# How about I break your tiny little fingers, gas station boy?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914
**Category:** The BBQ Pit
**Created:** [February 17, 2006, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914 "2006-02-17T04:44:12Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 4
### Author:  [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/61 "2006-02-19T00:30:25Z")
[QUOTE=Contrapuntal]
TThis is your response–
> [@](#):
>
> As long as they get paid for it, yeah. Always been that way.
You seem to have forgotten the rest of my response: “See _The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition_, definition #2.”
> [@](#):
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> _Where does “enough to live on” appear in it?_
You would have seen that if you had bothered to look up the American Heritage definition, like I suggested. The relevant definition seems to have moved from #2 to #1a: “An occupation or career.”
> [@](#):
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> _What the hell does “enough to live on” have to do with anything? If a doctor works for free is he no longer a professional?_
Hey, _you’re_ the one who brought up being paid ten bucks to give advice. I was just using the example _you_ set.
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### Author:  [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/62 "2006-02-19T00:38:16Z")
By the way: doctors who work “for free” tend to do so only a couple of days a week; the rest of the time they’re in a hospital or private practice, which is their source of income.
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### Author:  [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/63 "2006-02-19T00:44:08Z")
Oh, and before you ask what “enough to live on” has to do with “an occupation or career”, I refer you to [the American Heritage definition for “occupation”](http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=occupation), #1a & b.
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### Author:  [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/64 "2006-02-19T00:49:32Z")
> [@levdrakon](#):
>
> Part of the reason I’m hard on this kid is he seems young, bright, healthy, clean cut, good looking, etc. I can’t see a reason for him to work there, but it’s none of my damn business why he works there. But it’s my business that he’s apparently too good to work there, and yet does. Too bad. Get over it, gas station boy.
Hmmmmmm…
Well, it could be that he was a BMOC Golden Boy whose parents just recently cut him off and pushed him out of the nest.
I don’t fault you for being somewhat irritated at him. Folks who have a huge (and undeserved) sense of entitlement kind of bug me too.
That said, you’ll have a WHOLE lot more fun messing with them rather than allowing them to make you mad. Someone earlier on posted a good “icy comeback” of something to the effect of “do you have someplace to go?” But you could make it even more fun than that, if you were so inclined.
As soon as you note the “you’re cutting into my cellphone time” attitude kicking in with him, (and keeping in mind consideration should other customers be in line behind you), you can EVER so sweetly and unconcernedly slow things way down. Including conversations/stupid questions to him that make it impossible for him to continue his gabfest on the cellphone.
The trick to making it fun, and switching the frustration to their side is to remain oblivious (outwardly) to any attempts on their part to show you how “stupid”, annoying and time-consuming you’re being.
You don’t even notice his cellphone, his snotty rollie-eyes, his finger drumming. You are HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY, and slow, and not just slow, but making it impossible for him to do the lackadaisical “talking on the cellphone, waiting on you without even looking at you” thing.
If you make a game out of it, you’ll find that it’s a lot less stressful, AND you get to get a tiny measure of revenge as well. Thus having your cake and eating it too!
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### Author:  [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/65 "2006-02-19T16:48:55Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#):
>
> Oh, and before you ask what “enough to live on” has to do with “an occupation or career”, I refer you to [the American Heritage definition for “occupation”](http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=occupation), #1a & b.
**Lute** , you are a master of the oblivious. I assume you mean this definition–
> [@](#):
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> 1. An activity that serves as one’s regular source of livelihood; a vocation.
> 2. An activity engaged in especially as a means of passing time; an avocation.
I have absolutely no idea what (b) has do do with anything. (a) merely states that an occupation is how people get money; it says absolutely nothing about how much money, or whether that money is sufficient to their needs. Or is it your contention that everyone who is employed makes enough money to live on? Or that no one who has a job needs government assistance, or is in debt much greater than their ability to repay?
> [@](#):
>
> By the way: doctors who work “for free” tend to do so only a couple of days a week; the rest of the time they’re in a hospital or private practice, which is their source of income.
