Part of my job sees my on the telephone a great deal of the day, making international calls from East to West. In the main it's interesting & you do get the odd rude sod at the other end of the line now & then.(Used to be one myself & I now strive not to be!)
But one thing that really bugs me is an example of bad manners which is quite unintentional. If you ring the USA, most of the time its
"Good morning, can I speak to Brad" (or whomever)
"Sure, I'll put you through"
"Thank you"
"You're welcome!"
A perfectly delightful & civil exchange. But occasionally when I ring some of the southern States it's not so good;
"Good morning, can I speak to Brad" (or whomever)
"Sure, I'll put you through"
"Thank you"
"Uh huh!"
Oh how I do hate that Uh huh; it comes across as rude & dismissive, which is not my experience when I have met people from that region. One of my best friends is from Alabama, she would be mortified if someone thought her so rude.
What a shame these receptionists don't realise it.
