I'll get the salmon

[wand3rer]

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

Indeed. I thought the thread was about shopping.

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.

'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?'

Yes fair point

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"

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.’

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.

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?

@ClaredeBear @likelysuspect @PyongyangKipperbang @W0tnow

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

@AeriatedAnna @carol @KnitWitsAnonymous @Campbellcarrotsoup

❤️ I wish I could edit my original post!

@BeardySchnauzer

Teens! 😂

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’?

@UhOhRatPoo

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

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

“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.

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

ETA This has been covered!

@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. 😁

I'll get the salmon (from the fridge so we can cook it)
Could I have the salmon please (from the menu)

You only mention the other things if they are an option.

Could I have salmon with... chips and seasonal vegetables please (because I don't want the rice and mushrooms option).

Get? Ew!

I'll get the salmon sounds like I'll nip down to Waitrose for the salmon.

May I have the salmon please. That indicates not only good manners, but also basic grammar.

what makes me feel put together is always having tissues and an umbrella in my handbags always displaying basic manners in public.

These comments 😂 you monster, OP!

😂

Don’t forget "clean knickers in case you’re in an accident and get taken to hospital!" (as my great-grandma used to say)…