As a result of living in this rural area, I have picked up a number of (what seem to me like) southern expressions and usages. In my previous life, I don’t remember ever hearing or using the verb “to fetch” (except in Jack and Jill); nowadays, however, I use it almost exclusively in place of “to get and bring back”. No one seems to think a thing of it — probably because they all use it too.

To my mind there are absolutely no inherent negative connotations to using “fetch” in place of “go get”. Sure, it could be said in an offensive way, just as “go get” could. But if a person were to take offense at merely being innocently asked to “fetch” someone or something, we would all chuckle to ourselves and probably realize they come from a region where “fetch” is only used as a canine command.

It is something akin to “lit” and “of an evening” — a pair of words/phrases that I had not experienced until I moved here. If someone slips on the ice here in Southern Iowa it is not uncommon to hear them say they “lit on their backside.” If I’m trying to set an appointment with a person who works during the day, they might suggest I try paying them a visit “of an evening.” Both of these seem regional to me. So does the use of “fetch” in place of “go get”.

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Yes, saying “please” before “fetch” would make it better received… but so would putting garnish and ketchup on a plate of horse manure.

It’s not what you say. Its how you say it.

I’m sure there are plenty of settings where the word can be used with no harm.

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Apparently, a lot of people, including myself, forget that their individual experiences may not reflect the entire truth of the matter.

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Jeremiah, if your friend finds “fetch” to be referring primarily to dogs, perhaps it’s simply because the word is not in frequent use except as a dog command. I don’t hear “fetch” used often. Personally, when I do hear it, it sounds a bit archaic to me (but not offensive or dog-like at all).

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the meaning does not change at all whether using go fetch for a dog or human.. in both cases it’s a command.
a change in meaning would be to say, something like.. “that woman is fetching” meaning she’s foine.

regardless if it’s someone or something, it is still not a well received command in most settings

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@Douglas, some good points. I did wonder about the alphabetical order.

I think the distinction here is whether or not it’s used as a command (implying to a lesser being or someone inferior) [as Glynn put it: tell people to "go fetch"]. Of course if you order anyone to do something with a condescending tone, it’s gonna sound negative or insulting regardless of the words being used.

“Go make me some coffee!”
vs
“So I don’t need to fetch Stephen from the airport tomorrow?”

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The word “fetch” is used in some regions more than in others. In northern areas of the US it is rarely heard in the sense of to “go or come after and bring or take back” (Merriam-Webster), while in the south it is not uncommon. A careful speaker will keep this in mind. And “fetch” can have a demanding tone–it is, after all, a command–unless joined to the word “please.” Not a bad idea in a business or office setting, and not just for “fetch.” Even so, if you are in a non-fetching region, an alternative word like “get” might be more pleasing.

As for “someone” being cited before “something” in your definition, might that not just be alphabetization?

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Tell people to “go fetch” in your daily dealings with them.. and see how they respond.

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