What do you understand from Ms. vs. Mrs.?? (Society's understood nuances thereof)

[bubble.tea]

This came up the other day.

I was curious to see what the predominant opinions are.

When and Why would a lady use one or the other.

I'm more interested to know why a married woman would want to use Ms.

I won't spill too much as to bias the responses or steer it in any direction so I'll zip it, till we have some need for a stir.


Mrs. (Married)
Miss. (Single)
Ms. (Used when you are not sure of the status of the woman by others. When the woman herself uses this...is what we are discussing. Professional implications? Prefer to keep marital status private? Why do ladies use this one?

[ullyeus]

This came up the other day.

I was curious to see what the predominant opinions are.

When and Why would a lady use one or the other.

I'm more interested to know why a married woman would want to use Ms.

I won't spill too much as to bias the responses or steer it in any direction so I'll zip it, till we have some need for a stir.

Generally Mrs is married...Miss is not...least that's how I've always understood it.

As to why a person would choose one over the other? Perhaps the women thinks that "Mrs." holds an 'older' tone to it.

[3weddings]

I go by my maiden name and use Ms. professionally.

[bokep]

AFAIK:

Mrs. is for someone you know is married

Ms. is for someone you've just met (and unsure about their marital status) or someone single or in a professional setting

[danfromwaterloo]

This came up the other day.

I was curious to see what the predominant opinions are.

When and Why would a lady use one or the other.

I'm more interested to know why a married woman would want to use Ms.

I won't spill too much as to bias the responses or steer it in any direction so I'll zip it, till we have some need for a stir.

Miss (Ms.) - unmarried

Missus (Mrs.) - married.

/thread.

[Dash]

Mrs. - red light
Ms. - green light

[Magoo]

Men have the fortunate use of "Mr." either married or single.

Women have traditionally had to use Ms. or Mrs. depending on maritul status however like the above post suggests... using Ms. on a professional level is probably the better way to go regardless if you are married or not.

and secondarily, yes.... depending on what you use men will regard it as a green light or red light.

[GateGuardian]

Miss (Ms.) - unmarried

Missus (Mrs.) - married.

/thread.

huh?

Miss and Ms are not the same.

Ms is when you're not sure if she's married or not.

[Dash]

Mrs. - yellow light
Ms. - green light

corrected....;)

[EmperorOfCanada]

huh?

Miss and Ms are not the same.

Ms is when you're not sure if she's married or not.

That was my understanding as well.

[Stock R]

huh?

Miss and Ms are not the same.

Ms is when you're not sure if she's married or not.

+1.

I'm not sure why people think that "Ms." is the short form of "Miss". They are completely different!

[jcon]

I go by my maiden name and use Ms. professionally.

My wife does as well.


'Ms.' is the professional way to address a woman, even if you know that she is married. Unless she corrects you to 'Mrs.'

[jcon]

Miss (Ms.) - unmarried

Missus (Mrs.) - married.

/thread.

Miss - miss*

Ms - mizz*

Mrs - missus*

*Approximate pronunciation.

[CSAgent]

Mrs. - red light
Ms. - green light

For me, its:

Mrs. - no commitment required, GREEN light.
Ms. - Yellow light.

:lol:

[Troi]

Since men don't have to announce their marital status to the world, it seems only fair that women should have the same privilege. I find the use of "Miss & Mrs" offensive - imho there should be only Ms., unless, of course, men have to declare their marital status as well. How about that, guys?....would you enjoy having to announce yourself to the world as married (or divorced, but then, perhaps there should be a -Mrs. designation as well? Men could then use M[arried]Mr. or -[not anymore!]MMr.) :confused:

[ullyeus]

Since men don't have to announce their marital status to the world, it seems only fair that women should have the same privilege. I find the use of "Miss & Mrs" offensive - imho there should be only Ms., unless, of course, men have to declare their marital status as well. How about that, guys?....would you enjoy having to announce yourself to the world as married (or divorced, but then, perhaps there should be a -Mrs. designation as well? Men could then use M[arried]Mr. or -[not anymore!]MMr.) :confused:

I wouldn't mind one bit.

