StoryNote logo

When and why did "sir" and "madam" become standard ways of addressing people who aren't aristocrats? And were other words used in their stead before, either for formalities or addressing strangers?

by /u/Jerswar in /r/AskHistorians

Upvotes: 37

Favorite this post:
Mark as read:
Your rating:
Add this post to a custom list

StoryNote©

Reddit is a registered trademark of Reddit, Inc. Use of this trademark on our website does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by Reddit, Inc.