Hi all -

Following from the recent discussion on the politeness of may
in a request ('May' for permission, ...
http://UsingEnglish.Com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1186 ).


I believe that, in most cases, use of the word can in a request, e.g.

Can I have a doughnut?

... as apposed to ...

May I have a doughnut?

... is positively rude, since it is inherently manipulative, due to
the fact that its more difficult to say no to the can variant.

- Best regards, Ian