That being said you do have a very valid point.

[spf1971]

Since men don't have to announce their marital status to the world, it seems only fair that women should have the same privilege. I find the use of "Miss & Mrs" offensive - imho there should be only Ms., unless, of course, men have to declare their marital status as well. How about that, guys?....would you enjoy having to announce yourself to the world as married (or divorced, but then, perhaps there should be a -Mrs. designation as well? Men could then use M[arried]Mr. or -[not anymore!]MMr.) :confused:

That's why I address everyone as "YOU".

[bubble.tea]

Since men don't have to announce their marital status to the world, it seems only fair that women should have the same privilege. I find the use of "Miss & Mrs" offensive - imho there should be only Ms., unless, of course, men have to declare their marital status as well. How about that, guys?....would you enjoy having to announce yourself to the world as married (or divorced, but then, perhaps there should be a -Mrs. designation as well? Men could then use M[arried]Mr. or -[not anymore!]MMr.) :confused:

Feminist much? Lawlz.

No but seriously, Inarguably...this is a very fair comment. Why...just because historically have we done it this way...must it continue? At the same time, you say 'announcing to the world that you're married or single' as though it's an insult. Since when is being married to the love of your life, to having succeeded in starting your own microcosm of society, an insult? I would be VERY proud to announce to the world that I am married.

Other point., I think I'll need to update post #1 as TOO MANY people are clueless of the nuances of miss/ms/mrs

Other comment...why is the justification of 'professional useage' taken to use Ms. You are then saying that to say Mrs. inherently means you cannot be as professional? Or that using it implies that you are LESS of a professional than if you used Ms? Since when did this come about?

[teknoluv]

I have been using Ms (in writing) since like 20 years ago (even when I clearly know that the women is married or not). Troi is correct. Using Mrs or even Miss is so out of touch and actually unprofessional in business settings.

[spookie149]

I have always preferred being addressed as Miss as Mis brings about images of older women. After reading this thread, I will probably start requesting I be addressed as Mis. It seems to imply a bit more respect. I'd like my colleagues and superiors to associate my name with respect and wisdom than the youthfulness Miss implies.

[greenmoon]

Feminist much? Lawlz.

No but seriously, Inarguably...this is a very fair comment. Why...just because historically have we done it this way...must it continue? At the same time, you say 'announcing to the world that you're married or single' as though it's an insult. Since when is being married to the love of your life, to having succeeded in starting your own microcosm of society, an insult? I would be VERY proud to announce to the world that I am married.

Ok, how about having to announce that you are NOT married? It's not a question of pride or insult, it's simply that marriage is a private matter and not necessarily something to let others know before they even go as far as to find out your name.

Other comment...why is the justification of 'professional useage' taken to use Ms. You are then saying that to say Mrs. inherently means you cannot be as professional? Or that using it implies that you are LESS of a professional than if you used Ms? Since when did this come about?

This came about since marital status is nobody's business in a professional environment.

[jcon]

Other comment...why is the justification of 'professional useage' taken to use Ms. You are then saying that to say Mrs. inherently means you cannot be as professional? Or that using it implies that you are LESS of a professional than if you used Ms? Since when did this come about?

No, that is not what I meant. I meant it is more appropriate to refer to someone (that you don't know) by Ms. rather than Mrs., until you are told otherwise.

[EmperorOfCanada]

Since men don't have to announce their marital status to the world, it seems only fair that women should have the same privilege. I find the use of "Miss & Mrs" offensive - imho there should be only Ms., unless, of course, men have to declare their marital status as well. How about that, guys?....would you enjoy having to announce yourself to the world as married (or divorced, but then, perhaps there should be a -Mrs. designation as well? Men could then use M[arried]Mr. or -[not anymore!]MMr.) :confused:

I hardly think its anything to get offended over, you DO have the choice, it isn't like you are forced to use a particular title. I agree though that Ms. should be enough for most circumstances and the whole need for Miss/Mrs is a little outdated/unnecessary.

