Aug wrote --

> I don't get that as much as being called "sir", "thank you,  
> sir" ..when younger people interact with me at the shop. I'm  
> over 60 but not yet 65, but the "sir" only started 2 years ago. 

   Having been raised to be a Southern gentleman (this is being polite,
respectful, courteous and all that) "sir" and "ma'am" is a natural part of my
speech, from a lad to the present day.  (And yes, sir and ma'am was used when
addressing my parents, who were

> The girls - I'd use "little lady".

   I call girls I don't know as "young lady" (Good morning young lady",
etc).  
   Joe
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