OK, so New York's a big place, and every now and then you're going to get in somebody's way or cross paths, as you would in any city I guess. What I'm trying to figure out though, is the etiquette around running into people.
At home (meaning Brisbane, not my apartment ), the etiquette is to make eye contact, usually with a brief smile, and say a quick 'sorry' and be on your way. In NYC, it's a little different. You'll say 'excuse me' in a very flat tone and push on through. It's not the wording that I'm having trouble with (I do have a background in speaking English), but rather what they actually mean when they say excuse me.
Is it 'excuse me, I'm sorry for being in your way'? I really don't think so. That's far too polite.
Are they saying 'excuse me, I thought we'd have enough room to squeeze by, but I guess I was wrong.' Hmm, I don't really think so - see above.
Is it 'excuse me, but would you please get out of MY way. I'm very important and I can't have you wasting my time by being in front of me'? More likely, in fact this is the winner so far. New Yorkers are a funny bunch; very driven and extremely aware of their own importance.
Maybe it doesn't mean anything. Perhaps saying 'excuse me' is a warning that they'll just barge on through regardless of fault or likely injury; in much the same way a car horn doesn't say anything, but its meaning is clear enough.
I'll keep on trying to figure this one out. I do know that 'sorry' and a friendly glance doesn't have a place in New York.
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Of course, you can respond to their "excuse me" with a good old fashioned flying headbutt. I daresay that would be the Australian take on the New York "excuse me"?
Maybe you can re-educate them with the true meaning of "excuse me"
I was going to say to put your blinkers on and just barge on through.... but I think Shaun's comment is more accurate!
BTW, just an update on the weather... you must be channeling it through the net. Did you hear that it snowed in Victoria and Tassie this week?? We were all rugged up like mid-Winter on Thursday and Friday!!
xx S.
I would think excuse me to a New yorker was a impatient tone and get out of the way you moron would be the thinking. haha. Maybe you should have a real aussie version of excuse me. Crikey mate piss off haha well maybe that is to long lol.
The Simpsons get a pet elephant:
Homer: Maybe if we tied it down so it couldn't move it wouldn't get so hungry.
Lisa: You can't do that, Dad, it's cruel!
Homer: Oh, everything's cruel according to you. Keeping him chained up in the back yard is cruel. Pulling on his tail is cruel. Yelling in his ears is cruel. Everything is cruel. Well, *excuse me* if I'm cruel!
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