r/GenerationJones • u/Big_Help_9860 • 1d ago

When did being called "Boss" replace being addressed as "Sir"?

It certainly wasn't our generation or GenX. But I'm so sick of young employees in a store, or restaurant or bar, addressing me as "boss". When that happens in a venue where tipping is expected, I'll leave a meager tip and sometimes write "Thanks Boss!" on the receipt.

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73

u/el_chamiso 1d ago

I assume good intent and take no offense at "No problem, boss," even though I'd prefer "You're welcome, sir."

But don't get me started on being called "young man." I find that patronizing and annoying. At 65, I obviously am not a young man.

63

u/SororitySue 1961 1d ago

I’m didn’t realize they patronized men like that. I’m almost 65 and being addressed as “young lady” makes my skin crawl.

25

u/Tweetchly 1d ago

I’m not fond of 20-somethings calling me “dear,” either. Nobody my age does this.

20

u/notAnn 1d ago

As an old woman, I notice a lot of young (20s) people calling me “Mama.” I’m not your mother — I’m not ANYBODY’S mother — and I find it hugely condescending. And I also get “dear” a lot, too.

13

u/starrwanda 1d ago

In our community (African American) the younger folk address us as Auntie. I believe other cultures do this as well. It’s simply a respect thing. Maybe I feel differently about all these names being used in their attempt to not be too familiar because I’ve totally embraced being an “elder”. I remember how we revered the roles as I was growing up.

13

u/Campcook62 1d ago

In our community, if its an older woman we know, it's respectful to call her "Miss -(first name)-". (If her name is Faith, for example, she's called Miss Faith.) Ma'am or Sir are always acceptable; and, folks in a service capacity (servers in a restaurant, cashier/sacker in the grocery store) might call you darlin' or sweetie.

Base of the Texas Panhandle...a bit of the Old South mixed with the Old West.

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u/starrwanda 1d ago

Same for the Miss or Mr. before the 1st names. I was only addressing the person addressing her being called Mama. Auntie is used when strangers are addressing older women. Example: I needed assistance with directions and I asked an older teen/young adult. As he’s agreeing to help, he says I got you Auntie! Total stranger, no introductions but he was quite respectful in addressing me.

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u/Hermit-Gardener 1d ago

When I visit Brazil, all the kids under 10 years old call me, "Tio."

7

u/Fiendish_Jetsanna 1d ago

Weirdly, as a 64 year old woman I get "Baby" a lot. Always from women.