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AIBU?

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Original poster

I'll get the salmon

293 replies

wand3rer · 23/05/2026 15:55

Any tiny little habits that make you feel a bit more “put together”?

For example, in a restaurant I’ll just say “I’ll get the salmon” instead of reading out the whole dish name exactly as it’s written on the menu (“salmon with roasted potatoes and vegetables”).

It’s such a ridiculously small thing but it makes me feel smoother 😎😂

What else?

OP posts:
Original poster
wand3rer · 23/05/2026 18:24

@Swiftie1878

I didn't include it in my post as I always use 'please'. I also didn’t mention all the other things I would have done in both cases: making eye contact, politely confirming that we were ready to order when the waiter or waitress asked, tipping, etc. 😁

OP posts:
cloudysky75 · 23/05/2026 18:24

It's not 'I'll get the salmon' though, so how is that more put together?

ETA This has been covered!

Rollingaroundisacon · 23/05/2026 18:23

“I’ll get” is very American. In the UK it’s…
”Please may I have the Salmon”
or
”I’d like/i’ll have the Salmon please”
And no, of course no need to read the whole description.

Andylion · 23/05/2026 18:23

OP, get the salmon.
The rest of you, cancel the fucking cheque.

Original poster
wand3rer · 23/05/2026 18:20

@UhOhRatPoo

A colleague, born and raised in London, in her 40s 🤷‍♀️

OP posts:
Swiftie1878 · 23/05/2026 18:20

wand3rer · 23/05/2026 16:03

Yes, the ‘please’ is a given. In both cases. That’s why I didn’t include it in my original post

Show quote history

Oh, but it’s never a given. Do you think when you don’t actually say the word, the staff members should take it as a ‘given’?

Original poster
wand3rer · 23/05/2026 18:19

@BeardySchnauzer

Teens! 😂

OP posts:
Original poster
wand3rer · 23/05/2026 18:18

@AeriatedAnna @carol @KnitWitsAnonymous @Campbellcarrotsoup

❤️ I wish I could edit my original post!

OP posts:
Original poster
wand3rer · 23/05/2026 18:17

@ClaredeBear @likelysuspect @PyongyangKipperbang @W0tnow

Thanks for understanding what I tried to say (very clumsily)! ❤️

OP posts:
m00rfarm · 23/05/2026 18:16

Normally to indicate you are ready to order, the menu is put onto the table, closed. So if you cannot remember the full description, I am sure the waiter is able to work out what you would like if you mention the word salmon. But what sort of English is "I'll get the salmon". Is that a typo, or do you really know people who speak like that?

wavestofind · 23/05/2026 18:14

MyAutumnCrow · 23/05/2026 17:55

I think it's more that 'can I ..?', if one is being pedantic (which is absolutely fabulous if that's what floats your metaphors) means 'is it possible that I ..?'

'Can I leave the room?' means 'Is it possible for me to leave the room?'

'May I leave the room?' is asking for permission to leave the room.

'I would like to leave the room' is expressing a wish.

Etc.

Show quote history

I agree, I know 'may I have' is perfectly fine albeit more formal. My children were taught to say 'may I have' when they speak to teachers but outside of that strict environment I want them to communicate with clarity, respect and self respect. However, in the end it's what we are used to saying so 'may' will sound completely normal to those who have always used it.

This is mumsnet at its finest, derailing the thread with post number 1 and good natured bun fight over words and meanings. It's amusing while sitting in the shade and drinking iced coffee.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 23/05/2026 18:12

wand3rer · 23/05/2026 16:11

Oh, that's interesting! I'm not British. Until recently, I would have used 'I'll have the salmon'. But I was told that 'I'll get' is actually the right phrasing in the UK

@PoppieCock @likelysuspect @BeardySchnauzer

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Whoever told you that is woefully wrong.

People do say ‘Can I get (e.g.) a latte,’ when ordering a coffee, but that use of ‘get’ makes many of us cringe, ‘Can I please have…?’ is much better. Or even just ‘A latte, please.’