And if we were talking about tendencies you might have a point. However, we are talking about specific examples, kind of like in the OP, you know? Here’s one. Postulate a lawyer with a private source of income who performs legal services exclusively _pro bono_. Is he a professional?
> [@](#):
>
> You seem to have forgotten the rest of my response: “See The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, definition #2.”
How about you do what is SOP on the Dope and provide a cite, rather than telling me to go look it up.
I have provided you with a perfectly good definition of ‘profession’ that makes it perfectly clear that more is required than simply the exchange of money for services rendered, as you would have it. Here it is again.
> [@](#):
>
> **Profession**
>
> # the body of people in a learned occupation; “the news spread rapidly through the medical community”
>
> # an occupation requiring special education (especially in the liberal arts or sciences)
Your refusal or inability to comprehend this wearying. The last word is yours.
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### Author:  [@FilmGeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FilmGeek)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/66 "2006-02-19T17:17:45Z")
I have a degree and I wish I could get a raise so I could make $8/hour.
It’s not always about lack of ambition, folks.
I would assume he didn’t know he was drumming his fingers. Maybe I’m just generous.
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### Author:  [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/67 "2006-02-19T17:23:56Z")
> [@Contrapuntal](#):
>
> **Lute** , you are a master of the oblivious. I assume you mean this definition–
> I have absolutely no idea what (b) has do do with anything.
It was a goof. So sue me.
> [@](#):
>
> _(a) merely states that an occupation is how people get money; it says absolutely nothing about how much money…_
However much is needed to support themselves.
> [@](#):
>
> _…or whether that money is sufficient to their needs._
If it’s not sufficent to their needs then they should take on a second occupation, adjust their needs accordingly, or get public assistance.
> [@](#):
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> _Postulate a lawyer with a private source of income who performs legal services exclusively pro bono. Is he a professional?_
Depends. Does this hypothetical lawyer have a license to practice law?
Here’s one for you: postulate a paralegal who is pulling down 50K a year but does not have a degree. Is _he_ a professional?
My point is quite simple: the term “profession” usually _but does not always_ refer to an occupation that requires higher learning and “professional” usually _but does not always_ indicate a person with an advanced degree. How else would you explain someone who does not fit _your_ definition of “professional” being fired for unprofessionalism?
> [@](#):
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> _How about you do what is SOP on the Dope and provide a cite, rather than telling me to go look it up._
I didn’t _tell_ you to do shit. I was trying to avoid game of duelling dictionaries. Didn’t seem to work.
> [@](#):
>
> _The last word is yours._
Gee, thanks.
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### Author:  [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/68 "2006-02-19T17:58:59Z")
What **Lute Skywatcher and Contrapuntal** are saying:
> [@](#):
>
> blah blah blah
Blah blah blah.
> [@](#):
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> > [@](#):
> >
> > blah blah blah
>
> No, YOU blah blah blah.
What everyone else is hearing: the actual thread.
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### Author:  [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/69 "2006-02-19T18:01:23Z")
> [@featherlou](#):
>
> What **Lute Skywatcher and Contrapuntal** are saying:Blah blah blah.
>
> What everyone else is hearing: the actual thread.
Seriously. Guys, I like both of you and normally appreciate what y’all contribute to threads, but after the first two exchanges here, I’ve been exercising my pagedown key. Could one of you pit the other one, link to it from here, and continue on there? I don’t think you’re still talking about the gas station boy (although to be fair you could be and I wouldn’t know).
Daniel
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### Author:  [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/70 "2006-02-19T18:06:33Z")
> [@featherlou](#):
>
> What **Lute Skywatcher and Contrapuntal** are saying:Blah blah blah.
>
> What everyone else is hearing: the actual thread.
Ha, ha, ha! 😃 Thanks **Lou.**
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### Author:  [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/71 "2006-02-19T18:51:03Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#):
>
> Seriously. Guys, I like both of you and normally appreciate what y’all contribute to threads, but after the first two exchanges here, I’ve been exercising my pagedown key.
