What is your favourite British saying?
Aug 16th, 2006, 11:16 AM
#202
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For many years I wore a very widebrimmed hat for working outdoors that I bought in the souvenir shop at Leeds Castle. It read "Sod the garden". At least it wasn't "Sod the gardener".
I've never thought of "Sorry" as being particularly English and I use it all the time. It's in the 1970 edition of Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language.
Gamboll is also a pretty standard word. Probably written more than spoken since most of us don't know how to prodounce it.
I've never thought of "Sorry" as being particularly English and I use it all the time. It's in the 1970 edition of Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language.
Gamboll is also a pretty standard word. Probably written more than spoken since most of us don't know how to prodounce it.
Aug 16th, 2006, 11:24 AM
#203
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What's the word for a certain type of working class female who dresses and makes herself up garishly, especially for a night out, and thinks she looks like she has class? I saw this on Fodors once and loved it. Also, the derivation would be appreciated if anyone knows it.
A chavette.
Her male counterpart is called a chav.
A chavette.
Her male counterpart is called a chav.
Aug 16th, 2006, 11:53 AM
#205
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>>>>>
I've never thought of "Sorry" as being particularly English and I use it all the time. It's in the 1970 edition of Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language.
>>>>>
obviously it is a word well used in american english (as is many of the words listed here - mad, pants, etc, etc). the word is used very differently in britain as compared to america. i have never known americans to use sorry for anything other than an apology or when giving a sarcastic apology. in britain, it is used for many other intents...many quite the opposite of an apology (i.e. "you have done something to me for which I deserve an apology from YOU"
as is starting off a sentence with "right". also, obviously a word in american english but in the US you generally don't use "right" for OK or alright. as in "Right, let's get started" or (when being served) "Right, do you know what you want?".
I've never thought of "Sorry" as being particularly English and I use it all the time. It's in the 1970 edition of Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language.
>>>>>
obviously it is a word well used in american english (as is many of the words listed here - mad, pants, etc, etc). the word is used very differently in britain as compared to america. i have never known americans to use sorry for anything other than an apology or when giving a sarcastic apology. in britain, it is used for many other intents...many quite the opposite of an apology (i.e. "you have done something to me for which I deserve an apology from YOU"
as is starting off a sentence with "right". also, obviously a word in american english but in the US you generally don't use "right" for OK or alright. as in "Right, let's get started" or (when being served) "Right, do you know what you want?".
Aug 16th, 2006, 12:34 PM
#206
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The phrase, "You'll do yourself an injury", is used to warn children doing something dangerous in Britain, of course, as mentioned by other posters. It is also used in another sense, as a threat, as in, "Watch yourself mate or I will do you an injury!"
This is a phrase not to be used lightly, in this way, as it will get the other person's full and instant attention. I'd suggest you be ready to back it up, unless there is a broad smile on your face when you say it.
This is a phrase not to be used lightly, in this way, as it will get the other person's full and instant attention. I'd suggest you be ready to back it up, unless there is a broad smile on your face when you say it.
Aug 16th, 2006, 01:09 PM
#207
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I'm sorry, walkinaround, but I also use "sorry?" as a question when I don't understand something and also when I've been insulted and believe I deserve an apology. Just as I'd use it in response to your comment.
I believe that it is Bill Cosby who uses "right", drawn out with a long i, in his monologs.
I believe that it is Bill Cosby who uses "right", drawn out with a long i, in his monologs.
Aug 16th, 2006, 01:28 PM
#208
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Josser--A chavette it is! There are many theories on the derivation (Romany for "youth", Latin for "slave" are a couple of them.) Big logos, too much jewelry, tracksuits and loud barroom spats are apparently what chavs and chavettes are known for.
Aug 16th, 2006, 01:33 PM
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you're quite right. sorry is used in both places for "i don't understand". the use of sorry if someone insults you is more like "what did you say?", which is a sarcastic form of "i don't understand".
americans generally do not say "sorry" when they bump into people or say "sorry" when they want someone to get out of their way. nor do they say sorry to get someone's attention. nor in the US is "sorry" said to soften an awkward situation like when two people accidently pass through a door at the same time but clearly no one is at fault. usually "excuse me" is used to get attention or to lubricate an awkward situation.
the bill cosby "riiight" is a completely different usage from what i was talking about. this sarcastic use is generally not heard in britain.
americans generally do not say "sorry" when they bump into people or say "sorry" when they want someone to get out of their way. nor do they say sorry to get someone's attention. nor in the US is "sorry" said to soften an awkward situation like when two people accidently pass through a door at the same time but clearly no one is at fault. usually "excuse me" is used to get attention or to lubricate an awkward situation.
the bill cosby "riiight" is a completely different usage from what i was talking about. this sarcastic use is generally not heard in britain.
