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In several part of the World, the word Sir denotes a sign of respect. The British empire; it is used to address some distinguished individual that had been bestowed with Knighthood or some other Lordship.

Let's take a look at a scholarly definition of the word below:

Entymology; "SIR" is derived form the middle French honorific title Sire. Developed alongside the word "SEIGNEUR", also used to refer to a feudal lord. Both derived from Vulgar latin "Senior", sire comes from nominative case declension senior and seigneur. The accusative case declension seniôrm...Wikipedia

Slave I Remain(SIR), this was the rummoured meaning word. The authenticity of this is unknown because of some elements of truth sorrounding it.

It has been argued and debunked that this word was used by Indians during the reign of the Crown back in the British Raj- Britsih Crown Rule in India in the year 1858 and 1947. Although the word had existed long before India was colonized.

However, the use of this word had reduced drastically compared to the 18th Century usage. Below is a search Engine Graph showing the reduction in uses of the word Sir.

Graphical representation of Decline in use of "Sir"

In modern World, many finds it offensive to be called sir on the street or in any circumstance. Rumor has it that using the word espcially to a total stranger is considered too polite.

SIR IN MORDERN DAYS

Nowadays, it is a very tricky word to use espcially audibly or in a telephone or video calls. Although it is used in letter writing e.g "Dear Sir/Madam" but that is in the case where the reciever is unknown.

In so many cultures, using Sir has different overtones and feels just like Apples and Oranges!

The president of the United States of America is referred to as "Mr.President" and not sir!

Undisputedly it shows a sign of refrence and respect, but some leaders do not like to be addressed as sir!

While it is used freely in many countries to address Government officials and even the National Leaders.

In Africa, Sir is often used by people far and near who needs one favour or the other from individuals. Many foriegner frowns at calling them sir, the reason for this is not clear but one thing is certain; it makes both party very uncomfortable during conversations.

Could it be more awkward if that individual you been calling sir on the Phone is actually your little siblings agemate? You would be more suprised you are far older than him/her and that couldn't ridicule you any lesser isn't it?

SIR ON STEEMIT

Funny thing is that, on Steemit no matter how hard you try asking Steemains not to use the word in comments and post incenssantly, the more you try to caution the more you get.

Take a cue from me, i will be very much relaxed when am not been addressed as sir and i believe i speak the mind of Dozens like me.

As i was raised by my dear mum, anyone old enough to be your parents requires maximum respect and all the Sir and Madam he or she could get.

Due to different sociocultural backgrounds and habits, it is frowned upon when you call someone you haven't met Sir or Ma at every given opportunities.

MORE MODERN USE OF SIR

• Cops now use Sir, Ma'am to arrest or issue speeding tickets to an individual.

• Motivational speaker could use it while addressing to a subject from his/her audience.

• Also to address Teachers/Professors and our parents for those who still have their parents around.

Whether it is a slavery word or not, this word had found it's way into modern day civilization and we all must embrace it.

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Image Source: 1- 2- 3

Sources: 1- 2- 3- 4

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