When you Forget to say 'Yes Ma'am' in the South

If you have a southern mama, you'll never forget the wrath brought down upon you if you forgot to properly address adults with "yes ma'am or sir."

[phyllisarringtion]

I said yes ma'am to a woman and she told me not to get smart with her. she was NOT from the area. LOL

[thearcaneartbyjac]

My southern sister and her 5 year old son came to visit my New Englander husband and I up North. At one point my husband and nephew were in the living room playing video games, and after the kid responded to a question with "yes, sir.", my husband said, "You don't have to call me sir". From the back of the house, we hear my sister yell.... "YES HE DOES!!!". LOL.

[elithomas]

I aleays say Yes Ma'am. And Yes Sir. One time h replied "Yes sir" to someone, he told me not to call him sir, and I said "yes sir"

[drewclarinet]

So true! But we ain’t gonna talk about how that little boy didn’t finish his food though?

[JPGiannaT]

Yep. Texan. In my 20s. I even say "ma'am" to the teenage checker at the grocery store when I talk to her. It's a sign of respect to someone you don't know well, or someone in a position of authority.

[goldenghxst]

As a Texan, I can confirm. Also, if you don't ask to be excused before leaving the table, you will be disowned by every other southerner and banished from ever returning to a southern state again.

[marsofficial]

As a Louisiana girl, I can confirm that this is true lol

[daioncrumbley]

Not saying yes ma'am in the south is like mopping before u sweep. It's a crime

[TheFunctionalForce]

One of my favourite things when I visit Texas or Louisiana (coming from Europe) is when they address me as ma’am! I’m 37 and have always loved it. It just sounds so polite and friendly! Love, love, LOVE IT!

[reginafallangie]

Yes ma’am, AND that child is old enough to take his own plate up to the sink.

[funforsameer]

One time in class a girl told me something and I said yes ma'am. She was so offended, I'm like wtf

[emmccord]

I'm from Georgia and I still yes ma'am...out of fear. My Grandma might have passed away, but I'm still scared of her lol.

[shadogen]

It's scary how accurate this really is. It's ment to be funny.. But southern raised children who watch this have the hairs on the backs of their neck standing up right now

[melaniemorgan]

When my son was in about 6th grade, he was inbounding the basketball. I was sitting right behind where he was throwing in the ball. The ref said something to him, and he answered with "yeah". I said sternly, loud enough for my son to hear, "YES SIR". That ref turned, looked at me and said, "You're a good mom". One of my proudest parenting moments.

[georgefoshee]

i said yes mam too my drill instructor....He made me a strong soldier...

[Daikamaitachi]

You knew you were in trouble off the thumbnail ALONE.

[HDWRIGHT]

Every woman even in the South needs to know what Ma'am really means. It has NOTHING to do with age. It was first used in Europe 100's of years ago and only when speaking to a Queen or Princess or lady of Royalty, of any age. It's a way for a man to show full respect and be 100% polite when addressing a Lady. So don't forget ladies when a man calls you Ma'am it's a 100% title of his respect for you he's calling you a Princess.

[that_crazy_native_chick]

better say yes ma'am 😂 proud to be a southern girl

[KindCountsDeb]

Respect. My northern Aunt almost punished her little girl for saying Ma'am, thinking she was "sassing" her, being sarcastic. We calmly explained that it was a form of courtesy and respect. Peace ensued.

[allenwalker]

This is my Dad and me in my profile picture. I was a difficult child, when he asked me "yes what?" I did my best puzzled face and said "yes... yes?" Grace and mercy are all I can claim.