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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

"Can I get"

278 replies

Facilitatingdarkness · 07/09/2021 21:02

What's wrong with "Can I have"?

It doesn't even make grammatical sense! I've noticed it more and more when people are ordering coffee, to the point that more people say it than not.

Makes me irrationally angry. Just me?

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 07/09/2021 21:04

Doesn’t bother me but there’s been threads about it where everyone gets annoyed.
It’s not like anyone going to leap over the counter and fix themselves a coffee at Starbucks or anything.

Geamhradh · 07/09/2021 21:06

It's perfectly grammatically correct usage.
Semantically "get" is a synonym of "have" and a million other verbs.
It's probably the most useful verb in English as it can be used in so many contexts.

Chunkymenrock · 07/09/2021 21:08

It's incredibly rude. 'May I have a xxx please' is far nicer.

HarryLimeFoxtrot · 07/09/2021 21:11

It’s an Americanism.

Runforthehillocks · 07/09/2021 21:13

It annoys me too. The answer to "Can I get?" is "Yes, go ahead".

salviapages · 07/09/2021 21:13

It makes perfect grammatical sense, why do you think it doesn't?

Original poster
Facilitatingdarkness · 07/09/2021 21:14

@Geamhradh

It's perfectly grammatically correct usage. Semantically "get" is a synonym of "have" and a million other verbs. It's probably the most useful verb in English as it can be used in so many contexts.
I am prepared to stand corrected on the grammar thing; probably just sounds "odd" to me. Your comment does make sense though so I shall say IABU on that front!

I do think it's more on the subject of etiquette because "Please can/may I have" just sounds so much nicer IMO!

OP posts:
myusernamewastakenbyme · 07/09/2021 21:15

I overheard someone ordering coffee in a cafe the other day....'can i grab'....wtf...who in their right mind says that???

Meredusoleil · 07/09/2021 21:15

I absolutely hate this overuse of 'get' as well. It's everywhere for everything. Very lazy IMHO and shows a lack of better vocabulary.

Even had one of the kids write that in class today "I hope to get a zoo." I was like wtaf?!?

Poochnewbie1 · 07/09/2021 21:15

I use it all the time. I usually use a polite tone and say please at the end so don’t really see how it’s rude..

“Could I get a glass of wine please?”
I realise that ‘May I have…’ sounds more polite but I feel like I’m trying to be posh.

kowari · 07/09/2021 21:17

@Runforthehillocks

It annoys me too. The answer to "Can I get?" is "Yes, go ahead".
Yes, 'Can I get..?' sounds more like the person actively getting something for themselves, while 'Can/May I have..?' sounds more appropriate to being given something.
SnipSnipMrBurgess · 07/09/2021 21:18

What I hated when I was in the US just before the pandemic hit was being asked "what can I get started for you? " I went to a clothes shop once and someone said they were going to get a changing room started for me. I didn't like it at all!

rosebud5678 · 07/09/2021 21:18

My teenage daughter uses this phrase when ordering, and it grates every single time.

BrilliantBetty · 07/09/2021 21:19

Language evolves.
It's an Americanism and is here to stay.

My father used to get annoyed by people said 'good' instead of 'well' or whatever in response to 'how are you'. It's completely the norm now, so what a waste of time it was getting frustrated by it.

Geamhradh · 07/09/2021 21:20

@Meredusoleil

I absolutely hate this overuse of 'get' as well. It's everywhere for everything. Very lazy IMHO and shows a lack of better vocabulary.

Even had one of the kids write that in class today "I hope to get a zoo." I was like wtaf?!?

What was the context? We teach the multitude meanings of "get" to help kids enrich their vocabulary. Mine would certainly get (fnar) a higher mark for using it if it's used correctly.
fluffythedragonslayer · 07/09/2021 21:20

But "get" means to be given something.
"What did you get for Christmas?"

So, can I get a latte = can I be given a latte

Original poster
Facilitatingdarkness · 07/09/2021 21:21

I think "Can I get" sounds like the person ordering wants to get X themselves. Maybe it's just the way my mind works.

OP posts:
irresistibleoverwhelm · 07/09/2021 21:22

Oh god yanbu. I hate it. It’s one Americanism I just can’t stand!

“MAY I HAVE…”

(There, that’s better 😂)

Coogee · 07/09/2021 21:22

I use it all the time. I usually use a polite tone and say please at the end so don’t really see how it’s rude..

“Could I get a glass of wine please?”

Presumably somebody brings it to you? You don’t have to get it yourself.

kowari · 07/09/2021 21:22

Semantically "get" is a synonym of "have" and a million other verbs.
When I hear 'get' I think of it to be more synonymous with 'fetch' than 'have'.

Hekatestorch · 07/09/2021 21:23

'Can I have...?' Is really asking if you are allowed something.

I noticed in the US when we order food and say 'can I have' that's how they take it.

'Can I get..' could also be taken the same way, I suppose.

But I can't agree that 'can I have' makes anymore sense.

Sparklingbrook · 07/09/2021 21:24

Yes, people ask children ‘what are you getting for Christmas?’ but not assuming the children are going out to buy it themselves. 🤷‍♀️

JustBrowwsing · 07/09/2021 21:24

@Chunkymenrock

It's incredibly rude. 'May I have a xxx please' is far nicer.
That would sound so weird in for eg a coffee shop.

“May I have a latte please sir”

AlecTrevelyan006 · 07/09/2021 21:25

As ever, Sean Lock knew it all...