# In restaurants, do you "shorthand" your order? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 18, 2009, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413 "2009-02-18T17:01:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/21 "2009-02-18T18:17:36Z")
> [@HolyFreakingMoly](#): > > Oh, and I also refuse to say, “tall, grande or venti” at starbucks. I ask for small, med or large. Some actually look confused! :rolleyes: Not this again. You do realize there are 4 sizes, right? ---
**Author:** ![melodyharmonius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melodyharmonius/32/21310_2.png) [@melodyharmonius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melodyharmonius)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/22 "2009-02-18T18:22:54Z")
C’mon, why take away the fun of ordering the IHOP rootie-tootie-fresh-n-fruity?? All right, I admit it - not my favorite thing to do either. I usually find myself pointing to the menu and saying, “I’ll have the cedar salmon” or whatever a viable shortened form is. That way they can see what I’m avoiding saying. I love the Soft Pore Corn idea!! ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/23 "2009-02-18T18:25:14Z")
> [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](#): > > :rolleyes: Not this again. You do realize there are 4 sizes, right? Yup. Considering that the “unmarked” size on the menu is called “short”, there’s real potential if ordering a “small” that the person taking the order may give the “short” rather than the “tall”. At the very least, you’re being contrary for no real benefit. ---
**Author:** ![obfusciatrist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4af34b/32.png) [@obfusciatrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obfusciatrist)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/24 "2009-02-18T18:25:18Z")
> [@winterhawk11](#): > > The closest that’s ever happened is that the person asked me, “You want a Like It?” and I said, “Yes. A small, please.” Problem solved. They should all ask because there is actually a size smaller than the Like It size (I forget what they call it but I always get that and tell them to only give me have that amount anyway since even the truly small is still 23 gallons of mediocre ice cream). ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/25 "2009-02-18T18:29:01Z")
> [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](#): > > :rolleyes: Not this again. You do realize there are 4 sizes, right? What’s the fourth size? I go back and forth between using the names and not (depending on whether I remember), and I’ve never had a cashier react to me with any sort of confusion. On preview: Ah, “short.” Never heard of it. Nobody’s ever told me about it. I guess since I generally order “medium” or “grande,” there’s no potential for confusion. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/26 "2009-02-18T18:30:34Z")
> [@winterhawk11](#): > > I refuse to use Stone Cold Creamery’s stupid names for ice cream sizes (“Like It,” “Love It,” and “Gotta Have a Coronary” (okay, it’s “Gotta Have It,” but have you \*seen \*the size of that thing??)) I just ask for a “small,” with the mix-ins I want. Nobody has ever taken issue about it. The closest that’s ever happened is that the person asked me, “You want a Like It?” and I said, “Yes. A small, please.” Problem solved. Yeah, I definitely refuse to say the Cold Stone names. I almost did the first time until I heard how dumb it was in my head to say “I want a Gotta Have It of chocolate.” I notice a lot of places have gone back just having Small, Medium, and Large again, ruining 90’s sitcom jokes forever. Both Wendy’s and Burger King are both SML now. No more King size or Biggies. Which I never understood because if you got a meal it came with a Biggie fry. And if you said “Biggie size it” you got a GREAT Biggie. ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/27 "2009-02-18T18:41:47Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Yup. Considering that the “unmarked” size on the menu is called “short”, there’s real potential if ordering a “small” that the person taking the order may give the “short” rather than the “tall”. At the very least, you’re being contrary for no real benefit. And yet, there really exist customers who get angry because when they ask for a small, they mean a SMALL, you know, THE SMALLEST ONE YOU GOT!!! I kid you not. Unless you just be specific with your order, the person taking the order must assume that you are not one of those people and if you are, they probably expect to have their head bitten off. And no, I’m not being contrary for no real benefit. I’m just pointing out that which is never considered: a) you simply cannot make all the people happy all the time and b) customers can truly be pains in the ass \*and \*righteous about it at the same time. Why, yes, I have spent the last 10 years of my life in the service industry. Why do you ask? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/28 "2009-02-18T18:46:26Z")
> [@obfusciatrist](#): > > They should all ask because there is actually a size smaller than the Like It size (I forget what they call it…). The “Hmm I’m Not Too Sure About This One”? ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/29 "2009-02-18T18:50:17Z")
> [@obfusciatrist](#): > > They should all ask because there is actually a size smaller than the Like It size (I forget what they call it but I always get that and tell them to only give me have that amount anyway since even the truly small is still 23 gallons of mediocre ice cream). That’s the thing–they won’t _let_ me order the kiddie size (which is the smaller-than-Like It size). They say you have to be under 13 to order that one. I could lie and tell them it’s for a kid, I guess, but I shouldn’t have to. I don’t see why I can’t order whatever the hell I want, if it’s right there on the menu. The other reason I don’t try to weasel my way into that one, though, is because it doesn’t come with mix-ins. I don’t get CSC for the ice cream–I get it for the graham crackers, cookie dough, and chocolate sauce I get mixed into it. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/30 "2009-02-18T19:07:10Z")
> [@winterhawk11](#): > > That’s the thing–they won’t _let_ me order the kiddie size (which is the smaller-than-Like It size). They say you have to be under 13 to order that one. I could lie and tell them it’s for a kid, I guess, but I shouldn’t have to. I don’t see why I can’t order whatever the hell I want, if it’s right there on the menu. Among other reasons I don’t go to CSC, this is one of them. Even their smallest (adult) size is way too much ice cream for me. Probably about twice as much as I actually want. ---
