# The Unkindest (Subway) Cut **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 5, 2005, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168 "2005-01-05T06:51:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![CanvasShoes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2005, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/81 "2005-01-07T10:16:32Z")
> [@TheLoadedDog](#): > > **Subway** > _"I’d like an_ x, y, and z\* sub please".\* > “What bread? Toasted or plain? Which type of meat? Sauce? Hot or mild chilli? Why do you think you would be suited to this sandwich? Plain or toasted? what would you describe as your biggest fault? Type of cheese? why did you leave your old sandwich provider?” > > FAAAAAAARK! > > I’ve even said to them, “Look i’m game. Just make me something tasty. Whatever you think”, but they get all nervous at that. Yeah, someone said something similar earlier. And I agree wholeheartedly. (wholeWHEATedly? :D). Even if you SAY x with cheese, onions blah blah wheat bread. They still ask you each separate thing. And it can be annoying. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2005, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/82 "2005-01-07T13:09:10Z")
> [@CanvasShoes](#): > > Even if you SAY x with cheese, onions blah blah wheat bread. They still ask you each separate thing. And it can be annoying. I realize a lot of people want to just order and be done with it, but - and I’ve seen this piece of advice in other fast food threads - it’s much less harrowing if you just let them ask the questions before you go providing the answers. Saying ‘A turkey on white with lettuce, tomato, carrots, and mayo’ at the start is just going to make your blood boil when you have to say it again. ‘Turkey footlong on white.’ ‘Cheese?’ ‘No thanks.’ ‘Lettuce, tomato…?’ ‘Lettuce, tomato, (wait for them to catch up), carrots and mayo.’ It’s easier on you, easier on them, and speeds things up. Yeah, you have to be attentive during the whole thing, which some people don’t want to be, but it’s no different from ‘A Supersize Big Mac value meal, hold the onions, with Coke, to go.’ You’re still going to get questions asked about what you just said so the employee can make sure they get it right. Side thought: This could also help those people who complain the condiment is going between dressings instead of against the bread. By waiting until the very end to tell them the condiment, the rest of the sandwich is already built. I’ve never had a problem with my sandwich doing it this way. ---
**Author:** ![Cinnamon\_Girl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@Cinnamon\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cinnamon_Girl)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2005, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/83 "2005-01-07T17:51:30Z")
> [@BayleDomon](#): > > Side thought: This could also help those people who complain the condiment is going between dressings instead of against the bread. By waiting until the very end to tell them the condiment, the rest of the sandwich is already built. I’ve never had a problem with my sandwich doing it this way. Then why won’t they ask me which condiment I want first? ‘Turkey footlong on white.’ **’Mustard or mayo?'** ‘Light mayo, lots of mustard.’ ‘Cheese?’ ‘No thanks.’ ‘Lettuce, tomato…?’ ‘Lettuce, tomato, (wait for them to catch up), carrots and mayo.’ But, no, they pile the meat on first, then ask if you want cheese and everything else, and finally at the end when the sandwich is built ask about condiments. The only condiment that should go on top is the oil and vinegar. You have to specifically tell them to put the condiments on the bread under the meat and cheese. That’s my beef. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2005, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/84 "2005-01-07T20:16:36Z")
> [@Cinnamon Girl](#): > > Then why won’t they ask me which condiment I want first? Is it actually that necessary to have mayo/mustard/ketchup/whatever under everything? This thread is the first time I’ve seen that opinion expressed. Me, I’ve never really paid much attention. As long as it glues a piece of the bread down, that’s fine by me. ---
**Author:** ![Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cc9497/32.png) [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2005, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/85 "2005-01-07T20:37:38Z")
> [@](#): > > 1. I fucking HATE that job title. Actually, I pretty much hate absolutely everything about the job, including the fact that my manager is the biggest fucking asschunk who hasn’t ever committed genocide. If you call me at 9 at night and tell me you’re changing my schedule and DON’T need me to work tomorrow, fine. Don’t fucking call me at noon the next fucking day, when you ‘don’t need me’ and ask if I can work one til close. I’m going to say fucking NO, dipshit. You too? Subway really is a shit employer. The last manager we had tried getting all the staff to pay for a set of electronic scales because some lummox submerged them in water trying to clean them :smack: We only found out after he’d ben forced out that _he himself_ had done exactly the same thing at another store while he was training. Jesus Christ. ---
