Bullshit, Sir!
Bullshit, Sir!
Feb 14This is going to sound incredibly petty, but…
What the fuck is up with online fandudes calling each other “sir” in message board posts?
It’s like some strange, archaic, INCREDIBLY nerdy form of “respect.” Like when two geeks are going at it in a thread, and then one points out a fact that the other hadn’t noticed, so the one with egg on his face says:
“You are right. My apologies, sir.”
Is it just me, or is that weird as all hell? I can always hear the nasally nerd voice saying “Sir” in my head.
It’s even more annoying when it’s used to address “celebrities” like comic book writers or actors when they post online. “Terrific issue of Nextwave, Mr. Ellis! My congratulations to you, sir.”
THIS ISN’T ENGLAND CIRCA 1860. CUT IT OUT WITH THE FAKE “SIR” CRAP. IT’S ASS-KISSY AND LAME.
(I also think it’s a subtle way in which the male-oriented chauvinism of fandom plays out–like us “sirs” are all talking to each other in some civil way, excluding the females entirely. But that’s a reach, I know.)
Bwah! This is so funny and you are so right. I wonder if they’re also trying to imitate Kevin Smith, who seems to use “sir” a lot (though it doesn’t sound like as much of an affectation coming from him).
Kevin Smith.
I started running into this a few years back, this one guy on a particular board. And Kevin Smith was some sort of ideal to him. He always used the affectation of “sir.” Then it started to leak to others in his circle. Couldn’t figure it out.
Then I’m watching the various Kevin Smith footage over the years, including the two Evenings With DVDs, and there it is, over and over.
Now, I’m not saying it started with him – I can recall back years things like “I’ve met Matt Springer… you, sir, are no Matt Springer!” and such. I think it slowly grew over the years. But I credit/blame Smith for setting it loose into the minds of fanboys everywhere.
I largely refuse to use it, except in real life, when talking to elders. I’m from the Maritimes… they roll like that.
CURSE YOU, KUHN!
Sirrah, your lack of civility shows poorly upon your upbringing, and your contumely towards these fanboys is unbecoming of a proper gentleman. Moreover, I am obliged to point out that the highly esteemed Master Ellis regularly frames his cyber-netic missives in the style of the Victorian Era, and so follow the replies of his correspondents. In sooth, I use the title largely for irony and rather rarely to express genuine respect. Would you rather the scamps employed that abominable l33tsp3@k?
>>Is it just me, or is that weird as all hell?
“Sir, that is not a legitimate question!!”
Huzzah and kudos to you, sirs, and one un-sir, for your vainglorious responses!