# don't call me sir, I work for a living

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dont-call-me-sir-i-work-for-a-living
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used by senior enlisted military personnel to indicate that they are not commissioned officers.

## Examples

- I am a sergeant, so don't call me sir, I work for a living.
- When the new recruit addressed him as sir, the veteran sergeant smiled and said, don't call me sir, I work for a living.
- The seasoned non-commissioned officer corrected the young lieutenant with a firm, don't call me sir, I work for a living, emphasizing the distinction between their roles.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.