It seems that the most creative euphemisms are used for corrected grain leather. My personal favorite is AE's "polished cobbler," which is absolutely meaningless as a designation for leather other than to disguise the fact that it's corrected grain. "Bookbinder leather" has the same sort of ring to it.

Bookbinding > http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/don/don.html

Ken,

I couldn't bring myself to read the entire thread, so this may have already come up:  But, it may be that a hotel would train its staff to say "my pleasure" simply as a means to break them of the habit of saying "no problem", which is far too common and much worse.  "No problem" might be an appropriate response when asked to do something beyond the call of duty, but I am usually annoyed when someone informs me that it is "no problem" to do what is obviously their job.

LW

Last edited by Jerrysfriend (2007-08-23 16:57:42)

I agree with Mr. Pollock.  It is a shame he has to suffer the abuse of some of the SF cretins.

But what I find equally annoying is the habit of certain diners, at upscale restaurants, of referring to staff by his or her first name.  Even when the name is offered, as it often is, I find the presumption of familiarity, and therefore equality, to be highly annoying.  Not to mention, I have noticed on many occasions the discomfort of staff when referred to in this manner. 

When I dine out at a good restaurant, I am seeking an extraordinary experience, but it is diminished by personal interaction with the server on a first-name basis as if one were visiting a common backyard barbeque.

It is egalitarianism run amock.

Last edited by Admiral Cod (2007-08-25 00:20:35)