word choice - Usage of and equivalents of Sir


According to Wiktionary:



Noun


sir or Sir (plural sirs)



  • A man of a higher rank or position.

  • An address to a military superior.
    Yes sir.

  • An address to any male, especially if his name or proper address is unknown.
    Excuse me, sir, could you tell me where the nearest bookstore is?



I assume you'd not use this for young boys for example, and certainly not for girls or women. In what circumstances are sir the right one to use, and are there alternatives when it's not?




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