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What or Pardon-Neither!!!!

(134 Posts)
trisher Tue 14-Jul-15 10:59:45

There's a Gransnet poll on facebook asking would you say "What" or "Pardon". I'm sorry but if you said "Pardon" when I was growing up you would be answered by "Why? What have you done?" Pardon is used to apologise when you have done something socially unacceptable. "What" is plain rude. The correct form of speech if you don't hear is "Excuse me I didn't hear." or "I'm sorry I didn't hear". Come on Gransnet get someone who at least knows how to use language. What really surprised me was 74% said they would say "Pardon" Really!!!

merlotgran Wed 15-Jul-15 22:29:38

You could always preview your post first, MamaCaz

Elrel Wed 15-Jul-15 22:48:01

As Jane10 says, 'say again' is perfectly clear, I think I'll use it instead of my current 'sorry?' or 'whatcha say?' depending upon who spoke/muttered/mumbled to me.

Ana Wed 15-Jul-15 22:59:22

'Say again' sounds just as abrupt as 'What?' to me. If I could ever bring myself to say it I'd have to add a 'please'.

thatbags Thu 16-Jul-15 08:08:27

It doesn't sound abrupt if one doesn't say it abruptly. If it is said neutrally, or even with a little interest in one's voice, it's fine. As I said before, it's not the what that's important, but the how.

petra Thu 16-Jul-15 18:38:37

If 'say again' sounds abrupt it would not be used when using a VHF radio where you must be polite at all times, even when people are acting like idiots.

Ana Thu 16-Jul-15 18:47:35

I didn't say it was impolite as such, just that it sounds abrupt coming from someone not using a VHF radio.

thatbags Thu 16-Jul-15 19:16:18

I doesn't sound impolite when I say it. See if you can say it non-abruptly, ana. I'm sure you can smile

jinglbellsfrocks Thu 16-Jul-15 19:23:11

Are you sure "say again" doesn't come from 'Miranda'? If it doesn't, it should do.

Ana Thu 16-Jul-15 19:41:17

thatbags, of course I can, but that's just it - I wouldn't want to say it because it sounds like a command rather than a request.

Obviously I'm on my own on this one! smile

Gracesgran Thu 16-Jul-15 20:44:43

It just needs a little upwards inflection at the end Ana and a half smile. smile

thatbags Thu 16-Jul-15 20:46:35

Yes, an enquiring tone is quite different from a commanding one.

thatbags Thu 16-Jul-15 20:47:40

However, nobody has to say it who doesn't want to. You can stick with Yer what? or whatever your preferred phrase is smile

Ana Thu 16-Jul-15 20:50:02

Yes I know that, gracesgran. smile

I just don't like it.

#getoffmyback

thatbags Thu 16-Jul-15 20:50:57

We're just enjoying the ride, ana. Giddy up there! wink

Ana Thu 16-Jul-15 20:52:26

smile

jinglbellsfrocks Thu 16-Jul-15 21:08:29

I think "say again" is downright weird.

So there.

jinglbellsfrocks Thu 16-Jul-15 21:09:15

and don't you bloody get on my back. grin

jinglbellsfrocks Thu 16-Jul-15 21:10:06

I hate that grin. hmm

thatbags Thu 16-Jul-15 21:48:15

I'm good at weird. #bagsspeciality

jinglbellsfrocks Thu 16-Jul-15 21:50:42

don't we know it

grin

thatbags Thu 16-Jul-15 21:51:27

wink

Nelliemoser Fri 17-Jul-15 12:57:57

I always though that "Pardon" was what you said when your trumped or burped as it was apologising for being unpleasant.
(My little DGS clearly has no manners he just giggles.)

If you cannot hear what someone has said it should be I am sorry I cannot hear you or I didn't catch that.

Ana Fri 17-Jul-15 13:03:10

I always thought you should say 'Pardon me' if you farted or burped, as an apology.

seadragon Fri 17-Jul-15 13:26:16

Sorry - I usually say 'Sorry?' if not 'Say again?'; both with an interrogative lilt Interested to learn latter is a military phrase. I come from a Naval family.

June

trisher Fri 17-Jul-15 13:52:27

"Say again" definitely sounds "Miranda" jbf along with "bear with".