can i ask who's calling?
this one gets me every time.
you ring somewhere, and ask for someone, and the chimp they entrust with answering the phone goes
'can i ask who's calling?'

me: 'well, i guess so. feel free! i'm assuming you can and you don't have momentous difficulties with the sentence, or a phobia of hearing people say their names. i don't know, but i'd guess you can. go hog wild!'

*moment of awkward silence*
'sorry, can i ask who's calling please?'

i already told you, YES! this is getting tiresome

*more awkward silence*

sorry, if i could just have your name?

i already have my name, i'm afraid you'll have to find another'


DON'T ASK IF YOU CAN ASK A QUESTION!! ASK THE FUCKIN QUESTION!!! aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH*SMASHES SELF IN EAR WITH RECEIVER*
(UppityDamnPrimate LET'S OPEN THIS F*CKING PIT UP, Fri 2 May 2008, 18:15, 1 reply)

Well then...
Can you suggest a polite and succinct alternative wording to the question?

I mean, the whole idea of communication is to convey a message while maintaining etiquette. I don't see how the wording that infuriates you is defective in its purpose, in any way.

Not their fault if you get pissy for no reason at all.
(DeadEvan, Tue 6 May 2008, 15:12, closed)