just say, "Ey! would you like a bottle of wine?"

Mr., Mrs, Miss should always be used unless you've been invited to use first names.

Ms. is an invention of the Hairy Armpit brigade.

greggerypeccary wrote on Jul 14^th, 2014 at 9:02pm:

OK, this is gonna hurt like hell: ian is 100% correct. I don't like this "sir" business, by the way. I was at a nice restaurant the other night and the waiters kept calling me "Sir" every five minutes. I got so fed up with it that I decided not to order the third bottle of wine, and I left and went to the pub instead. I detest being called "Sir".

Would you have ordered a third bottle if he had called you 'comrade'?  ::)

*******

It was 'Sir' this and 'Sir' that for all the years I was at school in the UK, and this carried over into civilian life outside of school to anyone old enough to be my father.

I cringe when I think of it now.

This habit was quickly put a stop to when I arrived in Australia. Here I learnt it was insulting to 'distance' oneself from an Australian by using the term 'Sir' instead of 'mate'.

Laugh till you cry wrote on Jul 14^th, 2014 at 6:34pm:

... never makes it to Australian culture. If it ever does it must not be gender specific and apply equally to females because there is no female equivalent. ... but wait! It has already corrupted Ozpolitic BBS. http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/DontCallMeSir_3434.png

Yes Sir/Ma'am

Another deparately vital topic.

greggerypeccary wrote on Jul 15^th, 2014 at 8:05am:

Amadd wrote on Jul 14th, 2014 at 11:54pm: greggerypeccary wrote on Jul 14th, 2014 at 9:02pm: OK, this is gonna hurt like hell: ian is 100% correct. I don't like this "sir" business, by the way. I was at a nice restaurant the other night and the waiters kept calling me "Sir" every five minutes. I got so fed up with it that I decided not to order the third bottle of wine, and I left and went to the pub instead. I detest being called "Sir". Sounds like you would've done zero driving the next day?  ;) ;D That is correct, sir.

Just checking po  ;)

I like the standard of politeness followed in American public life particularly. (There's not a whole lot more to like about them culturally unfortunately)
If anyone has watched the PBS NewsHour program or listened to NPR, it will come across how much more polite and civil they are towards each other. In fact I remember once sending them an email asking them to come over and give some lessons to our journalists.

Waiters always call male diners "Sir", as in:

Waiter! Waiter!

Yes sir.

Do you have frogs legs?

No sir, I always walk this way...

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 15^th, 2014 at 7:05am:

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Jul 14th, 2014 at 11:16pm: Students use 'sir' regularly toward lecturers and tutors. Really? What uni is that? We called our male teachers sir at school in the fifties and sixties. They now use their title Mr, Mrs or Miss followed by their first or last name. I never heard one student use sir at uni, we always used their first name.

Same here. For lecturers, I use "Doctor" or the appropriate equivalent and then the surname in initial written correspondence, but they always sign off with their first name which I use from then onward.

I have never called a tutor anything but their first name and have never heard anyone else do so.

Annie Anthrax wrote on Jul 15^th, 2014 at 10:55am:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 15th, 2014 at 7:05am: Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Jul 14th, 2014 at 11:16pm: Students use 'sir' regularly toward lecturers and tutors. Really? What uni is that? We called our male teachers sir at school in the fifties and sixties. They now use their title Mr, Mrs or Miss followed by their first or last name. I never heard one student use sir at uni, we always used their first name. Same here. For lecturers, I use "Doctor" or the appropriate equivalent and then the surname in initial written correspondence, but they always sign off with their first name which I use from then onward. I have never called a tutor anything but their first name and have never heard anyone else do so.

This is one reason why this country is in such bad shape, lack of respect.

ian wrote on Jul 15^th, 2014 at 12:08pm:

Annie Anthrax wrote on Jul 15th, 2014 at 10:55am: Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 15th, 2014 at 7:05am: Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Jul 14th, 2014 at 11:16pm: Students use 'sir' regularly toward lecturers and tutors. Really? What uni is that? We called our male teachers sir at school in the fifties and sixties. They now use their title Mr, Mrs or Miss followed by their first or last name. I never heard one student use sir at uni, we always used their first name. Same here. For lecturers, I use "Doctor" or the appropriate equivalent and then the surname in initial written correspondence, but they always sign off with their first name which I use from then onward. I have never called a tutor anything but their first name and have never heard anyone else do so. This is one reason why this country is in such bad shape, lack of respect.

Respect is earned not gifted.

ian wrote on Jul 15^th, 2014 at 12:08am:

You wouldn't like the us then, they use it constantly in service industries. Even the coppers use it, the yanks are incredibly courteous.

Correct.

It's why Australian women went crazy for them when they arrived here during WWII.

The women had never been treated with such good manners and courtesy, and the American soldiers actually wanted to have conversations with them ... (Yes! With women!)

