thank-you-ma'am

[ thangk-yoo-mam ]

/ ˈθæŋk yʊˌmæm /

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noun

a bump or depression in a road that jars a person riding over it.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

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Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of thank-you-ma'am

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Heinold's First and Last Chance, Oakland (Jack London, Taft) You can thank Johnny Heinold for your favorite Jack London book.
The Bars That Made America Great|Nina Strochlic|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Then the sun went down and the anger came back as a “Thank You NYPD” rally traded insults with counter-protestors.
NYC’s Garner Protesters vs. Pro-Cop Protesters|Jacob Siegel|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Enforcement of U.S Code, Title VII, Chapter 25A “Export Standards for Grapes and Plums” remains fully funded, thank goodness.
Congress’ Gift That Keeps on Giving|P. J. O’Rourke|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“I want to thank support from the Vatican, especially Pope Francis,” he said in a televised statement.
The Pope's Diplomatic Miracle: Ending the U.S.-Cuba Cold War|Barbie Latza Nadeau|December 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

However you decide to vote in the end, I thank those who continue to give us leverage to improve the bill.
Nancy Pelosi Plays Hardball On Cromnibus|Ben Jacobs|December 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
"I most humbly thank your lordship," replied the butler with an air of profound gratitude, as he chuckled in his sleeve.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
And under these conditions we have already, thank God, baptized four of them.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
I hope the French Government will recognize this dashing stroke of d'Amade's by something more solid than a thank you.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
I thank you, General, but General Blair has just done me the great honor of appointing me on his staff.
The Courier of the Ozarks|Byron A. Dunn
Thank you for nothing, Reginald; however, I shall certainly take a dip in the lucky-bag at the Castle.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills