12-08-2012, 08:34 PM
Well, I'm 56, so I'm delighted to be called a whippersnapper!
Seriously though, “ma'am” was intended respectfully. I couldn't remember the correct term of address for a duchess, and I couldn't be arsed getting up from this chair and going over to the shelf to consult my copy of Brewer's to check what the correct term is.
Actually … I've belatedly remembered that “ma'am” is the term of address for Her Majesty QE2 (i.e. Liz II: the sequel). Oops! Serves me right for being a lazy old curmudgeon.
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BFN
Zaphod
Seriously though, “ma'am” was intended respectfully. I couldn't remember the correct term of address for a duchess, and I couldn't be arsed getting up from this chair and going over to the shelf to consult my copy of Brewer's to check what the correct term is.
Actually … I've belatedly remembered that “ma'am” is the term of address for Her Majesty QE2 (i.e. Liz II: the sequel). Oops! Serves me right for being a lazy old curmudgeon.

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BFN
Zaphod