Based on the provided reference, Americans might omit "please" when ordering because they view the act as providing necessary information to the waiter, and "please" can sometimes carry connotations of impatience or exasperation in an American context.
Understanding language nuances helps illuminate communication styles across cultures. The use or omission of courtesy words like "please" can reveal underlying cultural perspectives on interaction and efficiency.
Understanding the American Approach to Ordering
In certain situations, such as ordering food in a restaurant, the primary focus in American English can be on the clear and direct exchange of information.
- Americans often regard ordering as simply providing the waiter with the details needed to perform their job effectively.
- This perspective leads to direct phrasing, such as stating the desired item clearly.
Example: Instead of "Could I please have the chicken?", a common American phrasing noted in the reference is:
- "I'll have the chicken."
This directness is seen as efficient and functional within this specific service context.
The Nuance of 'Please' in American English
While "please" is widely used for politeness in many contexts, in specific situations like requests or demands, its connotation can shift in American English.
As language blogger Ben Trawick-Smith has observed, please can add connotations of impatience and exasperation to an American request.
Connotations Highlighted
This suggests that adding "please" might not always be perceived purely as politeness, but could inadvertently imply urgency or annoyance, depending on the tone and context.
- Impatience: Suggesting the speaker wants the request fulfilled quickly.
- Exasperation: Implying the speaker is frustrated or finds the request obvious.
Therefore, omitting "please" in functional contexts like ordering might be a way to avoid these potentially negative connotations and maintain a neutral, informative tone.
Context Matters
It's important to recognize that the nuances discussed are often context-dependent. While "please" might carry certain connotations in specific types of requests or when ordering, it remains a crucial part of polite language in countless other situations in American English. The reference specifically highlights its use in a request and the ordering scenario.
Here's a summary of the reasons mentioned in the reference:
| Reason for Omitting "Please" (Ordering) | Potential Connotation of "Please" (in American Request) |
|---|---|
| Viewing ordering as providing information | Can add impatience |
| Direct communication style | Can add exasperation |
In conclusion, the perception of ordering as a functional task combined with the potential for "please" to imply impatience or exasperation in certain requests are factors contributing to its occasional omission in American English, particularly when ordering.
