Perception of Words

It's really funny the difference between "Yes ma'am" or "Yes sir" in the northern states and in the southern states. If I were to say that to my parents, they'd smack me because they would think I was being sarcastic. If a student said that to a teacher, they would get in trouble for the same reason in the north. If you don't say "Yes ma'am" in the south, you will get smacked for being disrespectful. I now use that while teaching. If I am angry at a child and I want a response from them, I expect "Yes sir". It's amazing how moving from one state to another completely changes your views on certain phrases.