At this time I would like to ask you a question

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

I recently traveled to Bahamas for a week of work. Sun and pools outside, me inside. The flight went via USA and it was my first trip there so now you all have my fingerprints and picture thanks to the very surly Homeland Security officers.

Something intrigued me at the airports, the overuse of the phrase “at this time”. Every announcement were “At this time we ask you to…” and “We consider at this time that…”. Why? Is it the new mantra to assure passengers that the service is prompt? Does everyone in USA speak like this? I unfortunately didn’t have the possibility to explore more than the airports.

Oh, and I scoffed at their use of momentarily to mean soon thanks to doperhood. Consider some ignorance fought.

2

It’s code for “now” – but less urgent sounding, and gives less an impression of an imperative command. It’s rarely used IRL, though once in a while I might choose to use “not at this time” rather than “not now”. “Not now” seems to suggest something is inappropriate, whereas “not at this time” suggests you are more open whatever it is at an alternate time.

3

I think it’s probably just airline speak, the way you get restaurant speak - when a server says to you, “Perfect.” every time you order something, or whatever. It’s just the lingo of the business.

4

Yep, a more formal way of saying “now”.

“Now” just sounds too pushy; harsh.