Setting

One of the first things we noticed about speech patterns upon moving to Boston/ New England was the phrase all set. It can be used in many circustances but is frequently heard in service situations.

For example:

The waiter looks at your mostly empty plate and says: All set? To which you would reply: All set.

You would be all set if you're just browsing in a store and don't need the help of a salesperson. If someone offers you a cookie but you're on a diet, you would say -- you guessed it -- all set.

The phrase takes the place of No, thanks; This transaction is finished; I don't need your help; etc.

It is such a workhorse of the Boston vernacular that we have joked that anyone who moves here without knowing English should learn it along with yes and my name is.

I recently had the opportunity to test this idea. The man in front of me at the grocery store near my office appeared to be having trouble with the credit card swipe. He was swiping repeatedly. However, his receipt was printing, and the clerk was trying in vain to communicate that the transaction was complete. She tried "it went through, you're finished, it worked," to no avail.

After a few minutes I took control. Clearly we were dealing with an English Language Learner (the latest PC education term).

"All set," I said loudly.

"All set!" said the clerk.

Understanding spread across the man's face. He took his bag and left.

We were all set.