Yes sir, no sir meaning

From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English. no/yes sir! (also no/yes siree! especially American English) old-fashioned spoken used to emphasize a statement or an answer to a question I will not have that man in my home, no sir!

What is the meaning of sir no sir?

Certainly not. This emphatic denial is used without regard to the gender of the person addressed. For example, No sir, I'm not taking her up on that, or Live here? No sirree. [

Why do people say yes sir no sir?

Originally Answered: Why are southern people taught to say yes sir no ma'am etc.? These are formal phrases, intended to be used by the youth as expressions of respect for their elders. For centuries, it was just considered polite.

What does yes sir yes sir mean?

(informal or military) Used to express assent, especially to a male superior. (informal) Used to express emphatic affirmation.

Is yes sir formal?

When you're speaking formally and politely, you can say "yes" to someone like this: Yes, sir.

Is sir a slang word?

Sir is a respectful term used to address a man. Sir is especially likely to be used to refer to a person of higher rank or authority. In this sense, sir is the male equivalent of madam or ma'am. Real-life examples: Waiters or other service workers are very likely to use sir when addressing male customers.

What does sir mean in army?

Additionally, since the late modern period, Sir has been used as a respectful way to address a man of superior social status or military rank.

Is it respectful to say yes sir?

In the case of sir and ma'am, it is as appropriate in the northern, eastern and western parts of the country as it is in the South. It's not so much about location, it's just polite — respectful adults using the words and mindful parents teaching their children to do the same.

Do you say yes sir in the army?

“Yes” and “No” should always be accompanied with “Sir”/”Ma'am”. All NCOs will be addressed as “Sergeant” with the exception of the First Sergeant and Sergeant Major. They will be addressed by their title.

Is Ma Am disrespectful?

Ma'am is somewhat outdated honourific and a contraction of madame. It is a sign of respect and should never cause offence. It is usually reserved for older or married women and today may not be in common usage, depending on where you live.

What is YES in Old English?

Yes is a very old word. It entered English before 900 and comes from the Old English word gese loosely meaning “be it.” Before the 1600s, yes was often used only as an affirmative to a negative question, and yea was used as the all-purpose way to say “yes.”

How do you use Yes sir?

used to emphasize your opinion or say that you agree very strongly Yessir, she was beautiful.

When did people say yes sir?

1836, representing a quick reply of yes, sir, which is attested by 1799 and in 19c. writing was a typical phrase for restaurant waiters taking orders. Extended form yessiree is attested from 1846 (in U.S., siree for sir is attested from 1823).

Is using sir rude?

If you call someone in their 50's Sir or Ma'am, you may be insulting them. Most people in their 60's and 70's will still understand the reference to respect and appreciate it, but in general terms, the younger a person is, the higher the chance that they'll take offence to being called by a formal term of address.

Is saying sir polite?

People sometimes say sir as a very formal and polite way of addressing a man whose name they do not know or a man of superior rank. For example, a shop assistant might address a male customer as sir.

What is the full form sir?

The full form of SIR or SIR stands for “Slave I Remain”. In more detail, SIR stands for “Slave I Remain.” It is not an abbreviation. This term is derived from the honorific title “sire” in Middle French. In this context, 'sire' refers to a polite way of addressing someone of high social status, especially a king.

Where did yes Sir come from?

Who is a Sir in the UK?

The two senior ranks of the Order of the British Empire are Knight or Dame Grand Cross, and Knight or Dame Commander. Both of these ranks entitle their members to use the title of Sir for men and Dame for women before their forename.

What rank is called Sir?

Sir is used to address a man who has the rank of baronet or knight; the higher nobles are referred to as Lord. Lady is used when referring to women who hold certain titles: marchioness, countess, viscountess, or baroness. It can also be used of the wife of a lower-ranking noble, such as a baron, baronet, or knight.

Can we use sir in UK?

Only those British nationals, including dual nationals, awarded a British Knighthood or appointed to a British Order of Chivalry as a Dame, may use the title 'Sir' or 'Dame' in the United Kingdom.

Is it OK to use sir?

The short answer is yes but only rarely—though of course, not everyone agrees. Here's why: In today's technologically connected world, there is (almost) no excuse for not knowing whom you are writing to. Dear Sir or Dear Madam may offend your recipient if you're unsure of their gender or get it wrong.

Is sir A formal?

People sometimes say sir as a very formal and polite way of addressing a man whose name they do not know or a man of superior rank. For example, a shop assistant might address a male customer as sir.