The first thing we learn as children, as soon as we can speak sentences is "please" and "thank you". And judging by the conversations in the dining room of the old folks home, it is the first to go when we get old. Here, as a convenience to those you you who may visit an old folks home is an interpretation from old folks lingo to normal polite English.
Hey, I didn't get no brown sugar
Translation: May I have some brown sugar
You forgot my grapefruit
Translation: May I have some Grapefruit, please.
You're in MY chair.
Translation: If you'd like to sit there toeay, I will move over here.
Coffee!
Translastion: May I have a refill, please.
You are very polite Chuck. Good for you. Helen
ReplyDeletebeing polite goes along way
ReplyDeleteHilarious, I had no idea!
ReplyDeleteI agree, but it sometimes also works the other way, Chuck. I've seen people move someone in a wheelchair...just move them over? instead of asking them to make room so someone can get by. I've heard people say: I am here to put you to bed, rather than: Would you like to go to bed now? I've also seen trays automatically removed without so much as a : Are you done with dinner? Maybe they have forgotten because no one extends the courtesy to them either. You think? ~Mary
ReplyDeleteFunny, that's how teenagers communicate, too.
ReplyDeleteJude
http://journals.aol.com/jmorancoyle/MyWay
The way I look at it-first-they get right to the point-don't mince words
ReplyDeletesecond being polite is two fold-if ya don't gets respect-why give it
and last but of course not least-they lived long enough that they should do what they want how they want and when they want.
oops I just fell off my soap box...
connie
Maybe some of them have been uprooted from their home against their will and it makes them unhappy. They may not be as clear thinking as you are and I'm sure the caregivers appreciate you. Paula
ReplyDeleteSounds like great translations! I guess after awhile, people might think it takes to much energy to use all the extra words!! LOL
ReplyDeleteJackie