Re: "could you shift?"

Posted by Smokey Stover on June 16, 2005

In Reply to: "Could you shift?" posted by bubu on June 16, 2005

: Hello,
: While I was sitting on a bench someone came and said "could you shift?" meaning could you move a bit. I was wondering if it was correct to use the word"shift" in such a situation. Some say that it does not sound natural in American english. Others say it's a college slang. Please comment.
: Thanks

In polite American, "Would you mind moving over a bit?" Impolite: "Move your ass!" (Fighting words, sometimes.) Expected reply to "Could you shift": "Could I shift what?" SS

• Re: "Could you shift?" David FG 16/June/05