[HPFGU-OTChatter] Re: Question about British/American difference...

[Gail Bohacek]

Kimberly Davison Asked:

>Hi, I think this would be the right list to post this question
> > to...  I have noticed at least twice on separate occasions where
> > someone mentions how odd it would be for a British child to use
> > the term "sir"...  I had no idea this was uncommon in England,
> >could anyone elaborate on this a bit?  Is it considered rude?  Or
> > disrespectful?  In America it is a term of respect, and I had no
> > idea it was different over the pond!  :-)


Pip!Squeak Replied:

>'sir' is generally neither rude nor disrespectful, though in
>Britain, where sarcasm and irony are deadly weapons, it *can* be
>used in an ironic sense.


While we're on the subject of addressing people, I was  wondering about 
this...never in all my years of schooling (in the U.S.) had any of my 
teachers addressed me by my last name: "You, Bohacek...".  It was always by 
my first name.   But I've noticed in the books people are always calling 
each other this way, "Potter", "Weasley" etc.  Is this another British 
difference?

-Gail B.

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