Aug 16th, 2006, 01:58 PM
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I didn't see the word, "Twig", mentioned on this thread. Used to indicate that one suddenly understands something. As in, "I just twigged at what she was really talking about."
Also, the phrase, "It's only money", used wryly by he who is stuck with an outrageous bar tab reaches for his wallet.
Also, the phrase, "It's only money", used wryly by he who is stuck with an outrageous bar tab reaches for his wallet.
Aug 16th, 2006, 02:43 PM
#212
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In my neck of the woodssorry IS used as an apology. There was also a popular song "What can I say after I say I'm sorry?" which indicates the usage is not unknown.
It is not unusual to hear Right used as you described "Right, let's get started". Often this would be said after a long discussion of possibilities that have been resolved.
I won't vouch these uses are common all over the US but they are in
New England. Visit some time.
It is not unusual to hear Right used as you described "Right, let's get started". Often this would be said after a long discussion of possibilities that have been resolved.
I won't vouch these uses are common all over the US but they are in
New England. Visit some time.
Aug 16th, 2006, 04:11 PM
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"Fair play ... Australians, New Zealanders and many Irish use it to mean "well done" (as in "You came all the way to Auckland to watch a two-hour yacht race? Wow, fair play to you", as one Kiwi once said to me)."
- Sorry, mate, I've never heard "fair play" used in that way in Australia. We'd say "Good for you!" or "Good on you!" The Kiwis could use it, but it would be pronounced "fear play".
Traditionally Australians use "sorry" even when they're the victim, not the cause, of a foot-treading, jostling or supermarket collision - must be an English-heritage thing. It can also be used when you're not in the least bit sorry, as in "I'm sorry, but you don't seem to be getting my point".
- Sorry, mate, I've never heard "fair play" used in that way in Australia. We'd say "Good for you!" or "Good on you!" The Kiwis could use it, but it would be pronounced "fear play".
Traditionally Australians use "sorry" even when they're the victim, not the cause, of a foot-treading, jostling or supermarket collision - must be an English-heritage thing. It can also be used when you're not in the least bit sorry, as in "I'm sorry, but you don't seem to be getting my point".
Aug 16th, 2006, 04:56 PM
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This thread is wonderful! I am enjoying learning new words as well as hearing some familiar ones.
I will never forget my first visit to England more than 40years ago. I had spent the summer studying at a university in Austria and after 7 weeks of working hard in a foreign language, I was relieved to be approaching an English speaking country. The first day there when working through the paper work to collect things that had been sent to me, I was having trouble understanding the directions. The fellow behind the desk saw my discomfort and said, "So you thought you were not having to deal with a foreign language any more, but you're wondering if it's really English you are hearing." We both laughed and that relieved my frustration (his was the fifth desk I had been sent to in the course of the search for my package.)
The next year when I went to Ireland as a fairly new teacher, I was to have aroom in a house owned by an Englishman and his Irish wife. As I went upstairs for my first night, he said, "Would you like me to knock you up in the morning?" I blush easily and did not know what to reply, but mumbled a no thanks. Fortunately the wife tumbled that I didn't understand and come up later to translate. It then became a running joke as I got to know them better.
Likewise, one morning I was appalled at breakfast to hear him say to his son who was dreading a test, "Just keep your pecker up."
We had a good many laughs over the two years I lived there about linguistic misunderstandings.
Like jsmith, I am a New Englander and have heard some of these expressions used daily by the old timers. So they must have been around a long time to have come over with settlers two or more centuries ago and then be passed down to us of the 20th century.
Please keep the stories coming.
I will never forget my first visit to England more than 40years ago. I had spent the summer studying at a university in Austria and after 7 weeks of working hard in a foreign language, I was relieved to be approaching an English speaking country. The first day there when working through the paper work to collect things that had been sent to me, I was having trouble understanding the directions. The fellow behind the desk saw my discomfort and said, "So you thought you were not having to deal with a foreign language any more, but you're wondering if it's really English you are hearing." We both laughed and that relieved my frustration (his was the fifth desk I had been sent to in the course of the search for my package.)
