Madam

Madam, or madame ( or ), is a polite and formal form of address for women in the English language, often contracted to ma'am (pronounced in American English and this way but also in British English). The term derives from the French madame, from "ma dame" meaning "my lady". In French, the abbreviation is "M" or "Mme" and the plural is mesdames (abbreviated "M" or "Mmes"). These terms ultimately derive from the Latin domina, meaning "mistress". Use as a form of address Formal protocol After addressing her as "Your Majesty" once, it was correct to address the Queen of the United Kingdom as "Ma'am" to rhyme with the British short pronunciation of "jam" for the remainder of a conversation. A letter to the Queen may begin with Madam or May it please Your Majesty. Other female members of the British royal family are usually addressed in conversation first as Your Royal Highness and subsequently as Ma'am. Madam President or Madame President is a formal form of address for female presidents and vice presidents of republics. Madam Secretary is a formal form of address for a female member of the United States Cabinet; a female Attorney General of the United States is formally addressed Madam Attorney General. Madam Speaker is a correct form of address for a female speaker of the United States House of Representatives (e.g. Nancy Pelosi), British House of Commons (e.g. Betty Boothroyd), or Canadian House of Commons, as well as a female speaker of the Canadian Senate.