[qrayzie]

I have always preferred being addressed as Miss as Mis brings about images of older women. After reading this thread, I will probably start requesting I be addressed as Mis. It seems to imply a bit more respect. I'd like my colleagues and superiors to associate my name with respect and wisdom than the youthfulness Miss implies.

I also prefer being addressed as "Miss". I have found that if women are sensitive about how they are addressed, they'll correct you. Miss is safe and polite, "Ms" is just silly.

[Eyies]

How is this even misunderstood? 1 star.

In general, use Ms. unless otherwise indicated, acknowledged or corrected. Especially in a work/professional setting.

[Codegen]

Lol, reminds me of how there's one manager at work who constantly seems to think I don't address customers properly (ie. following a ******** script), even though they usually come to the counter with a smile, and can get into a conversation from time to time, and when he talks to customers, he does it as if he's teaching me something. He goes to talk to one older woman: "Can I help you over here, Mrs?" and then she replied sternly "It's Ms." I had a hard time not cracking up over that lol.

[Tijuana]

You know what, if you send that to say a female colleague at work, you will probably get a really harsh official reprimand if not fired. No, it's not even funny.

No it is funny because like you said, it is laughable that you could get fired for that.

[board123]

Female colleagues who aren't well-versed in the world of memes might get pretty upset over that.

[CStone]

As a guy, I found it more on the safe side to professionally address someone I don’t know very well as Ms. something. Many women are keeping their maiden name after marriage, so you can’t distinguish the Last name that you read as a maiden or her husband’s name. Remember, the name after “Mrs.” should be her husband’s last name but the name after “Miss” should be her maiden last name.

Here are two scenarios:

1) Mary Jones marries John Smith and didn’t change her name. You have a business card that says “Mary Jones” on it but you have no idea that she’s married. Would you say Miss Jones, Ms. Jones, or Mrs. Jones? Mrs. Jones would be wrong since she’s actually Mrs. Smith.

2) Mary Jones marries John Smith and changed her name. You have a business card that says “Mary Smith” on it but you have no idea that she’s married. Would you say Miss Smith, Ms. Smith, or Mrs. Smith? Miss Smith would be wrong since she’s actually Miss Jones.

[abu_sme]

Miss=Unmarried
Mrs: Married
MS: divorced

[Shop-a-holic]

in general, use ms. Unless otherwise indicated, acknowledged or corrected. Especially in a work/professional setting.

+1

[teknoluv]

No it is funny because like you said, it is laughable that you could get fired for that.
You'll probably know more (and think differently) when you get a job and start working later.

[teknoluv]

Let me spell it out clearer for those who are not familiar with the business world. Always address a female as Ms UNLESS you are otherwise advised (like she's e.g. "Mrs. Johnson"). Using "Mrs" OR EVEN "Miss" could offend a few, and you don't want to risk doing that.

[gman]

Miss. N implies unmarried, young and N is her father's family name.
Mrs. N implies married and N is her husband's family name.

Ms. N implies a more mature lady and the status can be:
a. unmarried but does not want to be known or may sound to old to be Miss. N is her father's family name.
b. married but N can be her father's or husband's family name.
d. divorce and N can be her father's or husband's family name.

[teknoluv]

Ms. N implies a more mature lady and the status can be ...
It WAS true, like 20 years ago. (I was taught about that too.) But time has changed.

[gman]

It WAS true, like 20 years ago. (I was taught about that too.) But time has changed.

I don't know but even today, does Ms. sound (or feel) more mature than Miss. if what you see is only Ms. N and Miss. N?

[teknoluv]

I don't know but even today, does Ms. sound (or feel) more mature than Miss. if what you see is only Ms. N and Miss. N?
Not really. Unless we have a teen girl of 15 or so, and we jokingly call her Miss Johnson. Nowadays, it's common accepted that a 22 year old girl be addressed as Ms Johnson.

Like I said, time has changed. You can blame this on feminism or politcal correctness, but this is how things go these days. Most businesses would play it safe and follow suit; and I personally agree that it's more gender-blind/neutral and therefore fair to the female.

