I think it comes from being "extra polite" in English tends to mean some amount of flattery is getting thrown in. Which is also a great technique to start manipulating people. If someone comes up to me and says "excuse me sir, you look like a kind good hearted young man..." they aren't about to ask what subway stop they need to get off at they are about to tell me how their mother is sick and they need $10 for a bus home.