What?

[KimR]

I live in the South and I don't think I've ever heard sir or ma'am used in that context.

 

[SydSim]

No "what" or "huh" from my DD-13 either. I also don't like to hear "what" when I call someone's name (and I'm known to say "don't what me" to other peoples kids as well).

Dd says "I'm sorry, what did you say?" or "excuse me", just like we say to her.

No sir or ma'am, though.

 

[MushyMushy]

I don't believe I've ever called anybody sir or ma'am in my life.

 

[minniebeth]

My personal pet peeve, is when people say WHAT???? It's not necessarily that they are saying 'what'? it's how they are saying it, and yes, I'm for real. It does come across rude a lot, either that or that the person saying it is not paying attention. For kids, I think it has become a habit of saying
'what' first while what people are saying is being processed before waiting to respond. Half the time I don't repeat what I've said and they get what was said. I think it's in many places it's just become an overused habit, like saying 'like', etc. It may be acceptable regionally, but I've taught my kids to say "excuse me?" or "could you please repeat that"? I just think when they grow up it will be more professional as well.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

I'm 45 years old and I've never heard anyone say sir or ma'am when they didn't hear a question, either.

We say "what?" or "excuse me?" It's what my mother said, and she was a true lady, too.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

I'm headed back to the theme park board where the happy people are

That's pretty funny, considering you started this thread with an observation that you, apparently, were not happy about.

 

[SaraJayne]

I'm 45 years old and I've never heard anyone say sir or ma'am when they didn't hear a question, either.

We say "what?" or "excuse me?" It's what my mother said, and she was a true lady, too.

According to the OP, she isn't.

 

[merryweather20]

If someone had of said Sir? in that context they would have been questioning the Dentist's statement, not letting them know they hadn't heard it.

You said the child was getting sealant done, no matter how minor you think the procedure is, he didn't have it done everyday. While pardon or excuse me would have been more appropriate during dinner, "what" is absolutely acceptable when you're in the midst of a dental procedure and trying to be brief aqnd understood.

 

[Allison]

I've never heard sir? as a response to a question that wasn't understood.

 

[trip]

I don't think the dentist should have even questioned the boys response.

 

[Boxley]

"Excuse me?" that is what I ask.

 

[NMAmy]

I think the real question here is something I've always wondered. Why are dentists so darned chatty anyway? Every dentist I've ever been to asks non dental questions when I'm not really in a position to reply. So, in the interest of brevity, I've been known to say, "What?"

 

[Aisling]

"Excuse me?" that is what I ask.

My family does, too.

 

[ZeitgeistDuck]

I'd have said "huh?", "what?", or "sorry?". If folks don't think that's good enough... I guess I don't care. I'm not one for that "yes ma'am", "no sir" nonsense. It doesn't betoken real respect, its just words. I raise my children to be considerate of the feelings of others and to mind the golden rule; much more important in my opinion than formalized language.

 

[paintnolish]

I try to see "excuse me," and that's what I have taught my children. We both sometimes say "what" when caught off guard. No big deal. I certainly wouldn't be horrified to hear it or say it. I also tell my kids' friends to call me by my first name. Generally, other children's parents do the same.

 

[phragmipedium]

It would be very uncommon to hear that said here (Pacific Northwest). I usually say "I'm sorry, what was that?" or "Pardon?" or something of that nature in professional settings, and "What?" with family or friends. But if I were in the dentist chair and particularly if I had something in my mouth, a muffled "Huh?" might be more likely.

In fact, in customer service positions I've held, I've actually had people be upset with hearing "sir" or "ma'm" or "Mr. So and So" - with snarky comments about how it makes them feel old or "Mr So and So's my father." Guess you can't please everyone.

 

[candykisses]

"What?" is not the response that anyone in my family would have used in response to not hearing a question.

I have said, "Sir?" as a response to not having heard something. Generally,our family would say, "Pardon me, or excuse me could you repeat that?"

The boys and I use sir and ma'am in everyday conversation, DH does not.

 

[Ceila]

You Mother sounds exactly like mine a true lady.

I hope you are not saying that mothers who did not raise their children to say "sir" or ma'am" aren't "true ladies," because your comment reads like you are saying just that.

 

[OceanAnnie]

it wouldn't be "sir". It would be "sir?" or "ma'am?" with a question mark at the end--like the op says in her op.

things like that are lost these days, op. It is rare to hear kids ever say sir used in any way anymore.

ita.

 

[mhsjax]

My kids say Sir or Ma'am if they don't understand something or didn't hear.

I will say that Excuse me, I didn't hear you , or I'm sorry I didn't hear you r something like that you be fine, but if I ever heard "what" come out of my child's mouth. Well lets just say that it would be the last time they ever thought to use the word what. IMHO, saying what to an adult is extremely disrespectful and rude.

Thank God I live in the south. I just don't understand why some people take offense to good manners.