That Loudmouth

Speak softly.

But carry a big stick.

At least that's what the usual adage is. Over here though, seems like most of the country folk take the saying as speak loudly. Obviously to compensate for a little stick.

Otherwise why would the graceless yokels here talk at the top of their voices in public? Do they think everyone else in this small town is hopelessly deaf?


Hush.
Though I come from a long line of honest kopitiam owners, I don't think I'd have gotten away with yelling out the lunch orders in the shop. Neither would my cousins. My exacting grandmother certainly wouldn't have us all behaving like ill-bred, uncultured hooligans. An eagle-eyed glare would be followed with a stern two-minute homily on proper kopitiam etiquette.

Caterwauling, hollering or screaming incessantly across the length of the shop isn't allowed.

Being quite a bit younger than the rest of us, the family black sheep Richie Runt missed the Miss Manners lecture.

Paul : Did you take the order for table three?
Richie : Sure I did! Black coffee two!! And one egg with toast! Got that?!
Paul : I think you should lower your tone of voice before grandma comes -
Grandmother : Good gracious, child. Richie, what was all that improper yelling all about? Were you brought up in a fishmarket? Good money I paid to have you sent to a proper school.

Obviously not the adage learnt by the folk over here. Don't they know that while the underlings and lackeys tend to shout, true Godfathers always whisper? After all, you only need to raise your voice if no one cares to listen.

Little sticks I tell ya!