Can I get?

Is OP Sean Lock?

Take it to its logical conclusion… All individual languages are replaced by a mish mash of Americanised rubbish. Wherever you go, there’s no differentiation, it’s all the same. Do we really want that?

Americans were complaining about the use of English words and idioms in their language in the 18th Century. I often hear British slang being used in American TV programmes, w**ker being one, which makes me smile.
Hello emsz! (waves) 😀

Is OP Sean Lock?

I’d have a lot more cash in the bank!

It’s just one of those things that really winds me up, I’m pretty chilled out with everything but this 😆

Aha! So, choice / use of language can convey politeness.

Er. yes? Not sure why “Aha” on that revelation, my original example had a please in it for this very reason. Not sure what you’re getting at with the context thing, either – if the need to convey information in an emergency went something along the lines of someone saying to me “Can I get that fire extinguisher right now because my legs are on fire?” I probably wouldn’t quibble about the lack of a “please” before handing it over….

Perhaps I’ve missed your point. Perhaps there isn’t one. Or is it this (not sure how it links to your comments above it though)

Some people think proper grammar and use of language is important.

I reckon most people would agree, what with language being needed in order to communicate, and not doing it “properly” implies failure in this regard. However, since no one has disputed that “Can I get a pint of lager please?” fails to convey the information effectively (including the “please” bit which conveys respect etc.) I maintain that therefore it falls within the definition of “proper use of language”, although it does display a shocking lack of discrimination or taste when it comes to choice of refreshment.

Anyone that says “time out” and does the hand sign that goes with it.

Ah- this has been covered off already…

what with language being needed in order to communicate

But it isn’t! Point at a pump and see what you convey – it’ll probably communicate far more than your desire for a pint. You’ll be told where to shove your dire attitude, the barman will go home and tell their boyfriend they had ANOTHER self important wetwipe in the bar etc etc. All of this communicates far more than “May I have a pint please”, which is instantly forgettable.
Saying that, go to another bar and they might throw you out for saying please or not wearing the right kind of hat.

It depends on so many factors, a bit like cycling two abreast on a single lane road. I like that you’ve drawn the line at ‘anything without a please isn’t cricket’, that’s good.

In my mind, it’s all proper use of language – it’s just all the other stuff you may be telling other people through your choice of words that’s important, and what this thread is about.

Plus I’m soft in the head.

although it does display a shocking lack of discrimination or taste when it comes to choice of refreshment.

Smiley face.

I prefer ‘Give it to me now or I’ll blow your f***ing brains out’. Works best when you enter the shop carrying an AR-7. I find you also get served first and there’s no back chat either…

[/url]
Trying to fit in ;-)[/url] by brf[/url], on Flickr

But it isn’t! Point at a pump and see what you convey – it’ll probably communicate far more than your desire for a pint. You’ll be told where to shove your dire attitude, the barman will go home and tell their boyfriend they had ANOTHER self important wetwipe in the bar etc etc. All of this communicates far more than “May I have a pint please”, which is instantly forgettable.

I think we actually agree on this then – my point is that, by saying “Can I.. please?” I’m not merely conveying the information that I would like a tasteless, overchilled, industrially manufactured beverage, I’m also, by speaking and saying “please” conveying my respect to the barman and recognising his humanity. If I point at the pump, I’m merely treating him as a component in a lager dispensing system. So, yes, absolutely, the two convey different things.

However, regarding the difference between “Can I get.. please?” and “I would like… please?” I am struggling to find one…

‘ I want’ in our house doesn’t get.

It’s either please may I have or could I have please.

The words please and/or thank you don’t take much time, energy or effort, yet most people seem to have forgotten how to use them at the correct time and place.

‘Can I get….?’ Should be met with ‘of course, help yourself’….

Standards, standards. Without them we are just apes 🙂

Can I get?

Only if you do the math.

Enough already!

‘Can I get’, implies you wish to obtain the beverage yourself. The barkeep has been pacifically employed to serve drinks to customers, therefore, ‘May I have’, is the correct term.

If you are in a self-serve restaurant, then by all means ask an attendant whether or not you may ‘get’ yourself a drink/food.

Or when Dear Leader say … “Go hang” … hang what? My shoes? 🙄

FFS! Why doesn’t he just say “Go hang yourselves”? Or “Go kill yourselves if you don’t like it”?

edlong – top post 🙂
time for some ice cold refreshment I feel.
The difference is small, and barely warrants notice in the grand scheme of things, but nevertheless its potential existence alone and any effect it may have is used primarily as a tool by some to feel superior to others 😀
Wooooo