On Mon, 28 Aug 2006, Ed Greshko wrote:
Robin Laing wrote:
And to add to this, many British people call it the "Queen's English".
There are allot of terms that can cause embarrassment for those from
across the pond coming to North America.
Rubber in England is an eraser. Think of asking a girl in a bar for a
rubber.
Fag is a cigarette. Could be a quick way for a punch in the face.
There are others but best left off the list. :)
What can be even funnier is the difference in pronunciation. I remember
years ago an Australian came up here to Taiwan to assist in the
installation of what was then called a "super computer". The guy was
very astute and knew ahead of time that the majority of Taiwanese are
taught "American English". So, when he first asked for a tool he made
sure he asked the locals for a "wrench" and not a "spanner". They
looked at him with blank faces. He repeated his request and each time
was met with questioning looks. I turned to them and said, "Lawrie
would like a wrench". Their response was immediate. It was at that
point Lawrie's face took on the look of puzzlement.
Asking someone for a lift will give similar responses. (A "lift" in the
UK as an elevator.)
--
"Oh, Joel Miller, you've just found the marble in the oatmeal. You're a
lucky, lucky, lucky little boy. 'Cause you know why? You get to drink
from... the FIRE HOOOOOSE!"
- The Stanley Spudoski guide to mailing list administration
