I do this sometimes, in a misguided effort to be helpful; but usually only after I've done what follows so often that my pocket has ten quid's worth of change in it. I actually wear out the pockets of my pants.

Mike.

You are free to substitute any word you feel better describes the slip of paper that totals up the amount you owe. You might prefer "liverwurst" or "alchemy". I, on the other hand, am quite comfortable with "bill". I generally find that using common terms - however imprecise - when dealing with cashiers works out quite well.

We should add to the list of delays in cafeteria lines the "Fontana Bottleneck". This is the person that stands at the cashier's station and questions the terms and nomenclature used by the cashier to describe the slip of paper that represents the total amount of money due. Patrons in line behind this type should avoid ordering foods that are best eaten while still warm. It is suggested that they order only a salad and cucumber dill soup.
People who have been trapped by the Fontana Bottleneck idolize Miss Traci Baumeister. She is the cashier at Lorenzo's Swedish/Bulgarian Cafeteria-style Deli on Western Avenue in Chicago. In fall of 2003, she cut off a Fontana Bottleneck by saying "PTFB and MO, Sir." The Bottleneck was so impressed by hearing his native tongue spoken in the wilds of the Midwest that he immediately paid and moved to his table.

The Bottleneck was later ejected from the establishment for disturbing the other patrons. He had become fascinated with the small strip of adhesive-backed paper that bound his napkin around the eating implements and tried to engage the other patrons in a discussion about the word that should be used to describe that item. The patrons complained voraciously to management because the Bottleneck was not only disturbing their meal but mocking their speech by saying things like "What woodju cawl this in Cheecawgo?"

This evening I asked the bar waiter for the bill (here in Tokyo). After he had stared blankly at me for a few seconds, I remembered that I have to use American English in Japan, and translated to "check". He scurried off to fetch my bill.

David
==
Tokyo, well fed

The American bartender would also recognize "tab".