Mr or Esq ?

[Aquagility]

One for Quizmaster?
While I have never doubted that Jack was as good as his master, there was a less PC time when Mr was reserved for the Butcher, Baker and Candlestick Maker. Those not engaged in 'Trade' were addressed by their name, followed by Esq.
What form would be considered correct in 2008?

[Aquagility]

Monster, not Master! Sorry.

[Quizmonster]

If youdo mean Quizmonster, Aqua...I ask because there is an AnswerBanker called Quizmaster...I have to say that I have not seen Esquire used for quite a few years.
I say that as someone who, in the past, was frequently so addressed on mail and envelopes. Now I'm just plain Mister/Mr, alongside the butcher, baker and candlestick-maker, I'm afraid! I agree, however, that "we are a' Jock Thampson's bairns".

[Aquagility]

Yes, I'll go with that Q'monster. Though I still get a few Esq's, mainly from those of my friends born in the last ice age. How to address one's adult grandchildren remains a problem. Thank the Lord for Email!

[LoftyLottie]

I had forgotten about Esq. Haven't seen it for years now!

[fredpuli47]

This ice-ager still uses 'esquire' but the practice is dying out.I blame computers: Mr/Mrs/Miss or Manuscript (Ms) are much simpler for forms and automated addressing.It wasn't a case of all members of a profession being 'esquire I'm old enough to remember when barristers were always 'esq' but the poor old solicitors were Mr ! I follow the old practice, more or less, when writing letters (I dare say I'd address the senior partner of my family's solicitors as 'esq.!.LOL).
What happened to Master? Does anyone still address a young nephew as 'Master'? I would.When I was of that age, it seemed quite flattering to have a 'title' at all!

[DaisyMae]

While in the US a few years ago, I had reason to send an item through the post to a young lady lawyer. She gave me her address and asked that I address her as J...... R.... Esq. It seems that in America lawyers all, no matter what gender take the title Esquire. Odd, I think.

[Katoninelive]

I clean for an England Cricketer & his name on his cheques is followed by esq?

[LoftyLottie]

It was only in recent years that I persuaded my mother not to send cards to my son addressed to 'Master'. He is in his mid twenties.

I can remember very well that letters to my father were always addressed to A. N. Other, Esq.

[fredpuli47]

An England cricketer an 'esquire' ! By Jove, there was a time when professional cricketers didn't merit Mr ! Whatever happened to Gentlemen and Players ? LOL

Interestingly, there has been a change of practice in racing. At Huntingdon this month, Sam Waley-Cohen, an amateur rider, was in a race against professionals.He was not listed as Mr, as was the practice for amateur riders, but as S Waley-Cohen, in the same style as the professional jockeys. He was, however, allowed his amateur's allowance of 7lbs (and won)

[Ice.Maiden]

Awww...I haven't seen "Esq" used for ages either - but my young sons've received Christmas cards addressed to "Master..."
My eldest one thought it sopunded very "proper" - and funny!!!

[Ice.Maiden]

Ooops! : )