In Mad Men 7-1, a vain and stupid TV producer orders champagne by calling to the waiter, 'Young man!'
Is that just incidental, or a clue that he is a total jerk for feigning politeness with that alternative call to 'Boy' / 'Garçon' ? (With Mad Men, it is a rare thing that is not a clue to something.)
When was the last time you still heard 'boy!' ? How do you call to waiters? Me, the only thing I've ever done for that is try to catch the person's eyes.
I think it is entirely situational. Whether it is to a waiter or not, an older man, or woman (above 40 or so) can legitimately call someone in their 20s young man because it is true. I haven't seen the episode of MadMen so I don't know if that situation fits. When I don't know someone's name (definitely every waiter) I address them as sir or ma'am. I find that when I address people with this honor, it makes them feel better about themselves and friendlier toward me.
It has become rather common for servers to introduce themselves soon after the diners are seated. When they don't, I ask. If the restaurant is not too busy I may even introduce myself and my fellow diners to the server. I'd rather use a person's name wherever possible.
tromboniator said
It has become rather common for servers to introduce themselves soon after the diners are seated. When they don't, I ask. If the restaurant is not too busy I may even introduce myself and my fellow diners to the server. I'd rather use a person's name wherever possible.
I've eaten at some of those nice places, but not often.
tromboniator said
It has become rather common for servers to introduce themselves soon after the diners are seated. When they don't, I ask. If the restaurant is not too busy I may even introduce myself and my fellow diners to the server. I'd rather use a person's name wherever possible.
"Hi, my name if Jennifer. Yew wun fries wid dat?"