5128gap · 23/05/2026 18:09

Completely agree. Nothing tells me I've arrived more than standing there, tuna in brine in one hand, John West pink in the other, umming and aahing, then thinking sod it. "I'll get the salmon"

BeardySchnauzer · 23/05/2026 18:09

MyAutumnCrow · 23/05/2026 17:55

I think it's more that 'can I ..?', if one is being pedantic (which is absolutely fabulous if that's what floats your metaphors) means 'is it possible that I ..?'

'Can I leave the room?' means 'Is it possible for me to leave the room?'

'May I leave the room?' is asking for permission to leave the room.

'I would like to leave the room' is expressing a wish.

Etc.

Show quote history

Yes fair point

HelenaWilson · 23/05/2026 18:08

'Can I leave the room?' means 'Is it possible for me to leave the room?'
'May I leave the room?' is asking for permission to leave the room.

'You certainly can, the question is, may you.'

Or as one of my teachers used to say when someone asked 'Can I...?' 'I don't know. Can you?'

ChocolateCinderToffee · 23/05/2026 18:07

Anyone who doesn't say 'I'd like the salmon please' or variations on that and instead reads out the whole description from the menu is likely to give the waiter or waitress hysterics. I don't think anyone does this unless they have never eaten out before.

CaptainMyCaptain · 23/05/2026 18:07

PoppieCock · 23/05/2026 15:59

In fact if I was a waitress, I'd be tempted to say "No madam, please remain seated and allow us to get the salmon for you". 🤣🤣

Indeed. I thought the thread was about shopping.

Steeleydan · 23/05/2026 18:06

wand3rer · 23/05/2026 15:55

Any tiny little habits that make you feel a bit more “put together”?

For example, in a restaurant I’ll just say “I’ll get the salmon” instead of reading out the whole dish name exactly as it’s written on the menu (“salmon with roasted potatoes and vegetables”).

It’s such a ridiculously small thing but it makes me feel smoother 😎😂

What else?

Its not 'could I get the salmon'
Its please could I have the salmon
Or please may I have the salmon
To say 'can I get' is appalling diction

MyAutumnCrow · 23/05/2026 17:55

BeardySchnauzer · 23/05/2026 17:41

You seem to feel very strongly about the word ‘May’ - I’ve never seen it as some how pleading or submissive. It’s just the politer version of can

I think it's more that 'can I ..?', if one is being pedantic (which is absolutely fabulous if that's what floats your metaphors) means 'is it possible that I ..?'

'Can I leave the room?' means 'Is it possible for me to leave the room?'

'May I leave the room?' is asking for permission to leave the room.

'I would like to leave the room' is expressing a wish.

Etc.

W0tnow · 23/05/2026 17:54

It’s been a while since I was wait staff, but people do order like that. They may not say “I’ll have the gently poached salmon in a white wine sauce with garden fresh minted peas and tender new potatoes and zingy tomato salad” but yes, lots of people will say most of the description when it isn’t necessary.

Anyway, OP, have you donned your hair shirt yet?

Tortoisel · 23/05/2026 17:53

I have worked in a restaurant. Served all kinds of people including celebs. As long as you are polite no one cares.

SixtySomething · 23/05/2026 17:52

wand3rer · 23/05/2026 16:11

Oh, that's interesting! I'm not British. Until recently, I would have used 'I'll have the salmon'. But I was told that 'I'll get' is actually the right phrasing in the UK

@PoppieCock @likelysuspect @BeardySchnauzer

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Definitely not!!!😱

LapinR0se · 23/05/2026 17:50

i actually say “I’ll take the salmon please”. No idea if that’s weird.
I love when I remember my bag for life at the supermarket

BeardySchnauzer · 23/05/2026 17:49

wavestofind · 23/05/2026 17:44

I suppose I do feel strongly about 🙂I'm not a school kid asking permission to eat Salmon.

Show quote history

I’ve never thought of it as asking for permission any more than ‘can I?’

Youhadrambledonfor18pages · 23/05/2026 17:46

“I’ll have the salmon please” or “I’d like the salmon please” - “get” is incorrect.

Surely everyone does this anyway, I’ve never seen anyone read out the whole description written on the menu 🤷🏼‍♀️.