It's no surprise that the Aussie men were constantly initiating fights with these polite visitors.

Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 15^th, 2014 at 1:31pm:

ian wrote on Jul 15th, 2014 at 12:08am: You wouldn't like the us then, they use it constantly in service industries. Even the coppers use it, the yanks are incredibly courteous. Correct. It's why Australian women went crazy for them when they arrived here during WWII. The women had never been treated with such good manners and courtesy, and the American soldiers actually wanted to have conversations with them ... (Yes! With women!) It's no surprise that the Aussie men were constantly initiating fights with these polite visitors.

That wasn't fighting. It was a mating ritual. Australians were competing with their women for the American men.

Laugh till you cry wrote on Jul 15^th, 2014 at 1:01pm:

Respect is earned not gifted.

Wrong.

Respectful behaviour and attitude is the default position of the true gentleman. If this is later found not to be warranted, then this courtesy is abandoned as not being deserved.

Correct

That's why the yanks are always looking for new and unusual countries to invade.

Amadd wrote on Jul 15^th, 2014 at 11:29pm:

Correct That's why the yanks are always looking for new and unusual countries to invade.

The American Marines who invaded Grenada are known as Grenadines...

Amadd wrote on Jul 15^th, 2014 at 11:29pm:

Correct That's why the yanks are always looking for new and unusual countries to invade.

We're speaking English today instead of German or Japanese only because America gave up its youth to defeat a genocidal tyranny in Europe and a barbarian cult of Bushido in the Asia-Pacific region.

Every migrant to Australia owes it to the Americans that this country is today a free society of First World standards.

I've always found the ANZAC Day 'celebrations' to be so very bloody Irish for the ludicrous paradox that it is, when in fact a more rational day of celebration would be for Australians and the countries of Europe to reserve a day each year in thanks of the Americans without whom we would all have been conquered by some very nasty people indeed.

This faddish resentment towards the US is churlish in the extreme for its lack of gratitude and its spiteful petulance.

Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 16^th, 2014 at 8:10am:

Amadd wrote on Jul 15th, 2014 at 11:29pm: Correct That's why the yanks are always looking for new and unusual countries to invade. We're speaking English today instead of German or Japanese only because America gave up its youth to defeat a genocidal tyranny in Europe and a barbarian cult of Bushido in the Asia-Pacific region. Every migrant to Australia owes it to the Americans that this country is today a free society of First World standards. I've always found the ANZAC Day 'celebrations' to be so very bloody Irish for the ludicrous paradox that it is, when in fact a more rational day of celebration would be for Australians and the countries of Europe to reserve a day each year in thanks of the Americans without whom we would all have been conquered by some very nasty people indeed. This faddish resentment towards the US is churlish in the extreme for its lack of gratitude and its spiteful petulance.

Yes indeed. We can certainly be thankful that America entered WW2.

Barely any of those people are alive today. And of those who are, and having seen the horrors of war, I'll bet they'd advocate all governments to do their utmost to keep out of them.

I'd imagine a lot of the WW2 veterans would be a bit disappointed at the eagerness to wage war that some governments have shown.

The WMD fiasco lost me, and lest we forget that one. Not to mention the gulf of Tonkin lie.

Just because I'm greatful for the actions of one generation or government, it doesn't mean that I can't be disappointed or disgusted in the next..and visa versa.

A lot of people have died for the right to freedom...have some respect please.

And btw, where I'm currently situated, there is more WW2 history than you poke a stick at.
Just a few blocks from here, 143 US soldiers perished when the Japs poured petrol over them in an air raid shelter. Those who came running out on fire were clubbed to death, stabbed and beheaded. Only 11 escaped.
There's also many WW2 wrecks that I've dived close to here and many other memorials that makes one feel very privileged at the life I'm able to enjoy today.

It also makes me very angry when it appears to me that some governments are far too headstrong and willing to throw people's lives at a problem where there may be other avenues.

Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 16^th, 2014 at 8:10am:

Amadd wrote on Jul 15th, 2014 at 11:29pm: Correct That's why the yanks are always looking for new and unusual countries to invade. We're speaking English today instead of German or Japanese only because America gave up its youth to defeat a genocidal tyranny in Europe and a barbarian cult of Bushido in the Asia-Pacific region. Every migrant to Australia owes it to the Americans that this country is today a free society of First World standards. I've always found the ANZAC Day 'celebrations' to be so very bloody Irish for the ludicrous paradox that it is, when in fact a more rational day of celebration would be for Australians and the countries of Europe to reserve a day each year in thanks of the Americans without whom we would all have been conquered by some very nasty people indeed. This faddish resentment towards the US is churlish in the extreme for its lack of gratitude and its spiteful petulance.

