Reply
Wed 16 Sep, 2009 11:31 pm
What does your worship mean? your worship = sir?
Context:
Aye, aye, sir, I know your worship loves no holiday speeches
@oristarA,
We use it in Canada and the UK, I don't think it's used in the US...It is a term of respect used when you address a judge or a mayor.
In the USA you would say your honour.
"Aye aye sir" is a phrase traditionally used by sailors in the (British) Royal Navy (and perhaps others) in response to an order from an officer, who would never be addressed as "Your worship" so something is not right here. It sounds as if the speaker was being sarcastic.
More context is needed.
[Edit]
If you absolutely must quote from books as old as Walter Scott's Redgauntlet, you should mention the fact, and also: be aware that it was (1) written in 1823 (2) Is set around 1765 (3) set in Scotland (4) includes lots of dialect speech.
"Your worship" is just a form of respectful address like "Sir" here.