`  :Mackerel, I think you should add that in the ``General Usage: Social Class`` section. It would go well with the first paragraph, and it also reinforces the date around which this phenomenon occurred. It's a pet hate of mine how 'lady' has become a euphemism for 'woman'. You can't tell a child: ``Say thank you to the nice woman`` without causing some sort of offence, or at the very least, surprise. I would even hesitate to say it myself, so strong has the taboo become. Note also that 'gentleman' for 'man', although common (public lavatories etc.), is less ab/used: you can tell a child: ``Say hello to the nice man`` without eyebrows being raised!   `