We already give thanks to the Americans by watching their poo WW2 movies, in which they won the war single handedly.

ian wrote on Jul 15^th, 2014 at 12:08am:

greggerypeccary wrote on Jul 14th, 2014 at 9:02pm: OK, this is gonna hurt like hell: ian is 100% correct. I don't like this "sir" business, by the way. I was at a nice restaurant the other night and the waiters kept calling me "Sir" every five minutes. I got so fed up with it that I decided not to order the third bottle of wine, and I left and went to the pub instead. I detest being called "Sir". You wouldn't like the us then, they use it constantly in service industries. Even the coppers use it, the yanks are incredibly courteous.

Doesn't stop them from shooting one another, though, does it?   ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D

Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 15^th, 2014 at 1:38pm:

Laugh till you cry wrote on Jul 15th, 2014 at 1:01pm: Respect is earned not gifted. Wrong. Respectful behaviour and attitude is the default position of the true gentleman. If this is later found not to be warranted, then this courtesy is abandoned as not being deserved.

No, being civil or polite is. Respect must be earned.

Amadd wrote on Jul 16^th, 2014 at 8:27am:

Yes indeed. We can certainly be thankful that America entered WW2. Barely any of those people are alive today. And of those who are, and having seen the horrors of war, I'll bet they'd advocate all governments to do their utmost to keep out of them.

Al-Qaeda's bin Laden was directing a campaign of mass-murder upon the people of the US from the safety of Afghanistan. If left alone he would have continued indefinitely.

There wouldn't be an old soldier who would disagree with the US taking measures to close al-Qaeda and the Taliban down in Afghanistan.

The Iraq invasion was on

I'd imagine a lot of the WW2 veterans would be a bit disappointed at the eagerness to wage war that some governments have shown.

The WMD fiasco lost me, and lest we forget that one. Not to mention the gulf of Tonkin lie.

Just because I'm greatful for the actions of one generation or government, it doesn't mean that I can't be disappointed or disgusted in the next..and visa versa.

A lot of people have died for the right to freedom...have some respect please.

And btw, where I'm currently situated, there is more WW2 history than you poke a stick at.
Just a few blocks from here, 143 US soldiers perished when the Japs poured petrol over them in an air raid shelter. Those who came running out on fire were clubbed to death, stabbed and beheaded. Only 11 escaped.
There's also many WW2 wrecks that I've dived close to here and many other memorials that makes one feel very privileged at the life I'm able to enjoy today.

It also makes me very angry when it appears to me that some governments are far too headstrong and willing to throw people's lives at a problem where there may be other avenues.[/quote]

Amadd wrote on Jul 16^th, 2014 at 8:27am:

Yes indeed. We can certainly be thankful that America entered WW2. Barely any of those people are alive today. And of those who are, and having seen the horrors of war, I'll bet they'd advocate all governments to do their utmost to keep out of them.

Al-Qaeda's bin Laden was directing a campaign of mass-murder upon the people of the US from the safety of Afghanistan. If left alone he would have continued indefinitely.

There wouldn't be an old soldier who would disagree with the US taking measures to close al-Qaeda and the Taliban down in Afghanistan.


Amadd wrote on Jul 16^th, 2014 at 8:27am:

I'd imagine a lot of the WW2 veterans would be a bit disappointed at the eagerness to wage war that some governments have shown. The WMD fiasco lost me, and lest we forget that one. Not to mention the gulf of Tonkin lie.

I agree.

I was shouted down here in this forum board when I offered the opinion that every intended war of aggression by Australia should first go to a referendum to decide yea or nay.

We not only have an unseemly glut of homosexuals on this forum board, but there is also a sizable crowd who do not believe in representative democracy. They want to be led like sheep.   


Amadd wrote on Jul 16^th, 2014 at 8:27am:

Just a few blocks from here, 143 US soldiers perished when the Japs poured petrol over them in an air raid shelter. Those who came running out on fire were clubbed to death, stabbed and beheaded. Only 11 escaped.

People on this forum board didn't believe me when I said that all the PoWs in Japan were to be put to death the moment the allies made landfall on the Japanese mainland.

And that next to the ventilation shafts of every coal mine where PoWs were working, 44 gallon drums of petrol were kept to be poured down the shafts and set alight should that time come. The prisoners were to be prodded into the tunnels beforehand, of course.

Kytro wrote on Jul 16^th, 2014 at 11:46am:

Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 15th, 2014 at 1:38pm: Laugh till you cry wrote on Jul 15th, 2014 at 1:01pm: Respect is earned not gifted. Wrong. Respectful behaviour and attitude is the default position of the true gentleman. If this is later found not to be warranted, then this courtesy is abandoned as not being deserved. No, being civil or polite is. Respect must be earned.

Oh, no ... My nemesis again.

Okay, Kytro, I'll do a backflip-with-half-twist-and-double-pike off the top board for you this time as I'm feeling generous and mellow after a huge meal of Scottish Kippers heated under the grill ....  :)

"Respect is earned not gifted" ... This is true, but not in every situation.

That's my best offer.  :)