# When (and why) the fuck did checking out at a store become such a goddamned stupid ordeal. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 4, 2013, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803 "2013-04-04T04:07:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/21 "2013-04-04T05:16:12Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > Define it for us. Surely, at the very least, the etymology involves a gay slur. Or are you going to tell us that it’s derived from a British word for a cigarette or a bundle of sticks? From the [Urban Dictionary](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=punkfaggot) Punkfaggot _Either meaning emo or prep. **In no way shape or form does it mean gay or punk**. it is one word, punkfaggot. not two separate ones, punk and faggot._ ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/22 "2013-04-04T05:17:21Z")
Well, that settles that! ---
**Author:** ![Blackberry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecd19e/32.png) [@Blackberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackberry)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/23 "2013-04-04T05:17:22Z")
Kmart is a horrible, horrible place. I don’t know that I’ve ever gone there and left without feeling like punching someone. It’s arguably even worse than Rite Aid, and that’s hard to do. ---
**Author:** ![Blackberry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecd19e/32.png) [@Blackberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackberry)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/24 "2013-04-04T05:22:21Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > I’m surprised you weren’t also hit up by the salesperson that wanders the Kmart aisles selling new insulated windows installation. Our local Kmart just closed down. I kind of miss them. I was told that the Petsmart and Albertson’s there were going to close too and some huge thing was going to go in their place but I don’t know if it’s true. Someone who worked at a different Albertson’s told my mom’s friend that or something. Do you know? ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/25 "2013-04-04T05:26:24Z")
I worked retail at a couple points in my life. Don’t worry, many are underemployed and just as convinced the asshole customers are idiot shlub assholes as much as the customers think the retail employees are dumbasses. Makes for a great work environment. My pork farmer sends my receipt via text. I think it’s neat. If enough customers actually took the time to talk to a manager about the unreasonable onslaught of marketing in your faces, I bet it would get toned down darned quick. But, it would take an extra minute out of your very important day. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/26 "2013-04-04T05:30:27Z")
I blame his wife for not marrying someone who would just man up and change the fucking tire. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/27 "2013-04-04T05:31:04Z")
Please tell me “pork farmer” is a euphemism. Because it needs to be. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/28 "2013-04-04T05:31:04Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > From the [Urban Dictionary](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=punkfaggot) > > Punkfaggot > _Either meaning emo or prep. **In no way shape or form does it mean gay or punk**. it is one word, punkfaggot. not two separate ones, punk and faggot._ Oh, the Urban Dictionary. Well hell, that’s an even better reference than the OED! ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/29 "2013-04-04T05:32:15Z")
> [@SeaDragonTattoo](#): > > If enough customers actually took the time to talk to a manager about the unreasonable onslaught of marketing in your faces, I bet it would get toned down darned quick. But, it would take an extra minute out of your very important day. The manager is equally powerless. This kind of short-sighted shit comes straight from the marketing geniuses at Corporate. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/30 "2013-04-04T05:34:41Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > From the [Urban Dictionary](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=punkfaggot) > > Punkfaggot > _Either meaning emo or prep. **In no way shape or form does it mean gay or punk**. it is one word, punkfaggot. not two separate ones, punk and faggot._ Uh huh. Because Urban Dictionary would never write definitions of made-up popular words that give people an excuse to use slurs that aren’t really slurs. They’re cagey that way. When saying it out loud, I suppose it’s always noted that it’s the one-word insult, not two words. “You punkfaggot! The one-word kind! Not the two separate word kind! You so punkfaggoty you can’t even tell the difference!” ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/31 "2013-04-04T05:36:46Z")
> [@woodstockbirdybird](#): > > Please tell me “pork farmer” is a euphemism. Because it needs to be. I started to write “meat farmer” and thought it wasn’t very clear, but would be the same euphemism now that I think about it. Meaty, porky goodness in more way than one! Too bad she’s a she, and I’m a she, and we’re not she types. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/32 "2013-04-04T05:40:52Z")
> [@SeaDragonTattoo](#): > > Uh huh. Because Urban Dictionary would never write definitions of made-up popular words that give people an excuse to use slurs that aren’t really slurs. They’re cagey that way. > > When saying it out loud, I suppose it’s always noted that it’s the one-word insult, not two words. “You punkfaggot! The one-word kind! Not the two separate word kind! You so punkfaggoty you can’t even tell the difference!” If you hyphenate it, you get [punk-faggot.](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=punk%20faggot) > [@](#): > > Someone who becomes so afriad/intimidated by an opponent that they allow themself to be stumpbroke or engage in some other form of faggotry in exchange for peace. > \*Friend: Prison can turn men into punk-faggots. > > Me: I disagree. I think a lot of punk-faggots just happen to go to prison.\* ---
