>>>We were in line at the checkout at Ikea yesterday evening, and there was a couple in front of us. I don't know what they were talking about, but at one point the guy said something and the woman started laughing. And while laughing, she managed to blurt out, "That's so hilarious it's not funny."
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>>A really annoying one is when talking to telesales people (not the unsolicited callers)
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>>You give them your postcode and house number, they have to impress you that they know your address (well, they've only come up with the street name, which you could have provided when stating the house number)
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>>Then they say "?"
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>I don't think they are allowed to say your name, unless you already told it.

That's besides the point. In that case they should say "Could you GIVE ME your name, please?" You can't confirm something until the other party states his thoughts on it.

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>>My reply is "How can I confirm my name when you haven't told ME what you think it is?"
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>>Another is, if you've already told them your name "Sorry, what was the name again?"
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>>My reply is "It STILL is Terry McDonnell, and hasn't changed since I told you"
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>I talk to people all day, and yu will never believe how many times I have to ask this, because when I answer the phone, I am usually busy finishing my notes from the last caller, and switching programs and menues to be able to talk to the caller.

I was objecting to their saying "What WAS the name?". Just because I gave them my name in the (very recent) past, I haven't since changed it by deed poll. So they should say "Sorry, what IS your name again?"

A hint for you then, Tore, note down a caller's name on a note pad as soon as he tells you. :-)