I think like most things, it’s not what you say, but how you say it. Certain people can pull of the “excuse me miss” like the stereotypical southern gentleman, and it is genuine and fine. Personally, I couldn’t pull that off…if I were to say it, which I don’t think I would, it would have to be in an almost sarcastic way, with a hint of a smile, letting her know I was saying it half-jokingly.
But hey, if the guy were a creep, you’d have likely picked up on it…females are usually good at that. So he’s probably just one of the guys who can pull it off. Good luck.
I might respond positively to “What up, bitch!” if he said it in just the right way.
And I agree with you about the ‘mister’ part, that’s just so strange and I couldn’t imagine calling a guy ‘mister.’
I’ve wanted to wander up to a Hot Guy, fondle his crotch, and say ‘wanna fuck?’ but I’m afraid of being pressed with assult charges.
Thanks to the responses everyone. I was blushing like crazy through the whole encounter and I am blushing like crazy thinking of it right now. I hope I can manage to talk to him on Monday without stammering.
“Miss,” is all in the delivery: playful yet serious inflection, smile, respectful approach, projected confidence, ease. I agree that it’s possibly a Southern thing.
“Mister,” isn’t analogous at all. More at, “Sir,” and referring to him in the third person as a “gentleman.”
Just echoing other at this point, but yeah, miss is fine. I’d probably say it. I can’t think of other words to politely address a woman whose name I don’t know.
I love it when people address me as “miss.” It’s a little bit of a throwback to the Miss Manners school of politeness. All of the respect and none of the elitism/misogyny. And plus – it’s a cute word! “Miss.”
Personally, I prefer Ma’am. For all the women who like to be perceived as young and cute, Miss appears to be the way to go.
I am surprised at all the people who feel they couldn’t say ‘Miss’ sincerely. Were you raised in a barn? Are you going to be fifty-some years old and still telling people “don’t call me Mister Brown, that’s my father”?
It’s a little bit of a throwback to the Miss Manners school of politeness. All of the respect and none of the elitism/misogyny. And plus – it’s a cute word! “Miss.”