Why do we ask if we can "borrow" a piece of gum, or toilet paper?

Question

you know what, I don't want it back so I'll give you one.

Answer 1

lol True, very true. My friends and I have sat around discussing this very thing. We think when someone ask to borrow they mean that they will by new to pay back. Or that there just trying to sound polite.

Answer 2

I ask 'you want gum?'
And I never heard of borrowing toilet paper.

Answer 3

i suppose its not the expectation of the person you are borrowing from to actually give you back the SAME piece of gum/toliet paper or watever...

But its just the fact that the person who is borrowing the article wants to ensure the person that he is borrowing it from, that he will help him out in future similar situations

Answer 4

We are just trying to be polite. May I borrow some points?

Answer 5

because it soundss like were asking nicely, and maybe when you are out of gum or toilet paper we'll give you some back.

Answer 6

"Borrow" replaces "please" and "have".

It sounds nicer, I guess. But it also implies that the person "borrowing" knows how to return a favor. From my experience, most people don't.

Answer 7

I think we say a lot of things, use a lot of expressions, that if taken literally sound pretty ridiculous. Really listen to what people say sometimes (including ourselves) - take what they say literally - "it'll crack you up".

Answer 8

I always make sure I give it back...that's just me though.

Answer 9

same reason why some people say conversate, when they know it is not a word

Answer 10

being polite and meaning we would return the favour