I am debating with a friend of mine who thinks that it is supposed to be standing "on" line, such as at the grocery store. I believe it is the other ("in"). I'd like to see who else agrees or doesn't, and I would also like to know where you are located (to see if it is a 'regional' thing). You don't have to say your specific location, but "East Coast", "Midwest", "South", West", etc would be helpful. Thank you!
2007-09-18 16:38:16 · 12 answers · asked by ARC 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
To quote David Lee Roth - "I've been all 'round this great big world" and I've NEVER heard someone say "standing ON line". I've lived in five different states and, yea it is IN LINE. Tell your friend to "shove off".
but in a nice way, they are still a friend.
JUST WRONG! :-)
2007-09-18 17:11:52 · answer #1 · answered by daddyoit 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Standing On Line
2016-10-14 09:43:51 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, so I was born and raised on the West Coast and was taught it was waiting "in" line. I lived in the south, and the midwest, there it was waiting "in" line. I had never HEARD anyone say waiting "on" line until I moved to the East Coast.
Personally, waiting "on" line is one of those things that makes my stomach turn. I know it is odd but it sounds like it is missing something...like waiting on THE line as in "waiting on the line to move"...
Another thing that REALLY bothers me is when someone says "What are you going to do when you're done school?"
To, me that phrase is missing a "with". It's the same thing in my book....
2007-09-18 19:53:41 · answer #3 · answered by joellemoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I grew up in the Midwest, where we say "in" line. One is waiting in a line of people, therefore "in line."
I now live in New York City and everyone says "on" line. The first time I told someone that I was "waiting in line" they looked at me like I was crazy.
2007-09-19 05:00:43 · answer #4 · answered by gopher646 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In line.
International.
2007-09-18 23:52:54 · answer #5 · answered by mahawi61 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"In" for sure. One is not standing on top of a line. When people form a line, they make up the actual line. Therefore, when another person joins, they are withIN it as a part of it. I don't think it's a regional form of speech, just common sense :-)
I'm in NC too - WHAZZZUP folks?
2007-09-18 17:06:27 · answer #6 · answered by Opal 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Midwest,one state away from the geographic center of the country. it's in line. Never stood online for a grocery checkout.
On line in slang, before and after computors. means understanding, having a grasp of a situation, being "right on" with an opinion. For example. Jim is online with the corporate way of thinking.
Right down the line means all along .For example, Right down the line it's been you and me. [credit to Steve Perry and "Journey" for that line, song is "Faithfully"]
Put it on the line means put something out there in a gambling way, like to put an idea on the line for example, Jim put his career on the line when he gave that opinion to the boss.
And it is also a method of gambling.
Get in line means to conform to standards. Jim needs to get in line with the thinking here, or he will lose his job.
Here's one, the Brits say, in hospital, like the doctor put her in hospital. Americans say in the hospital.
2007-09-18 17:44:36 · answer #7 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Standing on the line is used in the military, because you are usually standing on a line, not in one facing forward.
2007-09-18 17:30:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as I "know" I am going through the Pearly Gates,,I do not mind waiting in line,,,,
2016-03-19 07:44:51 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In line. East Coast. Never ever heard anyone say on line unless they were talking about being on the internet.
2007-09-18 16:49:37 · answer #10 · answered by egn18s 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