"Yes, sir" & "No, ma'am"
The preferred response to a question requiring an affirmative or negative answer.
For example
q: “Do you know why I pulled you over?” a: “No, sir.
or
q: “Would you like fries with that?” a: “Yes, ma'am.”
These two simple words are packed with an interesting combination of militaristic subordination and down home gentility. It appears to be a way of showing respect whether the person you are speaking to is your elder/superior or not. From very young to very old, down here, you never outgrow this staple of the southern dialect.
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