**Author:** ![Ms.Pumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a87d85/32.png) [@Ms.Pumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms.Pumpkin)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/33 "2013-04-04T05:44:22Z")
> [@SeaDragonTattoo](#): > > If enough customers actually took the time to talk to a manager about the unreasonable onslaught of marketing in your faces, I bet it would get toned down darned quick. But, it would take an extra minute out of your very important day. Store management isn’t in any better position than the cashiers are, in regard to changing company policies. They are under the pressure of district managers, and regional managers, etc.- all the way up to corporate headquarters, where people CAN implement/change/discontinue company practices. If a particular employee is doing something completely out-of-line rude or wrong, certainly the manager can do something. But as far as actual programs and policies, you’re better off contacting the corporate office directly. ETA: What **runner pat** already said. I type too slowly. Maybe that’s why I don’t have a “real job”! ---
**Author:** ![deltasigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e5b9ba/32.png) [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/34 "2013-04-04T05:46:12Z")
Isn’t kmart owned by sears now? That might explain a lot. Sears was at $80/share in early 2012 and now its barely holding at $50 so it stands to reason that they’re pulling out all of the stops to try wring out every ounce of revenue that they can. What they don’t realize of course is how counterproductive that can often be. ---
**Author:** ![polar\_bear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ec9cab/32.png) [@polar\_bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/polar_bear)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/35 "2013-04-04T06:13:57Z")
This is the pit, right? I thought it was funny enough. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/36 "2013-04-04T06:18:50Z")
While I agree that the OP is a bit of a dick, I have to admit that “I’m just doing my job” is distressingly similar to “I’m just following orders.” When you get right down to it, neither is much of an excuse. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/37 "2013-04-04T06:29:40Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > If you hyphenate it, you get [punk-faggot.](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=punk%20faggot) Which is why it is an entirely different word. Don’t know why some of you are throwing these kiddy cocktail fits. I didn’t even call anyone a punkfaggot. I refereed to the reward points on the stupid card as such. You’re upset about insulting an inanimate concept? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![maggenpye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecc23a/32.png) [@maggenpye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maggenpye)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/38 "2013-04-04T06:36:35Z")
[QUOTE= Alessan] While I agree that the OP is a bit of a dick, I have to admit that “I’m just doing my job” is distressingly similar to “I’m just following orders.” [/QUOTE] Meh, I’ll start to worry when McDonalds annexes Poland. ---
**Author:** ![Ms.Pumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a87d85/32.png) [@Ms.Pumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms.Pumpkin)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/39 "2013-04-04T07:13:53Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > While I agree that the OP is a bit of a dick, I have to admit that “I’m just doing my job” is distressingly similar to “I’m just following orders.” When you get right down to it, neither is much of an excuse. Workers following stupid company policies is hardly analogous to torture and murder. And anyway, what do you suggest as an alternative? All K-Mart employees should stop doing what they’re being paid for, and get fired for insubordination? Then what? Live on the street? _Maybe_ get a new job somewhere else, that has equally asinine rules to follow? What employee, at any company, agrees with every single thing their employer says and does? I’m not looking for a fight, but be realistic. Stores need employees, and people need jobs. Companies do idiotic things, but customers have a right to bring their business elsewhere. I dunno. Obviously I’m biased, as a retail worker, but I just don’t understand the prevailing attitude that it’s okay to treat people in certain occupations as so much useless, interchangeable trash. I’m not stupid, and I understand that stereotypes sometimes exist for a reason, but you’ll find good people, bad people, smart people, and dumb people anywhere you go. Which brings me back to my original point in this thread, that they are all people, and deserve to be treated as such, rather than be referred to as “twats” and “tards” based solely on what they do for a living. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2013, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803/40 "2013-04-04T07:23:45Z")
I know it’s a rough situation, and believe me, I know what it’s like to be unemployed. I’m not saying there’s an easy answer here. But in my mind, when retail workers treat \*me \*like crap - by pestering me, by delaying me, by following a script and refusing to engage me like a human being - then I’m showing them respect by responding in kind. I’m treating them as equals. To be, it would be much more insulting if I thought, \*oh, they’re just retail drones, they’re not responsible for their own actions. \*By reacting to their actions I’m respecting the fact that they’re acting out of their own free will. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-the-fuck-did-checking-out-at-a-store-become-such-a-goddamned-stupid-ordeal/654803.md?page=3)