Lewes Forum thread

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Can I GET a? (No you f****** can't)!

On Tue 7 Sep at 3:54pm Teddy Zyvis wrote:

We MUST fight this tooth and nail
In this country we say can I HAVE, or ''I'll have'', or just: ''Pint of Harveys please'' - Anything but:
''Can I GET a..''
This is NOT America. Shopkeepers and the like should stand up to it and refuse service. My favourite line suggested to them in reply is:
''No, but you can GET out''

On Tue 7 Sep at 4:24pm Horseman7 wrote:

As long as people are polite and respectful in their dealings with me I don't mind what language they use.

On Tue 7 Sep at 8:21pm IDM wrote:

Assuming you're serious Teddy ... "I'll have" is effectively an order to the barman. "Can I GET a.." is an offer to make a contract, which the barman can accept or refuse. It is by far the more polite.

On Wed 8 Sep at 9:36am Captain Awesomes wrote:

You miss the biggest problem with that statement.
Regardless whether it followed by get or have or anything else:
CAN is a clarification of ability not request for receipt.
Yes, you CAN get/have a beer, but you haven't asked for one.
The correct word to use is MAY not CAN.
I point this out and refuse to serve anyone who says 'can' rather than 'may' in the pub I work in.
Most people admit their mistake/ignorance, but I get the odd whiner complaining to my boss. Some people have to much time on their hands.

On Wed 8 Sep at 12:35pm stevied wrote:

Watch the video »

On Wed 8 Sep at 9:25pm Teddy Zyvis wrote:

''May'' I have is from the 1800s - ''Captain Awesomes'' Nobody says that any more. I'm 43 and I have NEVER heard that in at least 30 years
IDM what the p*ss are you on about ''contracts''
You people are wildly missing the point. Thread closed there will be no more responses from me. You people live on a different planet.

On Thu 9 Sep at 9:08pm Sussex Jim wrote:

When I enter a pub or a shop and am greeted by "hello,sir" or "what can I get you?" I usually reply "A pint of Harveys (for example), please.
Of course they can serve me with what I require; that is the reason for visiting them. Only small children enter a shop and say "Can I have?"

On Fri 10 Sep at 7:09pm IDM wrote:

First, I agree with Captain Awesomes - "CAN" is quite wrong, as was my 7 Sept.
Teddy Zyvis - all sales are made by contract. Ever seen a sign in an estate agent's window, "Sold Subject to Contract"? In practice, in everyday situations (like in the pub), things are very informal and might be simply pointing at the beer tap - but that doesn't alter the legal position.
"How much for that painting?" - Invitation to treat.
"�50 to you chief" - Offer.
"OK/Done/You're on/Righto/Yes/I'll take it ..." - Acceptance; or perhaps
"You're kidding/Get lost/Do one/Forget it ..." - Refusal.