Lemonfish

Noted. Thanks Grandad.

Aviator

Public employee, they work for you, I'd do it like any other employee!

Editha

How is the English version of madame pronounced here? In the UK, when I was prosecuting, police witnesses used to call me "ma'am" ( pronounded "marm"), and that was how I addressed women magistrates. Saying madame, except when speaking French, would sound strange to me.

Novocastrian

I think you just miss that e off the end. Mad'm or something similar.

Editha

Come to think of it, I can also remember being addressed as "madam chairwoman" (by a Conservative aged about 93, probably). I think "marm" is a legal system thing.

mandymoochops

Not sure where you are but here out west it's pronounced 'maam' (imagine a texan cowboy saying it!)

I've been greeted quite a few times like that and I thought it was lovely - until it was pointed out that it's a Canadian way to refer to an 'older' lady.

Atlantic Xpat

Search on Youtube for "Malcolm Tucker" from "The thick of it" & "In the loop". That will give you a masterclass on addressing politicoes. Think "Yes Minister" updated for a new century and with lots of profanity.

Bleepedy Bloops

If she's a looker...sugartits.

Geordie Lass

laughed out loud at that!

If she's not a looker -"what's occurring?"

caretaker

You could call her Madam Secretary when first introduced and then refer to her as She thereafter!

dollface

and i she's really plug ugly then "Bryn"

Geordie Lass

Or if she's a bit on the large size "Smithy"

caretaker

I predict Madam Secretary will be totally charmed by Novocastrian, and there's a chance she'll laugh and say, "Oh just call me Jane." Getting money, I don't know about.

Former Lancastrian

In other words he will be doing some ass kissing then

caretaker

Flat cap in hand and border collie at heel. :-) There's a difference between kissing ass and being charming though and I'd expect Novo to remain dignified.