The Polka Dot gift bag and getting the words right!

This is a reiteration of a conversation I had with a cashier at a major drug store. 

Me: There is a dearth of gift bags. 

Her: Say what now?

Me: A paucity, there is a paucity of gift bags.

Her: I'm not getting you.

(Clearly she wasn't so I changed tactics).

Me: What's up with all the polka dot gift bags?!

Her: I know, right!

Me: Really. Polka dots. Really. 

After that she was my new best friend.  

When writing dialogue know your audience. Know, authentically, how they speak and speak to them in your writing. 

And good luck finding a gift bag without polka dots!