**Author:** ![blowero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/41988e/32.png) [@blowero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blowero)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2005, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/86 "2005-01-07T20:43:30Z")
> [@CanvasShoes](#): > > Huh. Well, I’ve not had Subway where you live, but where fast food is concerned, they are the best where freshness and variety is desired. > > Now, if you’re comparing them to high end deli’s, then no. But IME they’re the best and cheapest for the fast food circuit and with the most variety of the healthful stuff. Nope. Quizno’s and Togos are much better, just off the top of my head. Hell, even Arby’s Market Fresh sandwiches are better. > [@](#): > > Yeah, I forgot to make sure I was clear enough on the comparison of the two chicken sandwiches. The mcD one, and the subway one. Even if you compare chicken to chicken, they’re better. Well no. If you got the McDonald’s grilled chicken with no mayo, I’m sure it would be quite similar in fat content to Subway’s grilled chicken with no mayo. > [@](#): > > And even if you compare worst to worst as in the 32 grams of fat Subway beef one to the big mac, big mac still comes out a loser in all areas. imho O.K., for the last time. Subway has run ads that compare the Big Mac (with cheese and sauce) with their _chicken_ sandwich with no cheese and no sauce. That’s deceptive. I have never seen a Subway ad comparing Subway’s _worst_ thing with McDonald’s _worst_ thing, so I’m not sure why you keep bringing that up. It has nothing to do with what I was saying. ---
**Author:** ![Chairman\_Pow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/838e76/32.png) [@Chairman\_Pow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chairman_Pow)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2005, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/87 "2005-01-07T22:01:20Z")
> [@Cinnamon Girl](#): > > Why shouldn’t she? How would you like it if someone came along and pissed on your parade? IIRC, \*\*Lola \*\* is a dude. > [@](#): > > Listen, there’s not a lot of glory in making sandwiches, pushing lattes, or grilling burgers. But if a fast food chain (or any company, FTM) is successful at inspiring in their employees a sense of accomplishment, pride in their work, and self-esteem by giving them a special job title, what’s the harm? Seems to me, it’s good for the staff, good for customers, and good for the company. Perhaps you should go back and reread my post prior to the one you quoted and see where I state that there is a skill involved in making sandwiches and that I APPRECIATE IT. If you have trouble understanding that post, please reread the last sentence which is a rather nice summing-up. What’s the harm? There is none. Except that after your post another Subway employee came in and said that she dislikes it. Perhaps you can chastise her as well. Could you explain how my saying “you have a silly job title” is a personal attack and demeaning to the thousands of ganfully employed sandwich, latte and burger artists out there? Please phrase your answer in terms of my mentioning that I think there is an element of skill involved in making sandwiches and that I appreciate it. > [@](#): > > Don’t be such a jerk. Seriously, dude. Sigh. ---
**Author:** ![Cinnamon\_Girl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@Cinnamon\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cinnamon_Girl)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2005, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/88 "2005-01-07T23:54:54Z")
> [@Chairman Pow](#): > > IIRC, \*\*Lola \*\* is a dude. I knew that! :smack: :smack: :smack: > [@](#): > > Perhaps you should go back and reread my post prior to the one you quoted and see where I state that there is a skill involved in making sandwiches and that I APPRECIATE IT. If you have trouble understanding that post, please reread the last sentence which is a rather nice summing-up. I read your post, but you’ve got a funny way of showing appreciation. “Hey, what a great sandwich you made.” “Thanks!” “Sure that takes skilll, but you’re no artist.” “Bummer.” So, you prefer ‘Sandwich Craftsman’ or ‘Sandwich Craftsperson’ or ‘Sandwich Crafter’ to ‘Sandwich Artist’? Seems a bit inane to make such a distinction given the intent behind it. > [@](#): > > What’s the harm? There is none. Except that after your post another Subway employee came in and said that she dislikes it. Perhaps you can chastise her as well. Why would I do that? Comparing apples and oranges. On the one hand, **kung fu lola** demonstrated a sense pride by using the distinction. OTOH, **NinjaChick** ’s experience at Subway seems to be something that a job title won’t fix, so she’s not interested in it in the least. > [@](#): > > Could you explain how my saying “you have a silly job title” is a personal attack and demeaning to the thousands of ganfully employed sandwich, latte and burger artists out there? Please phrase your answer in terms