[EmperorOfCanada]

I only ever use Miss if it is a young girl. I wouldnt chance calling any adult female 'miss'. It would just sound creepy :p

[bubble.tea]

Ok, how about having to announce that you are NOT married?
Are you implying I am not married, or you are using the example of the useage wrt? If former...who the HECK do you think you are asking me about such a personal question..it has NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS FORUM...LMAo..easy easy I'm kidding haha...couldn't resist.

It's not a question of pride or insult, it's simply that marriage is a private matter and not necessarily something to let others know before they even go as far as to find out your name.
You worked hard at getting married (I hope lol)...why would anybody want to hide it? You're not disclosing your sexual routines at home...you're just saying "I am married". That's hardly 'such a private matter'.

No, that is not what I meant. I meant it is more appropriate to refer to someone (that you don't know) by Ms. rather than Mrs., until you are told otherwise.
I totally agree with this.

My question is more about a married woman who prefers using Ms. Are these woman more 'feminist'...or are they just 'normal'. I guess that's what I'm asking. Having determined the frame of mind of THAT kind of woman...what does society feel about a woman/lady who PREFERS to use Mrs. in her professional environment? Do people look down on them then?

[greenmoon]

My question is more about a married woman who prefers using Ms. Are these woman more 'feminist'...or are they just 'normal'. I guess that's what I'm asking. Having determined the frame of mind of THAT kind of woman...what does society feel about a woman/lady who PREFERS to use Mrs. in her professional environment? Do people look down on them then?

Same could be asked about married women who use their husband's name, as opposed to those who keep their maiden name. It's a matter of personal preference. Ultimately, it looks as if society (whatever that may mean) feels more or less okay with either choice. Now, when was the last time you saw a man change his last name to his wife's?

By the way, speaking of announcing marital status. It's not uncommon for some people to leave their wedding bands at home before going to work, both men and women. Why do you think they want to hide such an accomplishment?

[ronin893]

Times have changed. "Ms." used to have a feminist connotation. I don't find that to be true anymore. It's simply "normal" to use Ms. in all situations where you are not well acquainted with the woman. This is similar to teknoluv's statement about "Ms." being commonly used to address a woman in her early 20's. Times have changed.

[JohnB]

I just think of Ms. Pac-Man. Chomp chomp.

[setell]

I also prefer being addressed as "Miss". I have found that if women are sensitive about how they are addressed, they'll correct you. Miss is safe and polite, "Ms" is just silly.

How is "Ms" silly? I personally perfer Ms vs Miss. I just never liked it even when I was 15. Even if I do get married I don't think I want to be ever referred to as Mrs (not changing my name too). Why would I want the world to my marital status? Sure I work hard to get to that stage but why do I have to announce it when men don't have to? Call me a feminist but why do women get Ms, Miss, Mrs? when men get just a plain old Mr? Times have changed and it's just not proper business etiquette to refer to somebody as a Mrs. unless they want to be. I get offended if people call me a Mrs. and I correct them since they should know better. Who are they to call me a Mrs when I don't want to be referred to as a Mrs.

It's like asking how come men don't change their last name to their wife's last name. Pretty much all personal preference and how things have changed through the times.

[EmperorOfCanada]

why do women get Ms, Miss, Mrs? when men get just a plain old Mr?

Guess what, having just 1 title isn't a prize, most of us could care less what you decide to call yourself. This isn't a case of 'men keeping women down' its just tradition more than anything.

Guess what else, men DONT just have Mr. They also have Dr. and Rev. and possibly others I cant think of at the moment.

[Nikita]

I also prefer being addressed as "Miss". I have found that if women are sensitive about how they are addressed, they'll correct you. Miss is safe and polite, "Ms" is just silly.

Silly? How so? And how any sillier than "Mr."?

Miss=Unmarried
Mrs: Married
MS: divorced

Wrong.

Guess what, having just 1 title isn't a prize, most of us could care less what you decide to call yourself. This isn't a case of 'men keeping women down' its just tradition more than anything.

