it is probable that i'm just racist
Researching a case today, I called Philadelphia Gas Works on behalf of a customer. In a prerecorded message on the other end, I was greeted by a friendly and articulate woman who informed me with impeccable diction that my PGW representative was required to axe me a series of questions to verify my identity.
Later on in the carefully worded and expertly read message she advised me that I if I was interested in taking advantage of the such-and-such payment plan that I should axe my represntative for details.
This struck me as odd. I know i'm prone to cruel bouts of biting irony but in this case I'm not being sarcastic when I say this woman's speech and articulation were impeccable. This is why I can be so certain that she clearly and deliberately said "axe". Twice.
Is this a regional thing? I mean, I'm used to hearing it in non-professional contexts (though I have to admit it drives me up a wall), but to hear it in a recorded greeting on a business phone line is a bit of a wake-up call.
Later on in the carefully worded and expertly read message she advised me that I if I was interested in taking advantage of the such-and-such payment plan that I should axe my represntative for details.
This struck me as odd. I know i'm prone to cruel bouts of biting irony but in this case I'm not being sarcastic when I say this woman's speech and articulation were impeccable. This is why I can be so certain that she clearly and deliberately said "axe". Twice.
Is this a regional thing? I mean, I'm used to hearing it in non-professional contexts (though I have to admit it drives me up a wall), but to hear it in a recorded greeting on a business phone line is a bit of a wake-up call.