I’m Not a Knight: The Case For Dropping Honorifics

Honorific: a title or word implying or expressing high status, politeness, or respect. Common honorifics in modern English are:

Mr.
Ms. (which has largely replaced the older Miss and Mrs.)
Sir
Ma’am
Dr.
Your Honor
Professor

Roughly around the time one hits middle age, they start getting hit with honorifics (much earlier if you’re in the military or part of another traditional institution or subculture). In English-speaking countries, that means “Sir” or “Ma’am.” There are close equivalents in other languages such as “Señor,” “Señora,” “Monsieur,” etc.

What’s Wrong With Honorifics?

I have developed a dislike for honorifics in most situations for several reasons.

• They are rooted in ancient and medieval hierarchical attitudes (more on this below).
• They are often used disingenuously. Our society has less and less faith in authority, whether conferred by title, age, position, or birthright. As a result, the use of formal titles often indicates fear (as an obsequious employee addressing a boss) or the speaker wanting to gain something. That’s why honorifics are often…