News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Great Divide in How Americans Commute to Work. Parent comment

Re:Great Divide in How Americans Commute to Work by chrisseaton on Tuesday January 22, 2019 @04:34PM (#18972753)
> grab a donut

Funny question, but in the US does 'grabbing' something not have a bad connotation? When I hear 'grab a donut' my English mind sees you smashing your fist through the glass of the counter, taking a doughnut, and running off.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Great Divide in How Americans Commute to Work by swozey on Tuesday January 22, 2019 @05:06PM (#18973060)
"Wanna grab a beer/drink?" is one of the most common invites I've heard for going out. So no, no negative connotations.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Great Divide in How Americans Commute to Work by taormina on Tuesday January 22, 2019 @04:35PM (#18972769)
'Snatch' might be more of a negative connotation? Grab feels pretty neutral.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Great Divide in How Americans Commute to Work by yellowapple on Thursday January 24, 2019 @12:28AM (#18986227)
It definitely depends on context, and possibly locality/dialect. I have heard (and used) "snatch", "snag", "grab", and "steal" here quite often.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Great Divide in How Americans Commute to Work by BenjiWiebe on Tuesday January 22, 2019 @05:07PM (#18973069)
It has no negative connotation to my born-and-raised-in-the-US mind. The only thing it implies to me is being in a hurry.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Great Divide in How Americans Commute to Work by Retra on Tuesday January 22, 2019 @04:55PM (#18972960)
It may even have that connotation, but even so, using it for flair is perfectly acceptable. In fact, there's nothing bad about your mental image, as it would only be humorous.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Great Divide in How Americans Commute to Work by aswanson on Tuesday January 22, 2019 @05:21PM (#18973188)
I legit got a laugh out of that. Thanks.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Great Divide in How Americans Commute to Work by aswanson on Tuesday January 22, 2019 @05:22PM (#18973204)
There is however, a "smash-and-grab" phrase in the US which fits your imagery perfectly.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Great Divide in How Americans Commute to Work by rexpop on Tuesday January 22, 2019 @06:36PM (#18973963)
Not at all. It convey's minute commitment; both brief and trivial.
[ Parent | on HN ]