Are they being unreasonable? Banned from local KFC today

[GraciousLife]

Popped into my local KFC today. Due to the area I live in, they have screens up between customer and cashier (like in post offices and banks), which makes it hard to hear what is being said. I didn't understand what the girl asked me, and, as I often say when I don't understand what someone has said, I jokingly said "Can I have that in English please", without thinking/realising/noticing the cashier was from another country (english being her second language).

The cashier got very upset. More upset than I would have thought is necessary, and refused to continue to serve me. I was shocked. She got her manager and told her what I had said. To cut a very long story short, I have been banned from the store.

Is the OP posting from South Central LA?

which kfc has screens?

They don't in Shepherd's Bush.

I think the OP might be telling porky pies.

Unless she got a bit confused and walked up to the drive thru window.

Aside from musing about the set up of the counters "come again in English" is something that I would expect someone over 60 to say and could be said to anyone with no particular racist connotations.

Its a phrase that would have been commonplace once but I haven't heard it for years.

OP - is your mugshot now displayed on the wall with a Do Not Serve notice attached?

I associate 'come again' with Carry On films, complete with innuendo...

The OP's mugshot is on Colonel Sanders' shitlist.

So you weren't being racist, you were still being bloody rude. You couldn't hear the girl cos of the screen, not cos she was talking shite, which is what your comment implies. I'd be glad to see the back of you!

lord!

I would have just sneezed in your popcorn chicken tbh.

The baked beans from KFC look like they have alreadt been sneezed in, tbh.

KFC is THE most vile fast food.

Is pardon not polite?

How about if you say 'pardon me?'

Upper and non upper. Pardon is non upper.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U_and_non-U_English

they were being ridiculous

Pardon me wouldn't make sense. By not hearing someone you haven't done anything to apologise or say sorry for. I wouldn't use it.

Total bullshit.

And aren't the 1980s the reason Post Offices have screens? All those robberies with sawn off shotguns?

She should be able to speak English otherwise she is useless at her job

This review for kfc kings cross mentions bullet proof glass.

www.yelp.co.uk/biz/kfc-ltd-london-36

if you said "pardon me" to me, I'd think you'd farted.

I think "what?" just sounds too harsh and rude and snappy. Don't care if it's supposed to be posh.

Rude and harsh and snappy about sums up the toffs of yesteryear I can quite see the upper classes of many many years ago barking "what?" at people, in most arrogant fashion and that it became seen as the posh way to ask someone to repeat what they'd said but was actually just bloody rude in the first place.

Thanks to mumsnet, I can no longer say "pardon" without fearing I am being judged so now I opt for "sorry?"

That link is fascinating viva. I can't decide whether I'm upper or middle class

Loving the bit on that review that informs us that attire is "casual", phew, no dressing up required then

But sorry's worse than pardon isn't it? What are you sorry for? (I would use sorry myself but I'm now drawn in to the discussion)

Nope. If you're worrying about class then you're middle class. Neither the upper classes or lower classes give a shit.

I suppose you could always try "say again in English" and see where it gets you.

If I can't hear anyone I just smile and nod. If it needs a reply they soon shout it louder.

In tesco, " have youmgot a club card"

Me < smiles and nods>

HAVE YOU GOT A CLUbCARD?