The next year when I went to Ireland as a fairly new teacher, I was to have aroom in a house owned by an Englishman and his Irish wife. As I went upstairs for my first night, he said, "Would you like me to knock you up in the morning?" I blush easily and did not know what to reply, but mumbled a no thanks. Fortunately the wife tumbled that I didn't understand and come up later to translate. It then became a running joke as I got to know them better.
Likewise, one morning I was appalled at breakfast to hear him say to his son who was dreading a test, "Just keep your pecker up."
We had a good many laughs over the two years I lived there about linguistic misunderstandings.
Like jsmith, I am a New Englander and have heard some of these expressions used daily by the old timers. So they must have been around a long time to have come over with settlers two or more centuries ago and then be passed down to us of the 20th century.
Please keep the stories coming.
Aug 16th, 2006, 04:58 PM
#216
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Sorry, got my knickers in a twist finding this for you lot, but I was chuffed to bits to find it again.
If you have enjoyed this thread have a look at:
http://www.english2american.com/
It is awfully good (that's an oxymoron).
Well, tally ho chaps.
Ta ta for now.
Gill.
If you have enjoyed this thread have a look at:
http://www.english2american.com/
It is awfully good (that's an oxymoron).
Well, tally ho chaps.
Ta ta for now.
Gill.
Aug 16th, 2006, 06:19 PM
#219
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Gordon Bennett! This has been brill. As a London girl now here for 23 years, I still use a lot of "sayings" from back home. I'm often dead chuffed or gobsmacked. I teach and often tell my kids "Well done," which for some reason always cracks up my colleagues.
My dad always had a wonderful saying for us kiddies "You'll be laughing on the other side of your face soon!" He'd use it if we got out of hand as a warning.
My mum always used "There's nowt so queer as folk!" Her mum came from Lancashire (up North) and that I think that's where that came from. Soppy Apoth (not sure about the spelling for that one) is another one meaning someone who's not too swift.
My best friend back in England gave me a wonderful one during my last visit. If you're describing a woman who's had an over abundance of facelifts you describe her as looking like "A Siamese Cat in a Wind Tunnel!"
Stark Raving Bonkers (Crazy, mad)
Nutty as a Fruit Cake (Cazy)
Bottom of a Parrot's Cage (used to describe one's mouth in the morning, prior to cleaning one's teeth!
Crikey!
Godfathers!
On Yer Bike (go away, get lost!)
Naff Off (Get lost!)
Really get on my tits (gets on my nerves - use that one a lot)
That's a bit of all right, isn't it!
Oh dear, I've come over all unnecessary!
It's six of one and half a dozen of the other. (same either way)
Much of a muchness (as above)
What did you last servant die of? (if someone is asking too much...usually a family member!)
Great idea for a thread.
Sometimes, though, things backfire. If you say to someone over in the UK that something is "quite good," it really means it's just OK, but nothing extraordinary. Here in the States it means that it's good. The first time I cooked dinner for a one of my husband's friends, he said the food was "quite good," I was miffed (opposite of chuffed). After he'd left I remember telling my husband that I thought my dinner was bloody brilliant!
My dad always had a wonderful saying for us kiddies "You'll be laughing on the other side of your face soon!" He'd use it if we got out of hand as a warning.
My mum always used "There's nowt so queer as folk!" Her mum came from Lancashire (up North) and that I think that's where that came from. Soppy Apoth (not sure about the spelling for that one) is another one meaning someone who's not too swift.
My best friend back in England gave me a wonderful one during my last visit. If you're describing a woman who's had an over abundance of facelifts you describe her as looking like "A Siamese Cat in a Wind Tunnel!"
Stark Raving Bonkers (Crazy, mad)
Nutty as a Fruit Cake (Cazy)
Bottom of a Parrot's Cage (used to describe one's mouth in the morning, prior to cleaning one's teeth!
Crikey!
Godfathers!
On Yer Bike (go away, get lost!)
Naff Off (Get lost!)
Really get on my tits (gets on my nerves - use that one a lot)
That's a bit of all right, isn't it!
Oh dear, I've come over all unnecessary!
It's six of one and half a dozen of the other. (same either way)
Much of a muchness (as above)
What did you last servant die of? (if someone is asking too much...usually a family member!)
Great idea for a thread.
Sometimes, though, things backfire. If you say to someone over in the UK that something is "quite good," it really means it's just OK, but nothing extraordinary. Here in the States it means that it's good. The first time I cooked dinner for a one of my husband's friends, he said the food was "quite good," I was miffed (opposite of chuffed). After he'd left I remember telling my husband that I thought my dinner was bloody brilliant!
