I love the British euphemisms list!! I use “bung” all the time. And it never occurred to me to think about why we use these words, I think you’re so right! But although I really enjoy the directness found in some other cultures I don’t think I could change over.
Your vocab list is perfect. I too often announce "I'm desperate for a wee!" before scuttling to the toilet in a manner that suggests imminent disaster, even if the truth is that I'm at least an hour away from that being a concern. I didn't realise until today that it's because I'm trying to be polite, but you're absolutely right.
This was great, Hannah. (Apologies for being very slow to getting to read these last couple of weeks.)
I'm a huge fan of the weird little things us Brits do, in both actions and language.
I know it's not quite fitting with your list, but back when cash and coins were prevalent, a common one would be to have in hand the exact amount of money for a purchase and then when handing it over to pay for something say "I think that's right", knowing full well it is precisely right.
For toilet trips, I'm a fan of simply saying "Be back in a sec," making that hasty exit, hoping that people know what that implies.
My mind's going to be trying to think up other things all day now, though I'm surrounded by too many Aussies these days and the English axieties aren't so common.
I love the British euphemisms list!! I use “bung” all the time. And it never occurred to me to think about why we use these words, I think you’re so right! But although I really enjoy the directness found in some other cultures I don’t think I could change over.
Your vocab list is perfect. I too often announce "I'm desperate for a wee!" before scuttling to the toilet in a manner that suggests imminent disaster, even if the truth is that I'm at least an hour away from that being a concern. I didn't realise until today that it's because I'm trying to be polite, but you're absolutely right.
Hello ! I, too, would love to read the full article. My email is sfschmidt93@gmail.com. Merci d’avance !
Would love to see the full article without subscribing. mail to: emailciara@yahoo.com
“FAFFING AROUND” …now that’s a keeper!
“BUNG it in” another keeper!!
“(The irony is, many of us find conversation so tiring that the other person’s trip to the toilet is a welcome reprieve).”
You’ve hit on the joy of solitude…especially by age 70…I’ve tired of my own voice most of all
“glam looking lady-scarecrow” Now that’s style!
Very interesting stuff!! I'm a union-man all the way...
This was great, Hannah. (Apologies for being very slow to getting to read these last couple of weeks.)
I'm a huge fan of the weird little things us Brits do, in both actions and language.
I know it's not quite fitting with your list, but back when cash and coins were prevalent, a common one would be to have in hand the exact amount of money for a purchase and then when handing it over to pay for something say "I think that's right", knowing full well it is precisely right.
For toilet trips, I'm a fan of simply saying "Be back in a sec," making that hasty exit, hoping that people know what that implies.
My mind's going to be trying to think up other things all day now, though I'm surrounded by too many Aussies these days and the English axieties aren't so common.