What?

[Liberty Belle]

The answer wasn't "what/Sir"
It was the kids response when he didn't understand what the Dr had said to him. Wheather it was a question the Dr was asking or he was just speaking to the child "what" is never the proper response for a child to use toward an adult, when they miss what ever the adult just said.
I was taught "Sir?" is correct.
I don't suppose anyone uses "I beg your pardon" anymore either.

My sixteen year old would have said, "Sir?" or "What, Sir?", but I wouldn't expect it of a child and I do not think it is necessary as long as the child's tone was respectful. My sixteen year old has always been extremely polite. Yes, we taught him manners, but he chooses to behave/speak this way - we do not force him/tell him/remind him to.

My seven year old probably would have said "What did you say?" or something similar. Again, as long as the tone is polite, I don't see anything wrong with it.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Darn juvenile delinquent. It's all downhill from here.

 

[shortbun]

I work for a dentist and just over heard an 11 year old respond to the Doctors question with "What?"
What happened to "Sir?"

What happened to it? I've NEVER used it so I have to think it's very old fashioned or regional. Almost sounds Monty Pythonesque, lol!

 

[mjkacmom]

Forgot to add, I used to work for a call center that had customers based in NY/NJ/CT, and we were advised not to use "sir" or "Ma'am" with them, because it is offensive to people from that region. It always helps to be respectful of different regional etiquette.

While reading this thread today, I was interrupted by the PSE&G meter reader. When he was leaving my house, he said "have a good day, Ma'am!" I live in the NYC area - very ironic. The water meter reader also came, and no "ma'am" from him.