We all want to be polite, but sometimes there are some forms of address that make certain people feel uncomfortable.
This is especially true for anyone who doesn’t fit within traditional gender roles or identities – sir and ma’am can be awkward when addressing someone else’s preferred pronoun aren’t known.
Is there a gender-neutral version of sir or ma’am?
There is a growing movement for people to use gender-neutral titles like Mx. (pronounced “mix” or “mux”) instead of sir and ma’am, which can be used either for a person of unknown or non-binary gender.
There are no elongated forms such as mister and madam, and the honorific is becoming more frequent.
In fact, it can even be found on some government forms as an option!
The only disadvantage of mx. is that it does not have a designation for individuals with titles like Doctor or General, so one may need to resort to using their entire name instead of just their title.
Alternatively, one’s title such as “Doctor” or “General” can also be used if they have a recognized honorific like that.
Finally, the word distinguished is gender-neutral and could replace ladies and gentlemen when addressing crowds of people!
How To Politely Address Someone of Unknown or Non-Binary Gender
Mx. (pronounced “mix” or “mux”) can be used either for a person of unknown or non-binary gender and is becoming more common in the UK where many government forms list it as an option.
To politely address someone without knowing their gender, you can refer to them as your title such as “Doctor” or “General” if they have one.
If it is a crowd of people that needs addressing and not just individuals, then the word distinguished would be more appropriate than ladies and gentlemen!
As always we all want to be polite, but sometimes there are some forms of address that make certain people feel uncomfortable.
This is especially true for anyone who doesn’t fit within traditional gender roles or identities – sir and ma’am can be awkward when addressing someone else’s preferred pronoun aren’t known.
5 Reasons To Use Mx. Instead Of Sir Or Ma’am
There are many reasons why you would want to respect someone else’s preferred pronoun, here are just a few:
It Is The Polite Thing To Do!
If you have incorrect pronouns for someone who identifies as neither male nor female it could be hurtful.
To avoid making assumptions surrounding somebody’s gender or sexuality.
Using mx., instead of sir or ma’am, is the most inclusive option.
If someone uses mx., instead of sir or ma’am, it can show that you’re trying to be respectful!
It shows that you’re trying to be respectful and you’re open-minded!
You’ll Be In Good Company!
Many people have been using it for a while now, so you’re in good company.
As well as being widely available on government forms and other official documentation.
It’s also becoming more popular – don’t be left behind by the times!
If someone uses mx., instead of sir or ma’am, it can show that you’re trying to be respectful!
You’ll Come Across As Well-Respected!
Using mx., instead of sir or ma’am, shows that you are trying to be respectful.
It’s a good idea to try and use the same pronoun as someone else if their preferred one is known – this comes across well in professional situations too.
What Are Some Alternatives To Sir Or Ma’am?
There are a few alternatives to sir or ma’am, they include:
One’s Title
If somebody has a recognized honorific like Doctor or General, you can use their full name.
Alternatively, if it is just for one person you could address them as “Distinguished Guest” instead of ladies and gentlemen.
The word distinguished is gender-neutral and could replace ladies and gentlemen when addressing a crowd!
One’s Full Name
If somebody does not have a recognized honorific, you can use their full name.
This is especially good for one-on-one situations as it shows that they have been given a title or some form of recognition from somebody else!
This will be the most appropriate way to address people if you do not know their pronoun.
As always we all want to be polite, but sometimes there are some forms of address that make certain people feel uncomfortable.
Using mx., instead of sir or ma’am, is the most inclusive option and it shows that you’re trying to be respectful!
As always we all want to be polite, but sometimes there are some forms of address that make certain people feel uncomfortable.
This is especially true for anyone who doesn’t fit within traditional gender roles or identities – sir and ma’am can be awkward when addressing someone else’s preferred pronoun aren’t known.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to use a gender-neutral version of sir or ma’am when you don’t know somebody’s preferred pronoun, this is especially true if they do not identify with traditional gender roles.
We all must respect each other and be open-minded – using mx., instead of sir or ma’am, is the most inclusive option.
Don’t leave it behind by not thinking about the fact that there are people who don`t identify with traditional gender roles!
Using mx., instead of sir or ma’am, shows consideration and respect for others.
It’s a good idea to try and use the same pronoun as someone else if their preferred one is known – this comes across well in professional situations too!