Bemadamed

/bɪˈmædəmd/ adjective

Definition

Excessively addressed as 'madam' or treated with overly elaborate formality; the past participle of 'bemadam' used as an adjective.

Etymology

Past participle of 'bemadam,' formed regularly by adding '-ed.' This word appears occasionally in Early Modern English literature as a humorous or satirical term.

Kelly Says

These increasingly absurd 'be-' verbs (bemadam, bemadamed, bemadaming) show how speakers were actively playing with language—creating new words on the fly for comic effect.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Derived from 'bemadam'; same gendered formality issue as above.

Inclusive Usage

Avoid repeating gendered formality patterns. Use context-neutral language.

Inclusive Alternatives

["addressed formally","greeted"]

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