"This was the case until a couple of centuries ago, with only little girls and prostitutes being called Miss."Oh, goodness me, no, no, no!Those of you who have read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice will know that Mr and Mrs Bennett were blessed - if that is the word - with five unmarried daughtes, none of whom were either little girls or prostitutes. The eldest was called Jane and was Miss Bennett, who later married the very rich Mr Bingley (nice but dim). The next eldest was Miss ELizabeth Bennett, who later married the incredibly rich Mr D'Arcy (nice but not dim). Amongst the others - I forget the order - were Miss Mary Bennett (who "delighted us long enough" with her piano playing) and the other two whose names for the moment escape me, including that of the naughty one who ran off with the dashing but wicked soldier. Note the eldest daughter was always Miss Bennett without a forename. Together they were the Misses Bennett, a monstrous regiment, even without the pals of the aforementioned soldier (who are almost the only indicator in Jane Austen's novels of there being a war on).In France a woman beyond a certain age become Madame, even if in her heart she is still a Madamoiselle. Likewise I believe in Germany, a single woman becomes Frau after a number of years even if she is unmarried and when younger would have been Fraulein.It is possible to omit altogether the prefix, which has a certain simplicity about it, though it is curious that even the most radical bodies still offer the choice of Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms. and often in that order, which says something of the hierarchy.I suppose Ms. is for women who do not want an issue made of their marital status. Rather like Mr. really. Men just don't make such a fuss of it.In England "'er indoors", "she who must be obeyed" an "get over 'ere, you" denote married status. Whereas "Cuddles" and "Honeybun" etc. do not. That says something of the state of love and marriage in England.Dan
Dan Filson ● 5836d