Post #1595327

2025-12-27 16:28 UTC

@dazzlepansy Out of curiosity, what do they use where you're from to address someone you don't know? Or what do you suggest as an alternative? For example say you see someone drop their wallet as they walk past. How would you call to them to get their attention? The only alternative to sir or ma'am that I can think of is, "Hey, you there!" or similar which sounds rude to my ears. @considermycat

Replies (1)

@zeborah@mastodon.nz 2025-12-27 21:03

@leadore "Excuse me!" Or if they ignore that / don't realise you're talking to them, "You dropped your wallet!" at which everyone in earshot will reflexively check their wallet. Some demographics might go for "Hey bro!" (which is gender-neutral in that context/demographic) or "Hey coz!" (ie 'cousin') but I'm too middle-aged white woman for that. I *have* been called "miss" by younger folk but it sounds *super* weird to me and not just because I'm way too old to be a miss. I think that's a subcultural thing or possibly it's used for teachers in some schools? (It wasn't when I was a kid, we'd just say "Mrs Smith" or whatever.) @dazzlepansy @considermycat

Open ##1595328