of my mentioning that I think there is an element of skill involved in making sandwiches and that I appreciate it. I think I answered that above. You think what she does is skillful, but that she doesn’t deserve the title the company has given her because she’s NOT an artist, by \*your \*definition, which apparently doesn’t include [Merriam-Webster’s definition](http://merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=artist&x=0&y=0) (see #4). I admit I may be a bit hyper-sensitive because, at my job, I’m used to getting looks of disdain and treatment as if I’m not worthy to breathe the same air as my customers. Why? Because I make less than $10/hour performing, in their eyes: a menial service that any schmoe could do if they would deign to drop down a few class levels to do it? I work as hard at my job as someone who makes five times as much and I take probably more pride in doing it well. If my employer wants to call me a barista (on the basis that what I do is a craft to be perfected), then I appreciate the recognition because I feel I’ve earned it. FWIW, I apologize for lumping you in with that crowd if it’s truly not deserved. But the comment did sting. > [@](#): > > Sigh. Me, too. ---
**Author:** ![Cinnamon\_Girl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@Cinnamon\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cinnamon_Girl)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2005, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/89 "2005-01-08T00:01:11Z")
> [@Cinnamon Girl](#): > > I think I answered that above. You think what she does is skillful, but that she doesn’t deserve the title the company has given her because she’s NOT an artist, by \*your \*definition, which apparently doesn’t include [Merriam-Webster’s definition](http://merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=artist&x=0&y=0) (see #4). Crap! I did it again! I’m such a :wally Correction, replace following pronouns in the above: she=he / she=he / her=him / she’s=he’s. No disrespect intended, **kfl** ; virtual **CG** is completely gender identification-challenged. Carry on. ---
**Author:** ![Chairman\_Pow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/838e76/32.png) [@Chairman\_Pow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chairman_Pow)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2005, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/90 "2005-01-08T05:33:20Z")
[QUOTE=Cinnamon Girl] > [@](#): > > So, you prefer ‘Sandwich Craftsman’ or ‘Sandwich Craftsperson’ or ‘Sandwich Crafter’ to ‘Sandwich Artist’? Seems a bit inane to make such a distinction given the intent behind it. What’s wrong with cook? > [@](#): > > Why would I do that? Comparing apples and oranges. On the one hand, **kung fu lola** demonstrated a sense pride by using the distinction. OTOH, **NinjaChick** ’s experience at Subway seems to be something that a job title won’t fix, so she’s not interested in it in the least. See below. > [@](#): > > I think I answered that above. You think what she does is skillful, but that she doesn’t deserve the title the company has given her because she’s NOT an artist, by \*your \*definition, which apparently doesn’t include [Merriam-Webster’s definition](http://merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=artist&x=0&y=0) (see #4). No, it doesn’t and heres why: by that defintion, I would have been a Project Artist at my last job. And would be an Assistant Project Artist at my current job. So would my boss, the intern and the accountant. There are other areas in my life where I’d like to be considered an artist, but I’m under no illusions that I am, despite my best efforts, really a craftsman. Again, there’s nothing wrong with taking pride in your work and it is indeed an admirable trait. Call me cynical, but I think that [a company] giving someone the name “artist” for what \*\*Lola/Ninja \*\* are doing is essentially a misguided effort to make the workers feel better without having to do anything to actually improve their situation (i.e. pay more, offer better benefits, screen their franchise owners, put a rubber mat behind the counter to make standing for 8 hours a little easier on the ankles, etc.) If \*\*Lola’s \*\* happy with it, that’s cool. If \*\*NinjaChick’s \*\* not, I hope she finds a job she likes more. > [@](#): > > I admit I may be a bit hyper-sensitive because, at my job, I’m used to getting looks of disdain and treatment as if I’m not worthy to breathe the same air as my customers. Why? Because I make less than $10/hour performing, in their eyes: a menial service that any schmoe could do if they would deign to drop down a few class levels to do it? I work as hard at my job as someone who makes five times as much and I take probably more pride in doing it well. If my employer wants to call me a barista (on the basis that what I do is a craft to be perfected), then I appreciate the recognition because I feel I’ve earned it. More power to you. > [@](#): > > FWIW, I apologize for lumping you in with that crowd if it’s truly not deserved. But the comment did sting. No need to apologize, hopefully you see where I’m coming from, even if the delivery is a bit obtuse. ---