Guess what else, men DONT just have Mr. They also have Dr. and Rev. and possibly others I cant think of at the moment.

Guess what else...so do women.

[deltone]

There was a time when it was perfectly common to call a woman by her husband's full name, such as in addressing a letter to Mrs. Tom Jones, or Mr. & Mrs. Tom Jones. It was just how it was done.

Also, there was a term that was used for young men and that was Master. Like if you were addressing a letter to a young man, you would say Master Timmy Jones.

Years ago I went to visit my grandmother's graveside in Cape Breton and I was appalled at how many headstones I saw that gave the woman's name as
Mrs. George Johnson. Hell, in death the poor dear was not entitled to be called by her first name???

I don't think it's feminism to prefer or insist on Ms. I'm married and I generally go by Mrs. but only because I tend to not give such things much thought or merit but if one were to ask my REAL thoughts and opinions on it, and if I actually was being 100% honest, I do think that women should not feel the need to "announce or identify" themselves as a Miss or a Mrs. and that Ms. should become a term to totally replace those 2 words.

If it's considered "feminist" to insist on this, does that mean it's "chauvinism" for men to insist against it? I am personally sick of all the PC BS that is out there today, but that being said, there is a lot to be said for a woman keeping her "maiden" name and dropping the Miss and or Mrs.

[setell]

There was a time when it was perfectly common to call a woman by her husband's full name, such as in addressing a letter to Mrs. Tom Jones, or Mr. & Mrs. Tom Jones. It was just how it was done.

Also, there was a term that was used for young men and that was Master. Like if you were addressing a letter to a young man, you would say Master Timmy Jones.

Years ago I went to visit my grandmother's graveside in Cape Breton and I was appalled at how many headstones I saw that gave the woman's name as
Mrs. George Johnson. Hell, in death the poor dear was not entitled to be called by her first name???

I don't think it's feminism to prefer or insist on Ms. I'm married and I generally go by Mrs. but only because I tend to not give such things much thought or merit but if one were to ask my REAL thoughts and opinions on it, and if I actually was being 100% honest, I do think that women should not feel the need to "announce or identify" themselves as a Miss or a Mrs. and that Ms. should become a term to totally replace those 2 words.

If it's considered "feminist" to insist on this, does that mean it's "chauvinism" for men to insist against it? I am personally sick of all the PC BS that is out there today, but that being said, there is a lot to be said for a woman keeping her "maiden" name and dropping the Miss and or Mrs.

+1

In the chinese culture women don't change their last name (and I had thought the chinese culture in some sense was too old fashion). I never understood why when I was younger my friend's mom had the same last name as them! I think that a lot of women follow the "norm" and change their name. It's slowly changing and you'll see less and less women changing their names. I firmly believe that my name is chosen for me by my parents and I'm not changing it. It'll be my identity for god knows how long I'll be kicking around.

[EmperorOfCanada]

Guess what else...so do women.

Okay. Did someone else mention in this thread that women only had one choice of title? Oh wait no, it was the exact opposite.

[Nikita]

Okay. Did someone else mention in this thread that women only had one choice of title? Oh wait no, it was the exact opposite.

So? What's that have to do with my post? Why are you quoting me?

[EmperorOfCanada]

So? What's that have to do with my post? Why are you quoting me?

.... are you serious? Well fine then I will explain it to you. Someone had mentioned that men only had one title. They did not say women had only one title. They knew, and I knew, that women had multiple options when it came to titles, therefore I posted them men in fact do have multiple titles, and gave some examples.

Then you chimed in to helpfully let me know that women have those options too. Well.. thanks I guess? I never gave any indication that they didn't but thanks for 'educating me' I guess..

[Nikita]

.... are you serious? Well fine then I will explain it to you. Someone had mentioned that men only had one title. They did not say women had only one title. They knew, and I knew, that women had multiple options when it came to titles, therefore I posted them men in fact do have multiple titles, and gave some examples.

Then you chimed in to helpfully let me know that women have those options too. Well.. thanks I guess? I never gave any indication that they didn't but thanks for 'educating me' I guess..

