Friday, 11 September 2009
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Smelly Cab Drivers
Mancouch, answer me this: what in the world is proper etiquette when you realize that your cabdriver has unbelievable BO?
I got in a cab recently, and my driver stunk to high heaven. I didn't realize until the car was moving, and it was too late to get out.
I was faced with several tough options for what to say to him:- Be Honest: "I have to tell you something... you smell really bad."
- Be Honest But Subtle: "Wow, did something die in the car... it smells awful in here."
- Be a Coward: "Here's your tip, sir."
What should one say to a smelly cab driver?
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Comments (23)
i'd just roll down the window.
Say it as you get out.
I wouldn't say anything directly. I'd read what kind of person he is and act accordingly. If he's open and smart I'd talk about the pollution to hint about the smell. If he was sensitive and stubborn I would just let it slide.
I think the real question here is did Mancouch just ask itself a question?
The one time I was in a taxi (I come from a small, middle-of-nowhere, no need for a taxi town)... I did, indirectly, tell the driver he smelled bad. Whatever he was eating or wearing smelled like grapes. I said, "You smell really grapey"... and since I was packed in the cab with a few of my drunk, loud friends.. the driver said, "Huh?" and my friend said, "She says you smell really creepy"...
and that's that. He just looked at me through the mirror like I was a lunatic.
I wouldn't say anything to him about it-- what's the point? I don't think people base their hygiene habits off of potentially insulting input from people they hardly know. I mean, people need some hints from society to know what's acceptable and not, I just feel like in this situation, it'd do more to make the guy offended or sad than it would anything else (like make him less smelly). Also, I wouldn't say "it smells" in a passive-aggressive attempt to get him to take a shower because I'm sure throughout the day, enough people would comment to him about the smell inside the cab that he'd get the hint without my own personal input-- I know, if everyone thought the way I do, it wouldn't work, but I'd rather not be in a socially awkward situation if there's a good chance I'm being a redundant asshole from the other guy's perspective.
You smell really bad.
@SJay1@xanga - i was thinking that. hmm.
I'm with @raiyaya@xanga - . Just roll down the window.
once you've given the money, tell him.
I wouldn't say anything because I am not that kind of person.
i would ask him to let me out. and if he asked why i would tell him.
agree with raiyaya and joyouswind, open the window!!
I would just roll down the window and if they were locked, ask the cab driver to unlock the windows.
I'd probably complain about the smell
in a low voice, who knows maybe he'd catch what I've said
I have a suggestion,
Be Honest But Subtle: (more indirect, perhaps kinder) Sir, would you mind rolling the window down a bit?
That's what I'd do.
"you stink like sex."
Nothing. But have a puffer handy to pretend you have asthma.
Be honest but kind. It's called tact. Wait until the ride is over, gently say," I imagine you have no idea, but the odor coming from your clothes is rather strong, and some might find it offensive. I use Febreeze on my car seats occasionally, and I am sure I don't spend near as much time in my vehicle as you do. You might give it some thought...." You don't need to be a coward; this is a stranger, and sooner or later you will be in a situation where you need to convey something unpleasant to someone. Might as well practice on a tactful way to get your point across. Phrasing it this way will make more of a positive impact that saying "You smell like ass..."
I wouldn't worry sooner or later someone is going to tell him if it is that bad.
hahahahahaha
if your cab drivers smell wait till you get here to the philippines!!!
almost every public vehicle driver stinks to the heavens!!!!!!!!
@yourblondeness@xanga - ahahahha i love you.
If you're in new york or dc(or any major city, i imagine) all you have to do is be WALKING and you can smell something horrible for a whole block, so a taxi driver who's job it is to drive assholes around all day(and not kill them) in a hot ass car doesnt need your bullshit and he's probably aware that he stinks. It cuts back on the small talk so you can shut the fuck up, not complain about his driving and get to where you need to be.
Plus. If its that bad, you little priss, don't hail a cab; spend the extra cash and call one in from a more nasal friendly public transportation service. The Subway/Bus is FAR worse than any cab... as far as being trapped in the funk with no way out is concerned.
If Alicia Keys can handle it(she says she likes the funky smell.. its part of "the experience/nostalgia") you, as a man, should be able to buck up or shove a few fingers in there for a couple mins.
The real question is, "do you think a cabby gives two rips about your opinion?" The answer is, "no". He's a freakin' cabbie. Take a limo if you are that sensitive.