Why do Americans call a bill a check?

[tokie]

When you go to a restaurant why would you say "can I get the check please"?

That makes no sense. In fact it is ignant. What about it is a check?

PS I forgot how cheap things like gas are in the States. Only $3.50/gallon.

 

[stargazr]

It is in fact NOT ignant.

Oh and I just paid $2.90 a gallon.

 

[Bateluer]

Because its correct usage.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheque

A check is a document that orders a payment of money from a bank account.

 

[aaksheytalwar]

It is the same in India. We call a bill a check.

 

[stargazr]

 

[nickbits]

I don't...

 

[SKORPI0]

I don't, because I know the difference. :hmm:

Bill.

a: an itemized account of the separate cost of goods sold, services performed, or work done : invoice
b : an amount expended or owed
c : a statement of charges for food or drink

Check/cheque (form of payment). I usually use a credit card as form of payment when I go to restaurants. cash if it's less than $20.

a written order directing a bank to pay money as instructed

 

[olds]

Link

 

[Sahakiel]

Because at one point in time, they were checks as we know them today.
The customer signs them, and the funds are drawn against the customer's account.

 

[olds]

What do you call a Czechoslovakian abortion?

 

[rudeguy]

and once again an ATOT member displays his ignorance for the masses

 

[cKGunslinger]

What do you call a Czechoslovakian abortion?

A cancelled Czech? :hmm:

:thumbsdown:

:sneaky:

 

[Mixolydian]

A cancelled Czech? :hmm:

:thumbsdown:

:sneaky:

LOL.

 

[Iron Woode]

When you go to a restaurant why would you say "can I get the check please"?

That makes no sense. In fact it is ignant. What about it is a check?

PS I forgot how cheap things like gas are in the States. Only $3.50/gallon.

please stop this kind of posting.

you are embarrassing all of us Canadians.

D:

 

[ponyo]

$3.50 a gallon for gas? Aloha. sucker.

 

[GrumpyMan]

Check as in check the price and charges, not check as in pay a bill with. You have to check the price in order to pay the bill....and why call it a bill? Maybe you should ask the waiter for an invoice.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Because its correct usage.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheque

So if I deposit my bill into the ATM, it will order them to take the money out of my account and put it in the restaurant's account? :awe:

A bill and a check is two completely different things. A bill is basically a non special document that simply tells the customer how much they owe. It can be as simple as a post it note with the amount on it. Though normally they're more official for tracking purposes. (ex: tax write off, legal disputes) A check is a method to pay money to another party, and is a more specialized document in the sense that it will have proper information so the bank can process it.

Also, where do I sign up for $3.50/gal? I'll bring jerry cans. I'll come buy all the milk too.

 

[OverVolt]

Gas is cheap because the taxes are low. Thats what gas normally costs lol.

 

[SheHateMe]

Who gives a fuck? Just pay for your services and be done with it.

 

[Newbian]

A cancelled Czech? :hmm:

:thumbsdown:

:sneaky:

Damnit and this is why we all are going to hell.

 

[BudAshes]

I totally thought this was going to be a Bill Belichick joke.

 

[shortylickens]

 

[OutHouse]

OP is a fucking ignorant idiot.

 

[RossMAN]

$3.09 here

 

[sixone]

PS I forgot how cheap things like gas are in the States. Only $3.50/gallon.

I paid $2.97, yesterday.