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'Madam' or 'ma'am' is a title for a woman. It is derived from the French ''madame'', the equivalent of Mrs. or Ms., and literally signifying "my lady." The plural of ''madam'' in this sense is ''mesdames''. The French madame is in turn derived from the ancient Latin ''mea domina'' meaning honored mistress of the home (''domus'') ^[1]

Contents

Use as a form of address

Formal address and protocol

In composed titles

Military and police use

''Ancien régime'' France

See also

References

Use as a form of address

''Madam'' is used in direct address, without the woman's name, for example when addressed by a stranger: ''May I help you, madam?'' In the United States, "Ma'am" is usually used, although some women may feel insulted when addressed as "ma'am" because it makes them feel old. The male equivalent is sir.

Formal address and protocol

In English-speaking countries, the wife of a foreign dignitary is called 'Madame' (note final 'e') in direct address and formal correspondence, rather than the equivalent word in the person's native language (''Señora'', ''Frau'' etc.). However, in other contexts, it traditionally refers to the female head of a brothel.
After addressing her as "Your Majesty," it is proper to address The Queen of the United Kingdom as "Ma'am" for the remainder of the conversation.
Usage of "Ma'am" is common in the Southern United States. The Ascencion Parish Public Schools requires elementary school students to address female teachers as "Ma'am" or "Mrs./Ms./Miss (Family name)" ^[2].

In composed titles

''Madam'' is also used as the equivalent of Mr. in composed titles, such as ''Madam Justice'', ''Madam Speaker'', ''Madam President''. Most of these titles are usually used only in direct address, without the woman's last name: one would say ''President Smith'', not ''Madam President Smith'', even if one would address her to her face as ''Madam President.''
However, the title ''Madam Justice'' is used in third-person reference: ''Madam Justice Louise Arbour, Madam Justice Arbour''.
In the United States Supreme Court, rather than adopting the title ''Madam Justice'' for female justices, the title ''Mr. Justice'' was replaced simply by ''Justice''. Likewise, female presidents of the Republic of Ireland have preferred to be addressed simply as ''President'' in direct address, rather than ''Madam President''. Female judges of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales are titled ''Mrs. Justice'' rather than ''Madam Justice'', regardless of marital status. However, District Judges are referred to as either Madam or Ma'am.

Military and police use

"Ma'am" is commonly used to address female officers of the rank of Inspector and above in British police forces and female Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers in the British Armed Forces.
In the United States Armed Forces, "ma'am" (to rhyme with "ham") is used to address female commissioned officers and Warrant Officers. Marine recruits and Air Force trainees also address female non-commissioned officers as "ma'am."

''Ancien régime'' France

Under the ''Ancien régime'', ''Madame'' was the wife of ''Monsieur'', the eldest of the King's brothers.

See also

★ Mrs.

★ Ms.

★ Miss

★ Mr.

★ Wayland Flowers: Created a famous puppet named Madame.

References

1. Caesar And Christ, Will Durrent, Simon and Schuster, New York, 1944
2. (Ascension Parish Public Schools)