Yes I'm serious. No, you didn't need to explain it to me. You're welcome for my educating you.

Someone had mentioned that men only had one title.

That someone not being me, so, again why quote me or explain anything to me? Quote that someone and explain it to them...:confused: While you're at it, you might want to explain that those other titles reveal nothing about marital status, so they really have nothing to do with this thread or this topic.

[EmperorOfCanada]

Yes I'm serious. No, you didn't need to explain it to me. You're welcome for my educating you.



That someone not being me, so, again why quote me or explain anything to me? Quote that someone and explain it to them...:confused: While you're at it, you might want to explain that those other titles reveal nothing about marital status, so they really have nothing to do with this thread or this topic.

I'll explain it to you again because you seem to be having trouble. I quoted you, because I was trying to indicate that the reply was towards you.

How a thread works is that someone posts a topic (sometimes refered to as original poster, or OP) and everyone after that response either to the OP, or to one of the other responses.

In this case, I was reply to you, so I hit the quote button so that you would know it was directed towards you, otherwise you might not realize! But wait, there's more!

I originally DID quote someone other than you, and explained to them that men did have other titles, because she incorrectly mentioned that men had only one. I quoted them (remember, that means it was directed towards them!) and gave examples of other titles men have.

I was actually staying quite on topic, and it is you who (quoting me, so I assumed it was directed towards me. I may have been mistaken in that assumption because I didn't realize you weren't familiar with how forums operate) replied to me with something that was somewhat off topic, just a random fact that you decided to throw in to amuse yourself I suppose.

In any case I'm glad I could be helpful and explain.

[Nikita]

I'll explain it to you again because you seem to be having trouble. I quoted you, because I was trying to indicate that the reply was towards you.

How a thread works is that someone posts a topic (sometimes refered to as original poster, or OP) and everyone after that response either to the OP, or to one of the other responses.

In this case, I was reply to you, so I hit the quote button so that you would know it was directed towards you, otherwise you might not realize! But wait, there's more!

I originally DID quote someone other than you, and explained to them that men did have other titles, because she incorrectly mentioned that men had only one. I quoted them (remember, that means it was directed towards them!) and gave examples of other titles men have.

I was actually staying quite on topic, and it is you who (quoting me, so I assumed it was directed towards me. I may have been mistaken in that assumption because I didn't realize you weren't familiar with how forums operate) replied to me with something that was somewhat off topic, just a random fact that you decided to throw in to amuse yourself I suppose.

In any case I'm glad I could be helpful and explain.

Don't give yourself credit where none is due, it's droll...:rolleyes:. You just wasted a lot of white space trying to engage in an argument where there's nothing worth arguing about here. Take a chill pill....and breathe deeply EOC.

[bubble.tea]

...It's not uncommon for some people to leave their wedding bands at home before going to work, both men and women. Why do you think they want to hide such an accomplishment?
No clue...ask najibs.

[gman]

Not really. Unless we have a teen girl of 15 or so, and we jokingly call her Miss Johnson. Nowadays, it's common accepted that a 22 year old girl be addressed as Ms Johnson.

Like I said, time has changed. You can blame this on feminism or politcal correctness, but this is how things go these days. Most businesses would play it safe and follow suit; and I personally agree that it's more gender-blind/neutral and therefore fair to the female.

Hmmm! I don't use Miss. for anyone who looks over 20. That is why I said Ms. seems to be more mature to Miss. for me.

[teknoluv]

Also, there was a term that was used for young men and that was Master. Like if you were addressing a letter to a young man, you would say Master Timmy Jones.
Oh yes, I was brought up like that (being called "master" when I was like 14). Does that reveal my age? LOL!

