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Pedants' corner
Original poster

Have or Get?

20 replies

bluefox · 02/04/2008 19:11

I work in a shop and have been surprised by the number of people who, when requesting something say "can I get" instead of "could I have". For example:- "can I get a first class stamp?" This never sounds right to me. Is it just me that thinks this? Sorry if this has been discussed before.

OP posts:
Nbg · 02/04/2008 19:12

I've noticed that alot of Americans ask for things like that.

policywonk · 02/04/2008 19:13

Yes, it's an Americanism. Fine in speech but not so good written down.

nickytwotimes · 02/04/2008 19:14

I think a lot of people don't like "get" because it is very American English. Fine if you are American of course! However, here in the south west of Scotland, "get" is the norm and has been for years.

MaryAnnSingleton · 02/04/2008 19:16

arggghhh - it is hideous and vile and I loathe it if anyone says it...it's could I have or May I have... grrrrrrr

hellish · 02/04/2008 19:17

American, but I noticed many Americanism often used in North West, eg. Get a Shower/ bath.
Where in UK are you?

Original poster
bluefox · 02/04/2008 19:19

Yes- I agree. If anyone asks me if they can "get" something I always feel like replying "Yes you can - but do you want one?"

OP posts:
Original poster
bluefox · 02/04/2008 19:23

I am in the North East.

OP posts:
MaryAnnSingleton · 02/04/2008 19:25

bluefox me too !

Nbg · 02/04/2008 19:37

I say get a shower

ratbunny · 02/04/2008 19:45

It is 'Can I have', not get.
The worst thing is when kids at school ask me 'Can I have a toilet?'. 'No, but you can go to the toilet.'

MaryAnnSingleton · 02/04/2008 20:06

ratbunny,that's dreadful !!

MrsMattie · 02/04/2008 20:07

Yes, very American.

'Can I get the burger with fries and a shake?'

You can HAVE a burger, yes.

beansontoast · 02/04/2008 20:11

my dp has started saying it...aswell as 'show' for programme.

am not usually found anywhere near pedants corner...but in this case i think i am def resisting change.

bleugh

MrsMattie · 02/04/2008 20:17

lol@'show'. When we were in Florida last month DH started using all manner of Americanisms - saying 'movie' instead of film, 'stroller' instead of buggy/pushchair, 'trunk' instead of boot. He reckoned it was just so that people understood what he was talking about, but I was not impressed. Traitor!

mistressmiggins · 02/04/2008 20:25

my ILs call a buggy a "trolley"

that is weird

clam · 02/04/2008 20:32

Sorry to split hairs everyone, but it's not Can I have/get anything, but may I. Ha!

amicissima · 02/04/2008 20:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WanderingTrolley · 02/04/2008 20:58

"Can I get fish and chips, please?"

"No you fucking can't. You can wait there and Think About What You Said whilst I serve the nice lady behind you. Then you can ask me again, and this time in English, you twerp."

That is what I would say, had I a fish and chip shop.

Can I get.
You can get stuffed.

May I..?
May I..?
MAY I..?!

beansontoast · 02/04/2008 21:36

oh lordy..I say stroller

Nancy66 · 03/04/2008 13:07

What about 'gotten' is that actually a word?
It's very American but it's creeping in over here..."I've gotten a new car." Yuk

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