Today's word is definitely a new one on me - is it in common usage in the US? The nearest I can think of that we have are 'sleeping policemen' which are the bumps they put into the road to slow traffic down. I think I'd just use 'potholes' to describe what today's word is calling 'thank-you-ma'am's'.

What about the rest of you??

I believe this is a slightly risqué reference to sexual gratification. More upon request.

not according to AWAD it's not:

thank-you-ma'am (THANGK yoo mam) noun

A bump or depression in a road.

[From the nod of the head that results when one passes over it in a vehicle,
as if in an acknowledgment of a favor.]

but then maybe I'm just being an innocent - do elaborate!!

Today's word is definitely a new one on me - is it in common usage in the US?

I wouldn't say it's common, but I've heard it. 'Round these parts a "sleeping policeman" is usually called a "speedbump". A thank-you-ma'am is sort of a reverse speedbump -- a chunk taken out of the road rather than a bump added on.

We call potholes potholes here, too. That is, when we are not calling them <BLEEP>ing, God-<BLEEP>ed, alignment-<BLEEP>ing potholes.

Rkay : I think I'd just use 'potholes' to describe what today's word is calling 'thank-you-ma'am's'

Oh dearie me no!
A pothole is a hole in the road usually caused when winter frost heaves subside. At least in cold winter areas.
Re thank-you-ma'ams : In my youth secondary roads were not as beautifully graded as they are now ... and sometimes as you went along the car would come to a raised section of road with sloping sides - large enough to tilt the car up and down again quite quickly - but not high enough to "hang it up."
Have you ever been in an airplane when it "hit an air pocket" and you got that whoopsidaisy lift and return?
Well a "thank-you-ma'am" is like that but not as severe.
I learned the term in the "old days" (1930s) when Dad piled us all in the car for The Sunday Drive.
Although I was taught thank-you-mum! Was told it came from the bobbing curtsy maids gave to employers in the *really old days of live-in household help; black, ankle length uniforms, white aprons and tiny white caps!
"Mum" being for employers; "ma'am" being reserved for The Queen.
Had not run into a thank-you-mum for years and years until, funnily enough, I was driving on a unimproved (dirt) road about a month ago and hit a thank-you-mum. I said the phrase aloud and then had to explain the meaning to my *young driving companion.

..."Mum" being for employers; "ma'am" being reserved for The Queen.

OK. This means the Queen Mum employs the Queen?

I said the phrase aloud and then had to explain the meaning to my *young driving companion.

Then you had to explain to the board who your *young driving companion. was! We know..probably your grandchild, but gotta find something to kid with our Wise Old Woman about!

The nearest I can think of that we have are 'sleeping policemen'

Hmmm, never heard them called that (or thank-you maam for that matter)! Oh well, perhaps it explains why I drive over them so fast. I love it when I'm airborne! Oh ha ha ... in my dreams, maybe!

which are the bumps they put into the road to slow traffic down. <snip> What about the rest of you??

We call them "speed bumps" and the Zilders call them "Judder Bars". Don't ask me why, they're a weird mob over there.

Hev