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!"
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