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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

'Can u get a . . .'

69 replies

Slothlorien · 05/06/2013 18:23

I really really hate this new way of asking for things. 'Can I get a coffee' no sign of a please, nothing. So rude. I hate it and I hope it doesn't become normal. AIBU ?

OP posts:
RustyBear · 05/06/2013 19:26

Actually, Chambers dictionary defines "get" as "to have, to obtain, to procure, to receive" so I can't see what's so wrong with it....

picnicbasketcase · 05/06/2013 19:41

YANBU. I hate it, and my best friend says it in restaurants and I have to bite my tongue to stop myself saying 'No, you can't get it. If you try to enter the kitchen, we'll be asked to leave'.

WilsonFrickett · 05/06/2013 19:47

YY Agent I say 'can I get' too (although I always say please!). I think it's Scottish, see also 'where do you stay' for 'where do you live' which baffles most people so much I now say it even when I don't want to know where they stay...

Silverlace · 05/06/2013 19:49

It annoys me too. Manners cost nothing.

I worked as a temp for a while and the boss used to ring in early and I usually answered the phone to her. She would ask for her PA by saying "Get me Helen quickly!". This used to really irritate me and when I told my DH he suggested I pause for a moment to read the extension list then reply "I can't see a Helen Quickly but I can see a Helen Please." I would have loved to have done it but needed the money. Grin

Elquota · 05/06/2013 20:00

YANBU. It's so entitled and rude.

eccentrica · 05/06/2013 20:00

stuffez your grammar pedant was wrong! "Gin and tonic" is a single unit hence the plural is "two (gin and tonic)s".

That's why I can't stand SPAG pedants; so often they're wrong and it's not a substitute for saying something intelligent Smile

cardibach · 05/06/2013 20:04

I thought that, too, eccentrica !
Two gins and tonic would mean two gins but only one tonic between them - which might be what the customer wanted , but probably wasn't. Two gin and tonics would be correct for two gins and two tonics.

I'm not too upset by 'Can I get...' as long as it has a please attached to the end!

TippiShagpile · 05/06/2013 20:06

Gin and tonic a single unit?

Not when I make them they aren't Wink

Wine
eccentrica · 05/06/2013 20:13

I know what you mean tippi Grin

Pregnant so can only fantasize about it!

dementedma · 05/06/2013 21:00

Can I get is normal use here in Scotland so, yes, it is regional.

Buzzardbird · 05/06/2013 21:10

The only honest answer to "can I get a coffee" in a café is "no,health and safety would never allow it".
sometimes people just need reminding which country they are in. (I blame television, grrr).

squeakytoy · 05/06/2013 21:13

I wouldnt really give a toss about someone wanting to get or have.. so long as they said please and thankyou.

debduck · 05/06/2013 21:15

perhaps we place too much emphasis on spoken manners in this country? We dont bow to our uppers anymore either. Is this rude too? I'm sure our forefathers thought it was when it phased out. Well not mine, they were probably too busy thanking Hades that they didnt have to bow anymore.

ScarletLady02 · 05/06/2013 21:52

I don't mind SO much if there's a please etc...but I can completely understand why it riles people.

My Dad gets EVER so annoyed when people say "Have you got a cigarette?" and someone replies "Yes I do!"

Also he gets annoyed with "Do you want a cup of tea?" followed by "Cool!" Yes it may be cool....but do you want a cup of tea???

He's way more pedantic than me....but some of it has rubbed off Grin

HollyBerryBush · 05/06/2013 22:00

"Please can I have a cup of coffee?" or "Can I have a cup of coffee please?"

poor grammar

"Please may I have a cup of coffee?" or "may I have a cup of coffee please?"

I have no idea why - it was drummed into us at primary back in the 60's may/can - two different things.

CAF275 · 05/06/2013 22:19

Can I get is normal use here in Scotland so, yes, it is regional.

Maybe in Glasgow, but not in Aberdeen. I would say "could I have a big fat gin and tonic please".

mrswoz · 05/06/2013 23:31

Many a time in coffee shops, bakeries, food service places in general, I am greeted with - hi there, what can I get you?

Maybe this explains why people are asking, can I get?

SPsCliffingAllOverMN · 05/06/2013 23:35

I just don't care.

Stop buying coffee in coffee shops and make one at home. You need to take out a man for a drink and a bit of cake in the coffee shops near me Grin

NeoMaxiZoomDweebie · 05/06/2013 23:46

I have noticed a GROWING trend for "I've just brought a new jumper..." "My Mum brought DD a lovely new swing"

AAAAHHHHHHGGGGGGGG!!!!!!! NO!

NeoMaxiZoomDweebie · 05/06/2013 23:47

And whilst we're at it can I point out "Grab"? "Ooh let's go and grab lunch."

NO. I won't grab lunch... that would be rude!

Joiningthegang · 05/06/2013 23:51

I'm with others - it's the lack of a please or thank you that is really wrong - although I would prefer "please may I ...." Every time!

Joiningthegang · 05/06/2013 23:53

SPs - did you mean you have to take out a man to get a coffee where you are - or did it autocorrect and should say loan?
Made me chuckle :)

SanityClause · 05/06/2013 23:55

Yy, CAF. I would say "could", too. (I'm Australian, BTW)

LadyBeagleEyes · 05/06/2013 23:55

Maybe it is a Scottish thing as loads of people say it around here, including me.
Most say please though.
As do I.

zeeboo · 05/06/2013 23:58

I have more ire towards people who can't even spell 'you'.