— used as a polite way of starting to interrupt someone "Excuse me, but may I say something?"
— used as a polite way of trying to get someone's attention "Excuse me, do you know where I can find Maple Street?"
— used as a polite apology for a minor fault or offense, such as laughing, coughing or burping
None of the recognized definitions of “excuse me” make it OK to take someone’s spot on a parade route or in a line.
Still, many use the phrase as a polite way of apologizing for sponging.
“Excuse me, I am going to say ‘excuse me’ before getting in front of you.”
“Excuse me, I feel like I should say ‘excuse me’ even though I don’t mean it. You were here first, but I think my life is more valuable then yours. I can’t see all the way back there.”
Excuse me, “excuse me” is a hijacked nicety.
It is more polite to say “excuse me” than “move” or simply “get out the way.”
With all the festivals, concerts and other outdoor events it offers, summer is the official “excuse me” season.
Brace your face.
You will undoubtedly be standing someplace you got to first when a smiling person walks up and says "excuse me" before hopping in front of you, entourage in tow.
Just like that, the view of the thing you were trying to see is stolen.
You are left to wonder “what the what.”
The use of the words “excuse me” make the ordeal even worse.
The offender has successfully given him or herself permission to be rude.
“Excuse me, my parents raised me to be a decent human being, but I am not a decent human being because I am about to walk all over you. I hereby grant myself permission to sort be a (insert swear word here). You don’t have a problem with that? I said excuse me.”
It is time to call a spade a space here, people.
Saying “excuse me” when you are behaving like a (insert naughty word), doesn’t give you the right to behave like a (naughty word.)
Excuse me, wait your turn or get there early like the rest of us.
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