Poll: How Often Do you Call Someone "Sir"?

[Lord Mountbatten Reborn]

Whenever I like something about someone online, or if they thoroughly trounce me in a debate, or even if I'm being warningly cold with them, I use the word "sir". It got me wondering how many others do this, in real life or just online.

Let's find out shall we?

 

[Timotei]

It depends on what I say, who I'm talking to, and how I say it.

 

[Grayjack]

I've never gotten into a situation where I should call somebody sir.

 

[6PrinceofDarkness6]

I thought this was about "How Many times a day" or something.

Because of my job, I have to say it a lot.

 

[New Troll]

Only people I ever call sir are my bosses. Not really sure why though. Just habit I guess.

 

[Socken]

Whenever there's someone who doesn't speak German at Subway (I work there).
Given the proximity of my home to the Netherlands, that happens fairly often, so I guess I'll vote "Only in Real Life"?

 

[Nmil-ek]

Pretty much never I'll happlily call someone mate but never been comfortable calling people sir hated it at school aswell. Its probably polite but never seen the need for it, probably my roots aswell I prefer calling my bosses gaffer if they're older atleast.

 

[Tyranicus]

To police officers and customers when at work. Also during job interview.

 

[GodsOneMistake]

Only when I'm trying to get out of some kind of trouble.

 

[DrDeath3191]

If they are of higher status, and/or I am being flippant, I will call people 'sir' or 'madam'.

 

[Chiddy]

mr and mrs never sir

 

[LaughingTarget]

I just about never use the term. It's strange given my profession, but I'm an incredibly informal individual. I've never had much use for titles, everyone's my equal, that's that.

 

[Rimefrost]

I don't think I've ever called someone "Sir"... Even my bosses go by a first name basis.

 

[Metric Monkey]

I've never gotten into a situation where I should call somebody sir.

This, and I probably won't even if the time came.

 

[fulano]

The good thing is that in spanish I don't have to, and can get by by using "usted" instead of "tu," which is a polite way of saying "you," and only use "sir" when talking to a stranger older than me. That's actually one of the main reasons why english tends to fall short in some areas.

 

[War Penguin]

When I talk to strangers in real life that are older than me. However, I rarely talk to strangers so I barely say it at all.

 

[Lazier Than Thou]

I would call someone "sir" if I thought they were better than me. Luckily, I'm the most amazing thing this earth has ever seen, so I never have to use the word.

 

[Rascarin]

"Sir" is used by me when:
- I am writing a letter
- I am speaking to an authority figure such as a teacher
- (If I still had a job) Dealing with a customer

Basically in a sitation where first names are unknown or innapropriate, and saying "hey, you" would be rude. Also, only to males. Most women don't appreciate that kind of thing.

 

[Kinguendo]

Oh what a fine question you pose, good sir.

Always, but only in jest.