Mixing Meanings — Mangling English
There is an individual in Quincy Market, “doing business,” who is down on customers who don’t speak proper.
“What’s eggs, this morning?” says a customer.
“Eggs, of course,” says the dealer.
“I mean—how do they go?”
“Go?—where?”
“Sho—!” says the customer, getting up his fury, “what for eggs?”
“Money, money, sir! or good endorsed credit!” says the dealer.
“Don’t you understand the English language, sir?” says the customer.
“Not as you mix it and mangle it; I don’t!” responded the egg merchant.
“What—is—the—price—per—dozen—for—your—eggs?”
“Ah! now you talk,” says the dealer. “Sixteen cents per dozen, is the price, sir!” They traded!