**Author:** ![Cinnamon\_Girl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@Cinnamon\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cinnamon_Girl)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2005, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/91 "2005-01-08T07:49:07Z")
> [@Chairman Pow](#): > > Call me cynical, but I think that [a company] giving someone the name “artist” for what \*\*Lola/Ninja \*\* are doing is essentially a misguided effort to make the workers feel better without having to do anything to actually improve their situation (i.e. pay more, offer better benefits, screen their franchise owners, put a rubber mat behind the counter to make standing for 8 hours a little easier on the ankles, etc.) If \*\*Lola’s \*\* happy with it, that’s cool. If \*\*NinjaChick’s \*\* not, I hope she finds a job she likes more. Hey, if you see an ulterior motive in something as harmless as a job title, there’s not a lot I can say to change your mind. I just don’t see it. But that’s my personal experience. As we all know, mileage does vary. Unless you work for the corporation and are privy to its internal policy-making, expressing to an employee that their employer is duping them is a bit rude (not to mention presumptuous), IMHO. Though, I’ve just realized I’m fighting someone else’s fight. If **lola** was offended, I’m sure he’s quite capable of saying so. I’ve said my piece and I’m willing to call bygones. Apology stands though. Something about pots and kettles, you know. ---
**Author:** ![chaoticbear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f07891/32.png) [@chaoticbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chaoticbear)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2005, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/92 "2005-01-08T13:33:42Z")
**KFL** , my apologies as well. I always thought that you were a girl, but a lesbian. The “lola” throws me off. ---
**Author:** ![mike1dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@mike1dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mike1dog)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2005, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/93 "2005-01-08T17:21:43Z")
I don’t like going to subway because I always get caught behind the person who is ordering subs for everyone at their office. They take forever. ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2005, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/94 "2005-01-08T19:30:07Z")
> [@chaoticdonkey](#): > > **KFL** , my apologies as well. I always thought that you were a girl, but a lesbian. The “lola” throws me off. I’m pretty sure that’s she is a woman. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Cheatem\_Undhow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/13edae/32.png) [@Dewey\_Cheatem\_Undhow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Cheatem_Undhow)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2005, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/95 "2005-01-08T21:06:25Z")
> [@Big Bad Voodoo Lou](#): > > Mmmm, Quizno’s Black Angus steak sub, with everything including extra Batch 81 hot pepper sauce… It’s as if we were separated at birth. ---
**Author:** ![OtakuLoki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ac8455/32.png) [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2005, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/96 "2005-01-08T21:12:09Z")
> [@GingerOfTheNorth](#): > > I’m pretty sure that’s she is a woman. I believe so, too. I seem to recall seeing a thread KFL had posted about a male co-worker trying to convince her that what she needed was to have a “real man” make love to her to show her the error of her ways. :rolleyes: I couldn’t find that. However, this [post](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=5251406&postcount=8) offers certain… supporting evidence. ---
**Author:** ![kung\_fu\_lola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f4b2a3/32.png) [@kung\_fu\_lola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kung_fu_lola)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2005, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168/97 "2005-01-09T05:39:14Z")
Yes, I am a girl, and a lesbian, and I also [love moles](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=4655662&postcount=8). Back on topic, I don’t really care what I get called, especially since I don’t work at Subway anymore, I really just used the term as shorthand. And I still can’t explain why it made me so angry to do the v-cut. A customer would ask me and I’d feel the burning rage just bubble inside me. I don’t take it (or anything about myself) very seriously, I actually thought it was funny. Maybe it was just that someone asking for a V-cut, which I wasn’t trained to do, takes longer, is more likely to result in me cutting myself, and is not suited to the bread Subway uses anymore, just screamed; “I’m a high-maintenance snotbag who will spend the next three minutes making you my cold-cut slinging bitch.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-unkindest-subway-cut/283168.md?page=4)