Hmmm! I don't use Miss. for anyone who looks over 20. That is why I said Ms. seems to be more mature to Miss. for me.
And I've never used "Miss" for anyone who looks younger than 20 either, except when I was flirting with one WHEN I was younger than 20 myself. :D

[setell]

I originally DID quote someone other than you, and explained to them that men did have other titles, because she incorrectly mentioned that men had only one. I quoted them (remember, that means it was directed towards them!) and gave examples of other titles men have.
Not interested in your heated debate with Nikita but you incorrectly informed me that men get other titles too. And Nikita just reply what I would say which is women can have the title of Dr., Rev etc. These are accomplishments that anybody should be proud to parade (well I would if I got a MD or PhD, or a Rev). What the OP has brought up is social greetings, not accomplishments one receive after working hard to achieve it. Not everybody is a Dr. but everybody can be a Mr or Ms!

[EmperorOfCanada]

Not interested in your heated debate with Nikita but you correctly informed me that men get other titles too. And Nikita just reply what I would say which is women can have the title of Dr., Rev etc. These are accomplishments that anybody should be proud to parade (well I would if I got a MD or PhD, or a Rev). What the OP has brought up is social greetings, not accomplishments one receive after working hard to achieve it. Not everybody is a Dr. but everybody can be a Mr or Ms!

Fixed. Also I agree with the bolded bit at the end. Also, it wasn't that heated. Nikita and I are Arch Enemies... but there is no animosity between us. At least, I think there isn't :)

[bubble.tea]

Fixed. Also I agree with the bolded bit at the end. Also, it wasn't that heated. Nikita and I are Arch Enemies... but there is no animosity between us. At least, I think there isn't :)

nevertheless..you both took a MASSIVE DUMP in this thread.

[EmperorOfCanada]

nevertheless..you both took a MASSIVE DUMP in this thread.

I apologize I didn't realize I interrupted some fascinating insights into the Ms. vs Mrs. debate that hadn't been said yet. Well by all means, continue!

[MrDisco]

nevertheless..you both took a MASSIVE DUMP in this thread.

Uh yeah the thread's topic wasn't exactly the height of intelligenica to begin with. 5 pages on how to use Ms/Miss/Mrs? :confused: I can only shake my head.

[bubble.tea]

^
If you actually read post #1., you'd know that my interests where on how (mainly females) see the useage thereof. Not how geeky-two-shoes who's trying to flirt with one or the other opts to speak to his female co-worker ;).

There were some very insightful comments made among the flurry of RFD-prone fallout.

But thank you for your contribution.

[Bleys007]

It surprises me that nobody has brought up one of the basic reasons women may prefer to go by Ms., as well. Either that or I missed it in a post somewhere.

The original reason Mrs. came around was a chance in ownership of a woman from a father to a new husband (i.e. giving away of the bride). To signify this change, the woman became the Mister's wife, or the Mr's.

Since some women understand and realize this, it's easy to be insulted by it, and rightfully so. Who would want part of their name to indicate ownership by someone else? I had a highschool teacher who was married, yet insisted on being called Ms., and explained why. Makes perfect sense to me.

Also, as gman has (correctly) stated previously:

Mrs. is married, usually taking the last name of the husband in some way either fully or hyphenated.

Miss is meant for a girl under the age of 18, though many women don't realize this and call themselves Miss after becoming of age.

Ms. is meant for an unmarried woman that has grown up;
a married woman who does not want to indicate marriage or take her husband's name;
a widow, unless a preference is indicated otherwise.

[qrayzie]

How is "Ms" silly? I personally perfer..

Silly? How so? And how any sillier than "Mr."?

I personally think it's silly, and I always have. I think having three different methods of address is silly, especially when nine times out of ten, someone uses the inappropriate societally ordained method anyway. Who cares what your marital status is, we no longer live in an age where it's a badge of honour to be married, and badge of shame to not be so. Why needlessly continue to complicate the language for something that doesn't really matter when you're speaking to a person. (Except for maybe all the morons going on about green light, yellow light and red light. Then again, nothing can save us from "moronity" of that magnitude anyway.)

