Kick starters

I'm surely guilty of it too, but I do wonder how often people actually hear what they're saying.

A customer brought a machine into the Shop this morning; it would not turn as soon as you hit the on button, as it should. "What's wrong with it Cosgriff?"

I answered that until I got into the repair I would not know, but it could be as bad a blown motor. "They're can't be nothing wrong with the motor, Cosgriff, because I can kick start it."

"You what?"

"I can kick start it. I can turn the clutch with a flip of my foot and the motor starts running."

He didn't hear what he said.

Of course something is wrong with the motor because you should not have to kick start it. Besides, if nothing's wrong with the motor why are you in my Shop talking to me?

He didn't hear that in his head either I bet.