[HungarianGypsy]

We asked where a restaraunt was in Andover, Ohio so we pulled over and asked a boy on a tractor. He musth ave been 15 or so and he addressed my mother as "ma'am" and me as "sir." It was kind of refreshing
I have taught my children to say ma'am and sir (which is really cute, since my 3 year old will salute my husband, smile, and say, "Yes, sir!" ) . I mentioned it on another board and was told by a few people that they did not like hearing children say ma'am or sir, because they thought it sounded snotty. I admit I was taken aback by some neighbor boys who used to call me ma'am. I said they did not need to. But, I got used to it and like it so much, that I have taught my childrent the same way since.

[Politicalmom]

I think it is a regional thing. I NEVER heard ma'am and sir growing up in CA, but we moved to GA four years ago, and my children are starting to pick it up from school. Sounds a bit odd to my ear because I am not used to it, but not rude or snotty, for heaven's sake.