A man is always addressed as "mister" (Mr) regardless of age or marital status. I've always felt the companian word "miss" suits women equally well. In the "real world" (TM) when I'm in a store and approached by a salesperson, it's always "Excuse me, miss..". When I've been pulled over by a police officer, it's "Could I see your license and registration, miss?". There are a thousand examples of it happening every day. As I said when I posted posted the first time, if a woman doesn't like the title you've used, and she cares about it as if it were a mission in life, she'll correct you. There are plenty of women who still wear that badge of honour and enjoy being "properly" addressed as Mrs, after all. However, for the vast majority, I don't see "miss" being a problem. "Mizz" is just such an ugly pronunciation, and the implied connotations of age (older), respect (oh please) and marital status (groan) are just silly. Look at all those judgements inflicted by a single label! Yikes! If I had to prefer the connotations of a label, people seem to think that "miss" implies youthfulness, so, err, yes please! I'd much prefer that! :)

It's just my opinion, and as you see in the thread, both women and men have not only different opinions, but were brought up to believe different things. At the end of the day, as long as we continue to have three methods of address, it all boils down to the woman's preference as to what others use, so I suppose that adding I think one of them is silly is moot anyway.

:)

[Nikita]

nevertheless..you both took a MASSIVE DUMP in this thread.

Maybe because you took a MASSIVE DUMP starting this thread...;)

I apologize I didn't realize I interrupted some fascinating insights into the Ms. vs Mrs. debate that hadn't been said yet. Well by all means, continue!

+1

I also prefer being addressed as "Miss". I have found that if women are sensitive about how they are addressed, they'll correct you. Miss is safe and polite, "Ms" is just silly.

Quote:
Originally Posted by setell
How is "Ms" silly? I personally perfer..


Silly? How so? And how any sillier than "Mr."?



I personally think it's silly, and I always have. I think having three different methods of address is silly, especially when nine times out of ten, someone uses the inappropriate societally ordained method anyway. Who cares what your marital status is, we no longer live in an age where it's a badge of honour to be married, and badge of shame to not be so. Why needlessly continue to complicate the language for something that doesn't really matter when you're speaking to a person. (Except for maybe all the morons going on about green light, yellow light and red light. Then again, nothing can save us from "moronity" of that magnitude anyway.)

A man is always addressed as "mister" (Mr) regardless of age or marital status. I've always felt the companian word "miss" suits women equally well. In the "real world" (TM) when I'm in a store and approached by a salesperson, it's always "Excuse me, miss..". When I've been pulled over by a police officer, it's "Could I see your license and registration, miss?". There are a thousand examples of it happening every day. As I said when I posted posted the first time, if a woman doesn't like the title you've used, and she cares about it as if it were a mission in life, she'll correct you. There are plenty of women who still wear that badge of honour and enjoy being "properly" addressed as Mrs, after all. However, for the vast majority, I don't see "miss" being a problem. "Mizz" is just such an ugly pronunciation, and the implied connotations of age (older), respect (oh please) and marital status (groan) are just silly. Look at all those judgements inflicted by a single label! Yikes! If I had to prefer the connotations of a label, people seem to think that "miss" implies youthfulness, so, err, yes please! I'd much prefer that! :)

It's just my opinion, and as you see in the thread, both women and men have not only different opinions, but were brought up to believe different things. At the end of the day, as long as we continue to have three methods of address, it all boils down to the woman's preference as to what others use, so I suppose that adding I think one of them is silly is moot anyway.

:)

Hmm, you've contradicted yourself all over the place in the above quote. And the companion to Mr is not Miss, Mr. doesn't connote marital status, Miss does. I agree having Miss, Mrs. and Ms. is silly. However in order to be consistent with your own post (since, "A man is always addressed as "mister" (Mr) regardless of age or marital status.) a woman should always be addressed as Ms. Everyone has only one title, and neither of them connotes marital status. So simple, that's why I think this thread is silly....or in OP's own words a massive dump. You're right when your say 'who cares what you're marital status is'? So again, Ms. resolves that now doesn't it? In fact, every issue you raise regarding the 3 different female titles are resolved by having only one....Ms., the only one is appropriate for all woman, and the only one that has nothing to do with marital status.

[Matrixvibe]

Mrs. - red light
Ms. - green light

LOL, nice take on this..