Have you ever called someone “sir” or “ma’am” out of respect, only to be met with a snappy reply like “Don’t call me sir, I work for a living”? If so, you might have wondered what that means and how to react. In this blog post, I will explain the origin and meaning of this phrase and offer some tips on how to respond to it in different situations.
Don’t Call Me Sir I Work For A Living: Why Do People Say That? Meaning
“Don’t call me sir; I work for a living” is a common expression among military personnel, especially those not officers. It is a way of rejecting the formal title of “sir” or “ma’am,” usually reserved for officers or superiors. The implication is that the person who says it works hard and does not enjoy officers’ privileges or respect. It is also a subtle jab at officers, who are sometimes perceived as lazy, incompetent, or out of touch with the realities of military life.
The phrase is often used as a joke or a friendly banter among military colleagues. Still, it can also be used as a rude or sarcastic remark to civilians or outsiders unfamiliar with military culture. Some people might say it to assert their authority, to show their disdain for formalities, or to express their pride in their work.
What To Say When Someone Says Don’t Call Me Sir?
There are different ways to respond when someone says, “Don’t call me sir.” Depending on the context and the tone of the person, you can choose one of the following options:
- If they say it in a friendly or humorous way, you can reply with something like, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. What should I call you instead?” or “My apologies, I’m just used to being polite. How about [their name]?” or “OK, no problem. Is [their name] OK with you?”
- If they say it seriously or angrily, you can apologize and explain why you called them, sir. For example, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disrespect you. I was just following the protocol of [your company, organization, etc.].” or “I apologize, I didn’t know you preferred a different title. What would you like me to call you?” or “I’m sorry, I was just trying to be courteous. I won’t call you sir again.”
- If they say it in a confusing or unclear way, you can ask for clarification or confirmation. For example, “Did you say don’t call you sir? Why is that?” or “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. What did you say?” or “Do you mind if I ask why you don’t want me to call you sir?”
The key is to be respectful and polite and only to call them sir again if they change their mind. You can use their name, position, or neutral terms like “you” or “they” instead of sir.
3 Major Reasons Why People Say Don’t Call Me Sir I Work For A Living
Here are three possible reasons why some people say, “Don’t call me sir; I work for a living”:
- They prefer a more casual and down-to-earth way of being addressed. They want to break down barriers and create a friendly, approachable atmosphere.
- They believe that titles and formalities can create unnecessary distance between individuals. They may also find them rude or disrespectful, especially if they come from a different culture or background.
- They are jokingly rejecting the formal title of “sir” and implying that officers do not do any real work. This is a common phrase used by senior enlisted military personnel to indicate that they are not commissioned officers. It originated from the first army in history when a private was called a sergeant sir. It is also a way of poking fun at other branches of the military, such as the Air Force.
How Do You Respond When Someone Says Don’t Call Me Sir?
There are different ways to respond when someone says don’t call me sir, depending on the person’s context and tone. Here are some possible responses:
- If the person is friendly and casual, you can say something like, “OK, no problem, what should I call you instead?” or “Sure, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be formal.”
- If the person is annoyed or offended, you can say something like, “I apologize; I didn’t mean to disrespect you,” or “I’m sorry; I was just trying to be polite.”
- If the person is joking or teasing, you can say something like, “Oh, I see, you prefer ‘Your Majesty’ then?” or “OK, OK, I won’t call you sir, but can I call you ‘boss’?”
- If the person is your colleague or superior, you can say something like, “I understand, I’ll call you by your name then,” or “Of course, I respect your preference.”
- If the person is a stranger or a customer, you can say something like “I’m sorry, I didn’t know your name” or “Thank you for letting me know; I’ll remember that.”
How Do You Politely Say Don’t Call Me Sir?
There are different ways to politely say don’t call me sir, depending on the situation and the person you are talking to. Here are some examples:
- If you are talking to a service worker or a stranger who calls you sir once or twice, you can ignore it or say “thank you” and move on. It is not worth correcting them for a brief encounter.
- If you are talking to someone who calls you sir repeatedly, you can say, “Please, call me [your name]” or “You don’t have to call me sir, I’m [your name].” This way, you introduce yourself and show your preference in a friendly manner.
- If you are talking to a colleague or a superior who calls you sir, you can say, “I appreciate your respect, but I prefer to be called [your name]” or “I feel more comfortable if you call me [your name].” This way, you express your gratitude and your preference in a professional manner.
- If you are talking to a friend or a family member who calls you sir, you can say, “Hey, stop calling me sir; you know me better than that,” or “Come on, we’re not that formal; call me [your name].” This way, you use humor and familiarity to convey your preference casually.
These are some general guidelines, but you can always adjust your tone and wording according to the context and relationship with the person. The main thing is to be polite, clear, and consistent about your preference.
10 Ways To Reply When People Say Don’t Call Me Sir I Work For A Living
Some people say, “Don’t call me sir; I work for a living,” to reject the formality or authority implied by the title “sir.” They may prefer to be called by their name, rank, or a more casual term. Here are 10 possible ways to reply when someone says this to you:
- “Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. What should I call you instead?”
- “OK, no problem. I’m [your name], by the way.”
- “Sure thing, [name/rank]. Nice to meet you.”
- “Got it. Thanks for your service, [name/rank].”
- “Understood. I appreciate your work, [name/rank].”
- “Noted. You’re doing a great job, [name/rank].”
- “Of course. You’re very humble, [name/rank].”
- “I see. You’re very down-to-earth, [name/rank].”
- “I get it. You’re very hard-working, [name/rank].”
- “I respect that. You’re very dedicated, [name/rank].”
Conclusion
“Don’t call me sir, I work for a living” is a common expression among military personnel. Still, it can also be used by civilians or other people who want to reject the formal title of “sir” or “ma’am.” It can have different meanings and implications depending on the context and the tone of the person who says it.
The best way to respond to it is to be respectful, polite, understanding, firm, and confident if necessary. Remember, you don’t have to call anyone “sir” or “ma’am” if they don’t want to, but you also don’t have to tolerate rude or disrespectful behavior from anyone.