(I’m working in a restaurant at the bar where we also make coffees. I’m standing at the espresso machine when a male customer approaches to order.)

Customer: “I’d like a cappuccino with no milk, please.”

(This confuses me, as milk is a necessary component for cappuccinos.)

Me: “I’m sorry, sir. Do you mean a black coffee? A long black, perhaps? That’s espresso topped up with hot water?”

Customer: “No, I want a normal cappuccino; just don’t put any milk in it.”

Me: “Well, that would just be a short black or espresso shot. Is that what you’re after?”

Customer: “No! Look, it’s not that complicated. Just make me a cappuccino, but leave out the milk.”

(Still confused, I make up a shot of espresso in a cappuccino cup and show the customer.)

Me: “Is this what you want?”

Customer: “No! Ugh! You kids these days don’t know anything about making decent coffees!”

(I actually have over six years experience making coffees.)

Me: “I’m sorry, sir, but I just don’t understand what you want me to make.”

(The customer storms off back to his table in the bistro. Not long after, a woman comes up to the bar.)

Woman: “I’d just like to apologise for my idiot of a husband and order a cappuccino with skinny milk. Honestly, how did he expect you to make a cappuccino with no milk at all?”

(The male customer avoided me for the rest of the evening out of embarrassment, but the woman gave me a nice tip!)