Beg your pardon

Like millions of others, I am terribly impressed by the versatility of the English language. Very few languages can equip one to convey the maximum with the minimum of words.

Take for example, the phrase "beg your pardon". Though small in size, it can acquire varied nuances and shades of meaning. Generally when you want to say, "Sorry, I could not understand; will you please repeat what you said?” the use of the expression, 'Beg your pardon?' will be sufficient to convey what you mean. The clan of cultured creatures, as also some who are relatively fresh to the behavioural code, use the phrase frequently. To some it comes naturally, while others assiduously cultivate it in suitable tone and tenor. If you are not prone to say 'beg your pardon' at the slightest provocation, probably you do not belong to the cultured community, most of which is drawn from the public schools.

This phrase can be used with vehemence as a weapon of demolition when you want to tell your adversary "you are talking rubbish." Your face should wear the right expression and the phrase should be delivered with venom. The victim at the other end will be put on the defensive. One of my bosses was a past master in such authoritative expressions and always succeeded in making his point all the way.
Another superior of mine had developed an uncanny method of brushing aside unwanted pleas by continuing to sign some papers with frequent interjections of 'beg your pardon' while you strive to entangle him in the web of your yarn.
'Beg your pardon' can be pathetic. Anguish and consternation can be effectively ventilated through this phrase. If disenchanted or disillusioned by your tormentor you may render 'I beg your pardon, sir' in such a hurt and harassed voice, as to convey your sentiments to the hilt. But your countenance should also be that of a distressed person.

While saying 'beg your pardon', one can portray a romantic character too. Imagine the boss leaning towards his pretty secretary and whispering in a husky tone 'beg your pardon', pretending not to understand her sweet utterances. "Beg your pardon" can become a symphony in semantics. There is the case of that sweet little thing who intones 'I beg your pardon, sir', and a thousand bells jingle for you.
Beg your pardon, for I seem to be drifting from the main theme.