Do you say "yes sir/no sir" (or ma'am) to employees at Taco Bell

[bedstuy]

I never really say "sir."  In Brooklyn, we tend to say "boss" instead in retail situations.  I'm also fond of "chief" and "buddy."

With women, I use "ma'am" on occasion.  I also use "lady" sometimes, but I should probably stop because of sexism or something.

Overall though, low-end retail employees in NYC often won't use words or speak clearly.  It's hard to be polite back to someone who only communicates with grunts and guttural noises.  So, I try to conform to that level of impoliteness.