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What is a gender neutral honorific for non-binary folk? (lemmy.world)
submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world
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I was raised to address strangers and those I wish to show social deference to as "Sir" or "Ma'am". It's a difficult habit to break, as it is deeply engrained.

What is an equivalent gender neutral honorific that is relatively common in English? If I can't break the habit I'd rather have a substitute word to use instead of an awkward pause in the middle of addressing someone

I'd just use Google to ask but I'd rather ask the people directly rather than an AI generated answer based off of Reddit threads

ETA: I suppose if Yessir and Yes'm work, Yesn't could too? Mostly joking… but maybe… 🤔

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[–] 5 points 5 months ago (1 child)

I'd low key support using teacher. You could pull it off. If everyone can be "my friend," which is used, they can be teacher. Sends a nice mssg. Even if they are not my friend, they can be my teacher

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 5 months ago (1 child)

    I'm gonna use Professor if I want something more formal than Chief

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  • [–] 2 points 5 months ago (1 child)

    Curious about your culture, in the North American anglosphere at least Professor has some negative/sarcastic connotations if you're not actually a professor (essentially suggesting someone is a dumbass). Just be careful with that one.

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 5 months ago

    Thank you, that is a valid concern.

    It's all about tone. I'm most concerned about in-person interactions, and tone and intent is easier to convey in that type of encounter. I used to be a very sarcastic PoS, so I'm pretty aware of how to use words and tone The result is I'm pretty good at conveying earnestness and empathy. My challenge is that my speech patterns for polite formal are heavily engrained, so I'm looking for substitutes that flow with my existing speech patterns.

    Also this has been a fascinating discussion and I'm loving all of the responses and suggestions, including yours. Thank you for contributing :-)

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