I feel I have to share my annoyance with a short rant to highlight the misuse of the English language which has caught on over the past few years from the 'internet' and TV generation.
'Can I get'
Firstly the use of the phrase 'can I get' rather than 'can I have' or the even more polite 'may I have'. This is being increasingly used by the younger generation (including my 28 year old son!) influenced by Americanisms from TV and the internet. The phrase correctly used in British language, when saying 'can I get', implies that I want to get something myself rather than be served. Unfortunately I am not in a customer facing environment as I would take great pleasure in, when asked 'can I get', replying yes then just standing there waiting for the customer to go and 'get' it themselves. In my opinion 'can I get' just sounds rude and it's use should be banned!
'Cheeky'
The definition of Cheeky is 'showing a lack of respect or politeness in a way that is amusing or appealing' or 'impudent, impertinent, insolent, presumptuous'.
It should be correctly used when referring to a person that may be slightly rude in an amusing way.
So why has the word been hijacked by today's Social Media Chavs to advertise to the world that they have been, or going for, a variety of activities such as a 'cheeky' pint or a 'cheeky' Nando's.
Firstly why announce via Social media that you are going to the pub or eating piri-piri chicken, but if you feel the need to tell the world your movements on Facebook or Twitter, why unnecessarily describe it as 'cheeky'. What is 'amusing and impudent' about going for a pint or having a meal, if taking into account the word's correct definition.
Since expressing my annoyance with the use of the word my family and friends now take great delight 'tagging' me into their 'cheeky' activities, just to give me something else to make my life even more of a misery!
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