[pierrem15]

For several centuries in Japan, addressing a superior rudely might result in the sudden separation of your head from your shoulders.

One of the intricacies of the Japanese language is that the grammar changes depending upon whether a social inferior addresses a superior or vice versa. And these differences depend upon the how many levels of separation there are.

Definitely reminds me of Heinlein's quip that an armed society is a polite society.

[dfwgator]

For several centuries in Japan, addressing a superior rudely might result in the sudden separation of your head from your shoulders.