Language, Timothy!

[miss_soap]

When did "Can I get...?" [to me, an Americanism] supersede "May I have/Could I have...?" as the preferred phrasing when ordering a coffee/muffin/whatever at Pret et al?

I appear to be the last bastion of the latter in the City.

Comments

[mog_warbeast]

Don't worry; soon to be replaced by "Iz there can be...?"

[jez_alone]

It's not an Americanism....we are taught back in the States that 'can I...' is not correct. It's basically a sign of times/lack of manners and grammar taught. I have always corrected my students back in the States and here in the UK.

I will admit I say, 'Could I get...?'...but never use 'Can I get...?' as it's WRONG! and rude.

[kynon]

Obviously the only correct syntax in 2010 is "Can haz coffee/muffin plz? kthxbai."

:P

In other news, I usually phrase my orders in the "Could I have X please?" style.

[captainblue]

I expect it was shortly after the Merkins invaded with their coffee bars...

[kotenok]

I think it's a McDonalds-ism.