**Author:** ![obfusciatrist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4af34b/32.png) [@obfusciatrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obfusciatrist)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/31 "2009-02-18T19:25:17Z")
Really? I have never had a Cold Stone refuse to sell me the smallest size for reasons of age (or any other reason for that matter). In fact that is how I learned about it. I ordered a Like It size because that was the smallest I saw but said “and can you make it like a third of the size, I’ll still pay” and the employee said I should just order the kids size. That’s what I’ve done since with no trouble. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/32 "2009-02-18T19:36:46Z")
> [@winterhawk11](#): > > When I was a kid and went out for breakfast with my parents, my dad always used to order his eggs “over difficult.” I was a teenager before I realized there was no such thing as “over difficult” and that was just my dad being silly. I \*did \*always wonder why the waitperson looked at him funny… I do things like this sometimes, mostly for my own amusement. At one particular restaurant, I’ll order the French Dip. The waitron will then ask “Au jus?” I then reply "No, I don’t want the end of the roll cut off, so I’ll have it “Au gentile.” I’m the only person who finds this funny. As to the OP, I usually give a general description and point to the specific item on the menu. Unless the name is really silly, in which case I will call it out joyfully and with gusto. ---
**Author:** ![atomicbadgerrace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@atomicbadgerrace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/atomicbadgerrace)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/33 "2009-02-18T19:46:42Z")
I won’t read the paragraph description, but I’ll make it clear what I’m asking for. If there’s a Firey Blazin’ Hot Makes You Wanna Die Chicken Sandwich and a Bland Tasting But Won’t Make You Cry Chicken Sandwich, I’ll order as “the chicken sandwich, the not spicy one” or something. I don’t refuse to use descriptive terms for sizing; that would kind of make me a dick for absolutely no reason. If they want to call it a Gotta Have It, then whatever, I’ll call it that, too. Leaves less room for error, and makes placing blame easy if they screw up what you asked for. There’s no need to be belligerent when it comes to something as trivial as “I refuse to call it a venti.” > [@Colophon](#): > > I don’t even ask for a "Mc"Chicken Sandwich in McDonald’s. It is and will always be just a chicken sandwich thankyouverymuch. You’ve never had a problem with this? You realize, of course, that McDonald’s has _many_ different chicken sandwiches. My local McD has (from memory, give or take one) 6 varietes of “chicken sandwich.” Were I an emploee there, my first reaction would be “Which one?” ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/34 "2009-02-18T19:57:51Z")
> [@atomicbadgerrace](#): > > You’ve never had a problem with this? You realize, of course, that McDonald’s has _many_ different chicken sandwiches. My local McD has (from memory, give or take one) 6 varietes of “chicken sandwich.” Were I an emploee there, my first reaction would be “Which one?” Nope. Maybe UK McDonald’s are less adventurous with their poultry, but if I ask for “A chicken sandwich meal with Sprite” I can pretty much guarantee I will get a regular size McChicken Sandwich Value Meal with said drink. They do have other chicken burgers, but I think they’re called Chicken Deluxe or something like that. ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/35 "2009-02-18T20:11:13Z")
> [@atomicbadgerrace](#): > > I won’t read the paragraph description, but I’ll make it clear what I’m asking for. If there’s a Firey Blazin’ Hot Makes You Wanna Die Chicken Sandwich and a Bland Tasting But Won’t Make You Cry Chicken Sandwich, I’ll order as “the chicken sandwich, the not spicy one” or something. Oh, you mean the Chicken Little and the Chicken Shit sandwiches. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Maastricht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/36 "2009-02-18T20:55:37Z")
I hold up the menu so the waiter can see it, point at the item, and say the number for confirmation. " " So, you want the chicken encilada, Ma’m?" " Yes, number 42." ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/37 "2009-02-18T20:58:02Z")
Truthfully the menus often befuddle me and I end up saying I want a cheeseburger with only cheese, and some fries. They’ll pick the best menu fit and ask any other questions they need to. I don’t care if they decide it was a Thousand Island burger, a Badger Burger or a Tahitian Pineapple Burger they decide to leave the extra garbage off of to get me a plain cheeseburger and fries. ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/38 "2009-02-18T20:58:03Z")
> [@Maastricht](#): > > I hold up the menu so the waiter can see it, point at the item, and say the number for confirmation. " " So, you want the chicken encilada, Ma’m?" " Yes, number 42." You know that would simplify everything, come to think of it. It would be so much better if we just spoke in numbers. How ya doin’ today, **BEG**? Oh I’m feeling a bit 22 today. I might actually go 86 on this guy at the register, though. ---
**Author:** ![maplekiwi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@maplekiwi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maplekiwi)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/39 "2009-02-18T21:11:05Z")
I often ask for things by the numbers, as we have more & more people as waitpersons who speak English as their second or third languages. & I rarely make altertions to the suggested item. My son is a very picky eater so we usually have to say - "my son will have the 39 minus the blue vein cheese, onion & avocado. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2009, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413/40 "2009-02-18T21:13:18Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Considering that the “unmarked” size on the menu is called “short”, there’s real potential if ordering a “small” that the person taking the order may give the “short” rather than the “tall”. At the very least, you’re being contrary for no real benefit. Considering that the _standard_ coffee house nomenclature for what Starbucks arbitrarily decided to call “tall” has been “short” since time immemorial, I think the charge of “contrary for no real benefit” is misapplied here. I avoid this controversy by not ordering using these terms at all. If I am in a position where I have to take Starbucks as a measure of last resort, I fall back on “I’d like a double espresso.” I can’t bring myself to say “Dobio” any more than I can order a “Filet-o-Fish.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-restaurants-do-you-shorthand-your-order/486413.md?page=3)