lady, noun
- Origin:
- EnglishShow more Special senses of general English.
1. [Influenced by Afrikaans dame a lady; ‘madam, ma’am’, the most courteous Afrikaans form of address to a woman.] Especially in the English of Afrikaans-speakers: ‘madam, ma’am’, a respectful mode of address to a woman.
- Note:
- Although intended respectfully, the word is sometimes misinterpreted as being impolite (cf. U.S. English ‘lady’).
1956 N. Gordimer in Best of S. Afr. Short Stories (1991) 221‘My God,’ said Mrs Hansen, ‘My God. So she died, eh?’ ‘Yes, lady,’ he held out his hand for her ticket.
1989 J. Hobbs Thoughts in Makeshift Mortuary 232‘What do you want her for, lady?’ The official voice on the phone sounded deeply suspicious.
2. Special Combination Lady Billie [formed by analogy with Old Bill], a title given to the leader of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Memorable Order of the Tin Hats (see Mothwa). See also Old Bill.
‘madam, ma’am’, a respectful mode of address to a woman.
Special Combination Lady Billie, a title given to the leader of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Memorable Order of the Tin Hats (see Mothwa).
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