I don’t blame you. **Contra** is just about the obstinate Doper that I’ve ever encountered. 'Course I am, too, whenenver I encouter the “I’m right, I know I’m right, and nothing you say or do will disuade me” mentality. The object is to get them to consider the possibility that they just might not be so right.
Even when this doesn’t work, which it usually doesn’t, at least it serves as an example to those watching.
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### Author:  [@jasonh300](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasonh300)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/72 "2006-02-19T19:19:59Z")
> [@levdrakon](#):
>
> So I run…Too fucking bad, ass-wipe.
For God’s sake, just call the station manager or owner in the morning and have the fuckwit fired.
I know a couple of gas station owners and they don’t tolerate disrespectful behavior from employees. Gas stations thrive on repeat business and the owner won’t appreciate the employee pissing you off.
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### Author:  [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/73 "2006-02-19T19:26:34Z")
Er, that should have been “ **Contra** is just about the _most_ obstinate Doper that I’ve ever encountered.”
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### Author:  [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/74 "2006-02-19T19:28:59Z")
> [@jasonh300](#):
>
> For God’s sake, just call the station manager or owner in the morning and have the fuckwit fired.
>
> I know a couple of gas station owners and they don’t tolerate disrespectful behavior from employees. Gas stations thrive on repeat business and the owner won’t appreciate the employee pissing you off.
Screw you. I don’t get people fired because they piss me off unless they require my vote in the next election. I bitch. M’kay?
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### Author:  [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/75 "2006-02-19T19:41:43Z")
> [@levdrakon](#):
>
> Screw you. I don’t get people fired because they piss me off unless they require my vote in the next election. I bitch. M’kay?
Why couldn’t you just register a complaint? It the guy gets fired, then he’s probably done other stupid shit and this was just the last straw.
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### Author:  [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/76 "2006-02-19T19:58:32Z")
> [@Mr. Blue Sky](#):
>
> Why couldn’t you just register a complaint? It the guy gets fired, then he’s probably done other stupid shit and this was just the last straw.
Because it’s just a stupid rant about something that pissed me off. Quit drumming your damn fingers. It’s not a fireable offense. It’s just a gas station.
Getting this guy fired isn’t going to change the world in any meaningful way. **Featherlou** has it right. Go back, wait for gas station boy to do it again and ask, “you got somewhere to be?”
Not that big a deal. It just pissed me off. Don’t sit there on your cell phone and drum your fingers while I’m boring you by buying things.
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### Author:  [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/77 "2006-02-19T23:36:10Z")
**levkadron, Lefty, featherlou,** et.al.
Sorry about the hijack.
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### Author:  [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)
#### Post date: [February 21, 2006, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/78 "2006-02-21T01:29:21Z")
> [@The King of Soup](#):
>
> Violent revenge fantasies, especially when applied to disproportionately minor slights, are a particularly poisonous kind of pornography we create for ourselves.
And not nearly as fun as the Photoshopped jpg of myself, the entire Bulgarian Olympic team, and the vat of Vicks Vapo-Rub.
Regards,
Shodan
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### Author:  [@DrLoveGun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrLoveGun)
#### Post date: [February 21, 2006, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/79 "2006-02-21T01:49:05Z")
I managed a gas station when I was much younger, and I loved customers like you. You are the type of customer who kept me from going into the safe to get more change because of all the people who paid in 20s. So I thank you for your singles, and I really thank the people who pay with exact change, 'cause nothin’s worse than having to open a roll of pennies 5 minutes before closing.
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### Author:  [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)
#### Post date: [February 21, 2006, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-i-break-your-tiny-little-fingers-gas-station-boy/344914/80 "2006-02-21T03:49:23Z")
> [@levdrakon](#):
>
> Yes, he started impatiently drumming his fingers as I pulled out my money. Apparently, if my money doesn’t come in twenties fresh out of the ATM machine, I’m an asshole.
I’ve got no dog in this fight, but would like to point out that the M in ATM stands for Machine.
The previous post was provided through the Department of Duplicitous Redundancy™
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