<P> In the Northeast United States, particularly New England, there remains influence of both the British and French traditions as noted above; in general parlance, teachers, authority - figures, and so forth, are referred to by a title of respect such as' Sir' for males and' Miss, Ms, or Mrs' for females:' Miss' for unmarried, younger - females;' Ms' for senior, elder, or ranking females that may or may not be married (see article Ms / Mrs / Miss); and' Mrs' for married or widowed females . The predominant form of address remains "Sir / Ma'am", though in some sectors--such as service, hospitality, or politics--"Sir / Madam (e)" prevails, while in Northern Maine--Aroostock County & St John's Valley--most female teachers or public officials, regardless of marital status, are addressed "Miss" in English or "Madame" in French, though the two are not interchangeable . As noted in Coslett's statement above citing her personal acceptance of' Miss', generally teachers or other public officials may specify to which form they prefer, while in other cases social & cultural norms dictate the appropriate form . </P> <P> If not specifically using their rank or title,' sir' is used in the United States Armed Forces to address a male, senior commissioned officer or civilian . Privates and non-commissioned officers, such as corporals and sergeants, are addressed using their ranks . Similarly, in both the United States Air Force (USAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF),' sir' is used to address all male commissioned officers . Male non-commissioned officers and airmen are addressed by their rank . In the RAF, male warrant officers are addressed as Mr by commissioned officers, but as' sir' by non-commissioned officers and airmen . </P> <P> In the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), only commissioned officers are addressed as' sir'; NCOs and constables are addressed by their rank . Male British police officers of the rank of Inspector or above are addressed as' Sir' (women of inspecting rank are called Ma'am). </P> <P> In the British Army, a Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), the most senior non-commissioned officer, is addressed as' Sir' by his subordinates . </P>

What is the meaning of s i r