sir
n. countablen. a polite way to talk to a man you do not know, or a title for a teacher at school. You use it to show respect.
n. a formal or polite term of address for a man, especially one in a position of authority or a stranger. When used as a title for a knight or baronet, it is always capitalised and followed by a first name.
Excuse me, sir, you dropped your wallet.
The students stood up and said 'Good morning, sir' when the history teacher entered the classroom.
Often used as a standalone address without a name; as a title, it must be followed by a first name (e.g., Sir Elton), never just a surname.
Hello Sir SmithHello Sir John / Hello Mr. SmithWhen used as a title of honour, 'Sir' must be followed by a first name, not a surname alone.
- 01
aye aye, sir
The correct and seamanlike reply, onboard a Royal Navy and US Navy ship, on receipt of an order from someone of senior rank or authority. It means "I understand the command and hasten to comply with the order."
- 02
don't call me sir, I work for a living
Used by senior enlisted military personnel to indicate that they are not commissioned officers.