Speaking American Is A Country Diction In Terms, Part 2
(I’ve lived in New Jersey all my life but moved to Missouri roughly two months ago. I’m managing the fitting rooms in our store when a husband and wife approach me.)
Husband: “Ma’am, do you think you can help my wife find something?”
Me: “Oh! Of course! What were you looking for?”
(The couple stares at me in shock for a few seconds.)
Husband: “Where are you from? You have a very strange accent.”
Me: “I just moved out here from Jersey.”
Wife: “That’s in Europe, right?”
Me: “Er… no. I mean New Jersey. The state.”
Husband: “Oh, so you’re from Eastern Europe?”
Me: “No, sir. The East Coast of the United States.”
Husband: “Was New Jersey one of those Soviet countries?”
Wife: “It must have been. You poor dear, living under such oppression. Welcome to America! Your English really is excellent!”
Me: “Uh… thanks. What was it you were looking for?”
Wife: “Oh, I’ll get someone else to help me. I really dislike being helped by foreigners.”
This story is part of our “Where are you from?” roundup!
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Question of the Week
Have you ever met a customer who thought the world revolved around them?
