Sirrah
/ˈsɪrə/noun
An archaic term of address used to denote a man of lower status, often used in a condescending manner.
Did you know?In Shakespearean plays, 'sirrah' is often used to assert dominance or command obedience, revealing the dark undercurrents of social order in Elizabethan society.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ser-
“to line up, to arrange (suggesting hierarchy or order)”
Latin
Latin
senior
“older, elder (implying authority and respect)”
Old French
Old French
sire
“lord, master (a term of respect for those in power)”
Middle English
Middle English
sir
“a term of respect for a man, often noble or of higher status”
16th Century
English
sirrah
“an address to a man of lower status, often used in a dismissive or commanding tone”
Modern English
English
sirrah
“archaic term now largely obsolete, but echoes the historical stratification of society.”