OT: Pants (and others)
Nov 4, 2010, 7:42 am
#1
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OT: Pants (and others)
Another topic about the English language. Ever since I have been frequenting the BAEC section of FT my vocabulary has improved with nice little gems like 'pants'. Recently a UK colleague of mine noted that he was surprised that someone not from the UK would use it to describe something less than optimal.
I am pretty sure that my English has become more British in the last 2000 posts or so. Any more typical British gems I can surprise my colleagues across the pond with? Also for personal pleasure of course. I love language.
And of course I intend to use many of them in my letters of complaint and/or praise to BA, so we are at least slightly on topic...
I am pretty sure that my English has become more British in the last 2000 posts or so. Any more typical British gems I can surprise my colleagues across the pond with? Also for personal pleasure of course. I love language.
And of course I intend to use many of them in my letters of complaint and/or praise to BA, so we are at least slightly on topic...
Nov 4, 2010, 7:50 am
#2
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Nov 4, 2010, 7:52 am
#3
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I can't offer any right now, but in a slightly-related story I was once in Holland on a customer site talking to a Dutch customer support person for a large computer manufacturer. We were trying to get to the bottom of an issue with a particular piece of equipment and he said (I quote), "Crumbs, I haven't seen that message in a while". Crumbs?? I hadn't heard many British people use that one, never mind a non-native English speaker...
So henky, you're not alone!
So henky, you're not alone!
Nov 4, 2010, 7:53 am
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Nov 4, 2010, 7:56 am
#6
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I like the British appropriation if the word muppet. Only we could turn something that in the US is cheerful fun and positive and use it as a pejorative.
edit I suppose we could add Mickey Mouse to that list too. We are a grumpy bunch.
edit I suppose we could add Mickey Mouse to that list too. We are a grumpy bunch.
Nov 4, 2010, 7:59 am
#7
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I always say that I'm going to-the-loo since that sounds exactly like the Dutch toedeloe, which means see you later.
Crumbs... I like. If you know the etymology of the word, even better. Pants was a hard one to figure out...
The Dutch use muppet and Mickey Mouse in the same negative way. Guess we share more than a royal link.
Crumbs... I like. If you know the etymology of the word, even better. Pants was a hard one to figure out...
The Dutch use muppet and Mickey Mouse in the same negative way. Guess we share more than a royal link.
Nov 4, 2010, 8:06 am
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I have an Austrian friend who I introduced to the word 'Spiffing' when describing a particularly excellent evening we had all spent together as friends.
The on-line definitions of the word do not really give it justice.
The on-line definitions of the word do not really give it justice.
Nov 4, 2010, 8:12 am
#9
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OMFG LMFAO innit... 
My Swedish friend now makes full use of the word "jolly". A "jolly" is english slang for a holiday, however can be used as a different meaning when a colleague is taking a business trip and happens to stay in the destination over the weekend at the companies expense.
Eg:
Henkycolleague: I am flying to Hawaii with work on Wednesday, Ive never been before.
Henkybaby: You lucky bstard, when are you back?
Henkcolleague: My flight gets back on Monday afternoon
Henkybaby: Ah are you taking the family with you for a jolly over the weekend then?
Henkycolleague: Erm, How do you know that word?
My Swedish friend now makes full use of the word "jolly". A "jolly" is english slang for a holiday, however can be used as a different meaning when a colleague is taking a business trip and happens to stay in the destination over the weekend at the companies expense.
Eg:
Henkycolleague: I am flying to Hawaii with work on Wednesday, Ive never been before.
Henkybaby: You lucky bstard, when are you back?
Henkcolleague: My flight gets back on Monday afternoon
Henkybaby: Ah are you taking the family with you for a jolly over the weekend then?
Henkycolleague: Erm, How do you know that word?
Nov 4, 2010, 8:14 am
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It was the main reason people bought Robertsons Jam!
Nov 4, 2010, 8:22 am
#11
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I never knew todaloo was from Dutch. I am disproportionately pleased that I have learnt that today!
Nov 4, 2010, 8:24 am
#12
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You can do the remaining math...
Nov 4, 2010, 8:24 am
#13
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I quite like using 'chuffed' in conversation with friends back in the US.
Also I've acquired the habit of replacing a perfectly good 'z' with an 's' in various words, such as authorise. I wonder how long it will take to get over that =)
Also I've acquired the habit of replacing a perfectly good 'z' with an 's' in various words, such as authorise. I wonder how long it will take to get over that =)
Nov 4, 2010, 8:25 am
#14
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If for any reason you need to discuss erasers, please don't refer to them as a rubber in the US - totally different thing. 
Nov 4, 2010, 8:26 am
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