ever

[beachboy]

- MAY I HELP YOU?
- CAN YOU EVER.
Does this answer necessarily convey anger or impatience? Can it sound not as rude as it seems?

[5jj]

- MAY I HELP YOU?
- CAN YOU EVER?
Does this answer necessarily convey anger or impatience? Can it sound not as rude as it seems?

It may not always be rude, but I would not recommend that you use it except to an understanding friend. It may be intended just humorously, or said with a resigned tone.

[BobK]

The user might just mean 'You're telling me/You can say that again' [that is, s/he's indicating fervent agreement]. But s/he could also mean 'It's about time you noticed. I've been struggling with this for ages '. So it's risky!

b