Please and thankyou.. a British thing?
Nov 3rd 2006, 3:43 pm
#46
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Vermont
Posts: 3,264
Re: Please and thankyou.. a British thing?
Originally Posted by mozoo
The one word over here that aggravates me the most is "HUH?"
I've instilled in my daughter the words "please", "thank you" and "pardon/excuse me". Her friends always thought that was funny or lame. To that end, I have earned myself the nickname of "Nazi Mom".
I've instilled in my daughter the words "please", "thank you" and "pardon/excuse me". Her friends always thought that was funny or lame. To that end, I have earned myself the nickname of "Nazi Mom".
love it. Agree about the huh thing and any variation of it, like nuhuh etc.The kids around here are very polite, they don't seem to say please as much but they do say thanks. I suppose it's similar to most Brits apologising a lot, even when they've done nothing to apologise for, you won't get many Americans doing that.
Nov 3rd 2006, 5:01 pm
#47
Blondie22
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,738
Re: Please and thankyou.. a British thing?
Originally Posted by Dan725
Me too. I think it's a cultural difference, being brought up with the mantra "I want never gets", it grates when you hear it, although in most instances they don't mean to be rude.
Some people do take it to the extreme though. Several times when picking up a takeaway from the chinese, I have noticed some people picking up orders won't give them the time of day. The person behind the counter is always very friendly, but some people just talk right over her, blurt out their order number and almost throw the money at them in contempt before storming out.
Another one that kills me is the people who cannot be arsed to hang up their cell phones at checkouts and when ordering food. Thats one thing I've got to give credit to our local post office for - there is a sign that says if you are blabbing on your phone when you come to the counter, you'll go to the back of the line!
Some people do take it to the extreme though. Several times when picking up a takeaway from the chinese, I have noticed some people picking up orders won't give them the time of day. The person behind the counter is always very friendly, but some people just talk right over her, blurt out their order number and almost throw the money at them in contempt before storming out.
Another one that kills me is the people who cannot be arsed to hang up their cell phones at checkouts and when ordering food. Thats one thing I've got to give credit to our local post office for - there is a sign that says if you are blabbing on your phone when you come to the counter, you'll go to the back of the line!
All of our Trick or Treaters said Thank you which I thought was great.
Nov 3rd 2006, 5:09 pm
#48
Banned
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Santa Monica,CA from Birmingham, UK
Posts: 18,402
Re: Please and thankyou.. a British thing?
I remember I was shocked when I first came here by the apparent rudeness/directness of 'I want', 'I need', 'Give me', 'Let me have', 'Can I get', when Americans ask people in service positions such as waiters and store clerks for their orders.
I use these myself now, I guess When in Rome.............. I still say thanks though, just a lifelong habit.
I use these myself now, I guess When in Rome.............. I still say thanks though, just a lifelong habit.
