When we meet people for the first time, sometimes we are unsure about what to call them. Here is some help:
1. Asking the question
• What should I call you?
• What should I call your mom / the teacher / the manager?
• May I call you by your first name ?
• Is it okay if I call you by your nickname ?
2. Answering the question
If people ask you what they should call you, you can say:
• Please, call me [first name]
• You can call me [nickname or short form]
3. Formal Titles in English
In business and formal situations, use formal titles unless the people you meet tell you otherwise. If you need to get someone's attention you can say: "Excuse me, Sir" or "Pardon me, Ma'am." To greet someone you can say: "Hello Sir" or "Good morning, Ma'am."
Here are the formal titles English speakers use:
1. Sir (adult male of any age)
2. Ma'am (adult female – in the South especially)
3. Mr + last name (any man)
4. Mrs + last name (married woman who uses her husband's last name)
5. Ms + last name (married or unmarried woman; common in business)
6. Miss + last name (unmarried woman)
7. Dr + last name (medical doctors and university doctors )
8. Professor + last name (in a university setting)
4. Titles of Affection
When addressing a child, a romantic partner, or a close friend or family member (usually younger) people often use these "pet names":
• Honey (child, romantic partner, or younger person)
• Dear
• Sweetie
• Love
• Darling
• Babe or Baby (romantic partner)
• Buddy or Bud (very informal between friends)also used for little boys
5. Miscellaneous titles:
• The parents of your friends—when you are unsure, use Mr. or Mrs. and their last name—If they want you to call them by their first name, they will let you know.
• Teachers and tutors—Use the same rule as above--Don’t call them Teacher!
• Fellow students—usually everyone uses first names. If there is an older student in your class, you should call them Mr. or Mrs. to show them respect.
• On-line—First names are fine for facebook or similar websites. If you are sending someone an email and you don’t know them, use Mr. or Mrs. and their last names. If they respond and sign with their first name, you can use their first name the next time.
• Neighbors and co-workers—usually call each other by their first names. To be sure, introduce yourself first and see how they introduce themselves. If you aren’t sure, you can always ask them what they like to be called.
Bosses and managers—you should probably use Mr. and Mrs. and their last name unless they ask you to call them by their first name.
• Children—children should almost always use Mr. and Mrs. with either the person’s first or last names
• Food servers/flight attendants/clerks/beauticians—To be respectful, use Sir or Ma’am—Don’t say, “Hey Waitress!” or “Hey Waiter!” because this is rude.
