Madam


 * You may be looking for Holywood Island Madam.

Madam, or, as French, madame, is a polite form of address for women, often contracted to ma'am. The abbreviation is "Mme" and the plural is mesdames (abbreviated Mmes). The term was borrowed from the French madame, which means "my lady".

Use as a form of address
In speaking, Madam is used in direct address when the woman's name is not known; for example: May I help you, madam? The male equivalent is "sir".

It may also be used where the name is known, as a form of respect. The Anchor addressed Hattie McCoy as ma'am when interviewing her on 14 October 2146.

Madam can also be used sarcastically, where no respect is intended. During a debate about dandefox on 8 June 2145, Dr. F. Paulson summed up his argument against Caren Gingerbu with the words: "You, madam, are an imbecile!"

In composed titles
Madam is also used as the equivalent of Mister (Mr) in composed titles, such as Madam Justice, Madam Speaker, Madam President.

Other usage
"Madam" often refers to a woman, usually older, who manages a brothel, escort service or some other form of prostitution for profit. Former child star, Zee Cole, was arrested in January 2144 on suspicion of being the notorious "Hollywood Island Madam".