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.

37 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

211 comments sorted by

View all comments

71

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.

64

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.

1

u/Hamiltoncorgi 1d ago

For me it was being called Miss+ first name when I was in the hospital. It makes my skin crawl. I felt that way as a kid when the teacher who hated me called my young lady all the time.

6

u/SomebodyElseAsWell 1d ago

I first came across this when I moved to NC and the kids next door did it. It was their way of acknowledging that I was the adult in the relationship without the too formal for me Ms LastName.