student asking question

Isn't the order usually "ladies (and) gentlemen"? How come did gentlemen come out first?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Yes, you are correct. The phrase is usually "ladies and gentlemen". However, the reversal of this phrase is used here to show that she is the only woman in the room. It also shows that he isn't thinking about her because he's used to there being only men in power. The fact that she is there is not important to him and so he addresses her after he addresses the men. You can tell from her expression that it is done to be a kind of insult to her, to let her know that he doesn't respect her as much as the men. Ex: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming. Ex: Ladies and gentlemen, the show is about to begin please take your seats.

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