Avid

Need some anecdotal evidence to settle an argument....

I go to restaurants and shops in Wellington with my wife, Mrs Avid. The staff are always friendly and chatty.....

but....

after a minute or two they spot our posh British accents and start behaving like the servants in 'Upstairs Downstairs'....suddenly it's "Yes Ma'am" "No Ma'am" "3 Short Blacks Ma'am"

Are New Zealanders more servile to Brits? Am I posher sounding than I realised? Is it all a dream?

All comments appreciated.

Biddy

Maybe they think you'll throw a few dollars their way.
What are 3 short blacks when they're at home?

Avid

Types of coffee.....long black, short black....both watered down espressos.

Long and short refers to size.

The Weezer

Are you sure *you're* not a former waiter?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zVEHqwLVvpI

Avid

Nice.......

We're the incredibly posh people who've somehow emigrated to New Zealand.....

I like it...

SavBlancGal

I think Biddy's right - I'm guessing they think you're tourists and will tip them.

Avid

Fair enough....but does that mean if I talk 'common' then people will think I have emigrated here and will talk normally to me?

Genesis

I am an avid complainer if people try to get one over on me, not a whinger mind, I think my new life in NZ is the dog's sphericals reproduction orbs.

Here in NZ I feel I have had far more success with my complaints about poor this and dodgy that complaints that I have made. I am not exactly posh but certainly have an unmistakable british accent. And when wound up I guess I may even sound somewhat haughty. Is it just excellent NZ customer entente cordial or are they being servile as I am a Pom? Hmmmmmm, very interesting!!

Sometimes I think all I have here in NZ is a dream..but its not you know. when not engrossed in 'Dom's world' my new life in NZ is as real as, well a real thing.

Anyone wanna buy a nice, immaculate, 1997, low k's, 8 seater, Toyota, auto, well appointed diesel turbo bus, moored in Palmy?

If you don't ask you don't get! I sold my house to someone walking past it before we came here..had I not approached them we would not be here..no other bugger was gonna but it!!!!

mazi

Clever (though maybe unintentionally?)!

mazi

No, Avid, I just think it's the shotgun you're holding to their head.

I had the (almost) opposite experience in shops. They would be friendly (ish) when I walked in and when they heard my accent they'd get all huffy or say something like "ooh you're posh, aren't you" (with that long drawn-out "OOOOOHHH").

Genesis

It was intentional, just didn't want to gloat over it. I am known for subtlety.

mazi

In that case, CLEVER

Genesis

Thank you. Are you and Mr Kiwi coming for that pizza?

Kippers

Gordon Bennett!


You really don't get it Avid.
They are just taking the p*ss.

I'm sure I would.

Kip

Avid

hmmm...I thought that at first...but I think I'm quick enough to spot 'piss-taking' from 'inferiority complex about the mother nation'

I'm thinking, thanks to this thread, that I must look 'touristy'....and that means they want to make a good impression on the visitor....

I'll wear a pair of...jandals...for a week and report back.