Yes, Ma'am

Never in my life have I heard "Yes, Ma'am" more than living in Dubai. But you soon learn that "Yes, Ma'am" does not mean "I agree with what you've said". Instead it means something more like, "Your lips just moved and a sound came out of your mouth." Ways that I've heard it used:

Driving with a taxi driver, I give him instructions to take the next left. "Yes, Ma'am" as we continue to drive in the right hand lane. "Left please," I say with a little more force. "Yes, Ma'am" continuing in the right hand lane. "Left NOW," I say as we swerve across 2 lanes of traffic to execute a left hand turn. Oh my!

Speaking with a delivery person, I ask them if they will deliver tomorrow or Saturday. "Yes, Ma'am" is my reply. "Which one?" I ask. "Yes, Ma'am." "Your delivery - on Friday or Saturday? Friday? or Saturday?" "Saturday," is finally the answer.

Looking for directions, I ask someone if a shop I'm looking for is down the next street. "Yes, Ma'am," I'm told. After driving back and forth down the next street without success, I ask someone else, "Is the shop on this street?" Of course it's not. Next time, I'll remember the meaning of "Yes, Ma'am" - I saw your lips move and sound came out of your mouth.

I've been told that it's more important to try and be helpful than to tell someone no. So, even if someone has no idea what you've just said or the answer to your question, they will still respond, "Yes, Ma'am."