Addressing a woman as "Sir"?

Question

When, if ever, is it appropriate to address a woman as sir?

For example, would it be appropriate to address a women with higher authority such as in the military, martial arts, etc.?

Answer 1

Hello,

In my whole life time since the 50's, a woman in such authority was addressed as ma'am; never sir.

Cheers,

Michael Kelly

Answer 2

Ya I have done it many times... If it is a s*****e or tomboi then do it! It really funny... But I don't know about the army and in martial arts they have special names

Answer 3

Never correct to do so---Ma'am is appropriate.

Answer 4

NEVER!!! dont ever address a woman as sir... you just stick to ms. or mam.

<33

Answer 5

Only Rosie O'Donnell & Roseanne Barr you are allowed to call SIR!

Answer 6

military, and if she looks kind of like a guy and you were genuinely mistaken

Answer 7

It's tradition, especially in the Navy, to address an officer as 'sir', be it male or female.

Answer 8

Never!

Answer 9

It is not appropriate to address a woman as "sir" since that word describes a man.  The correct way is "ma'am".

Answer 10

only in the army

Answer 11

No, it's never appopiate o adress a women as sir.

One time I was sleeping in class, and my teacher taps me and im like 'SIR YES SIR' by mistake though.. and I got kicked out for the day..XD

Answer 12

Why would a "sir" automatically have higher authority than a "ma'am"?

Answer 13

Uhhh, NO! a woman is a woman, ma'am yes ma'am!

Answer 14

Sir would be my first instinct if the woman had a beard or any other manly features.

Answer 15

No it's never good to do.