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Subject: Cultural naming differences
Looking at the messages on these boards, I am interested in the differences between the words I would use to describe something as an Australian, as opposed to what you may say (from wherever you are, but most of you seem to be from the US or Canada).
I have thought of a few - I wonder if there are more that you are aware of.
NOTE : (1) I am not saying either is right or wrong (barring one exception*), and (2) I am not leaving out British, but in my experience the Australian saying is mainly taken from British Heritage anyway. Please fell free to suggest otherwise. (3) I haven't deliberately left out anyone else, but I don't know who you are...!
Here goes :
Aus : Footpath
US/C : Sidewalk
Aus : Petrol
US/C : Gasoline
Aus : Koala
US/C : Koala Bear * (It's not a Bear people, it's a marsupial, i.e., it carries it's young in a pouch) And don't let any of our Aussie tourist adds fool you - they may be nice to look at, but they are just as likely to scratch and wee on you when you hold them for a nice photo...
US/C : Bus Station
Aus : Not sure we have a name for it, apart from where the buses leave from !
Can anyone think of any more ? Or if there any any Australian sayings/words you are unsure of, send them here and I will try to explain.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Yeah, like "lift" is used for "elevator" and "loo" is a "toilet." Let's not forget "Foster's," which is Australian for "beer." I need an English to English dictionary...
Valley Boy
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Yeah, like "lift" is used for "elevator" and "loo" is a "toilet." Let's not forget "Foster's," which is Australian for "beer." I need an English to English dictionary...
Valley Boy
End Quote
You got the first one right, except which are you suggesting ?
I would say LIFT.
The second one I would dispute - I say Toilet, I think Loo is only used by 'suffistikated' people who are to embarrassed to say toilet !
The third one is where you start getting into different cultures within Australia. Foster's is primarily a Victorian Beer. Try ordering it in Queensland and the bartender is just as likely to reach over and punch your lights out...you've gotta have a Fourex (or XXXX).
In New South Wales, you'd better order a Tooheys if you know what's good for you, and in Tasmania if you don't ask for a Cascade you'll go thirsty. In South Australia, it's Southwark or nothing. And on and on it goes.
So the Foster's thing is a bit off the mark - it's like me saying everyone in America drinks BUD.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
it's like me saying everyone in America drinks BUD.
End Quote
...you mean they don't?
;-)
Phil
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
You got the first one right, except which are you suggesting ?
I would say LIFT.
The second one I would dispute - I say Toilet, I think Loo is only used by 'suffistikated' people who are to embarrassed to say toilet !
The third one is where you start getting into different cultures within Australia. Foster's is primarily a Victorian Beer. Try ordering it in Queensland and the bartender is just as likely to reach over and punch your lights out...you've gotta have a Fourex (or XXXX).
In New South Wales, you'd better order a Tooheys if you know what's good for you, and in Tasmania if you don't ask for a Cascade you'll go thirsty. In South Australia, it's Southwark or nothing. And on and on it goes.
So the Foster's thing is a bit off the mark - it's like me saying everyone in America drinks BUD.
End Quote
Oh, god no! I just thought the adver -tis - ments for Foster's were quite funny. Those "how to speak 'Astralian'" ones. Shark is Guppie and a large side of beef with a small lettuce leaf is Salad and such ;D Bud is bad, but cheap! The bnext step down is to buy the generic Repo Man beer with "Beer" on the label...
Words aside, the accents are the ones that are cool. I wish I had a British one. I could be cussing like sailor, but with a British ax-ent it suddenly becomes cool - hell, poeple would want to hear me talk. I remember watching a Spice Girls interview years ago and they were talking a bunch of meaningless nonsense (much like Britney Spears), but their ax-ent. Damn, that out them above the our own Pop artists - who really cares what Britney sounds like anyway. Now, if she had the ax-ent, she'd be totally hot (that or any of the European accents, except for Spanish, I don't like that one...).
Tarzan Boy
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
...you mean they don't?
Phil
End Quote
Funny you should say that, because i had no idea whether there was any truth to my analogy or not ! :-/
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Ignore all the damn typos, if you can. It's like I'm typing drunk.
Valley Boy
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Oh, god no! I just thought the adver -tis - ments for Foster's were quite funny. Those "how to speak 'Astralian'" ones. Shark is Guppie and a large side of beef with a small lettuce leaf is Salad and such ;D Bud is bad, but cheap! The bnext step down is to buy the generic Repo Man beer with "Beer" on the label...
Words aside, the accents are the ones that are cool. I wish I had a British one. I could be cussing like sailor, but with a British ax-ent it suddenly becomes cool - hell, poeple would want to hear me talk. I remember watching a Spice Girls interview years ago and they were talking a bunch of meaningless nonsense (much like Britney Spears), but their ax-ent. Damn, that out them above the our own Pop artists - who really cares what Britney sounds like anyway. Now, if she had the ax-ent, she'd be totally hot (that or any of the European accents, except for Spanish, I don't like that one...).
Tarzan Boy
End Quote
Of course, we don't get to see the adverts you see, so I can't vouch for what lies you're being fed !
As for british, one should pop over to the old country post haste old chap, and strike up a conversation with our friend Bobo.
As for Britney, she is currently over here annoying the bergeesers out of everyone. Made an appearance somewhere the other day - sang a song (badly) and lip-synced two more (more badly) and promptly racked off, leaving everyone else to deal with the ensuing riot.
Still, they say you can't get too much of a bad thing !
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Looking at the messages on these boards, I am interested in the differences between the words I would use to describe something as an Australian, as opposed to what you may say (from wherever you are, but most of you seem to be from the US or Canada).
End Quote
I have met some people from Australia and New Zealand in a chat room I use, and recently they were giving me some language lessons. Although I can't list most of the comparisons here, I will say that I'll never think of roots, fanny packs, or Mickey Mouse the same way again... :o
And here I thought Eskimos had a lot of different words for snow... ::)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Foster's is primarily a Victorian Beer.
End Quote
I heard it's brewed in Canada :o
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
I can understand your point. Put a Yank, a Brit, and an Aussie together and they probably can't understand each other. (The same goes in Spanish. Put a Spaniard, a Mexican, and an Argentine together and they probably can't understand each other.) One of mine is an Australian depilatory (hair remover) sold on infomercials (30-minute-long commercials) called Nad's. The creator named it after her daughter. But in the States, "n a d s" is a word used to mean private parts, popularized (for you, FBVP and all you non-Americans out there, "popularised") by the cartoon duo Beavis and Butt-Head, whose show ran on MTV in the mid-1990's. (And for all you Aussies, Butt-Head always wears a T-shirt with "AC/DC" on it. The best heavy-metal band to come from the land Down Under.) They were two stupid Texas boys who would rather stay home and watch TV, mainly music videos, and critique them.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Ignore all the damn typos, if you can. It's like I'm typing drunk.
Valley Boy
End Quote
Hey, I type BETTER when I'm drunk! :D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Yeah, saying the wrong word can get you into deep doo doo!! (Doo doo being poo, crap, or shite. LOL)
Like in the U.S., when we say "That little bugger!", we mean, "He's naughty!" But in England, bugger means f**k! Yikes! I discussed a few of the differences with a friend from England while in chat. She said that what Americans call 'townhouses' are called 'rows' in England.
There were a few more, but I need a nap. LOL
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Aus : Footpath
US/C : Sidewalk
Aus : Petrol
US/C : Gasoline
Aus : Koala
US/C : Koala Bear * (It's not a Bear people, it's a marsupial, i.e., it carries it's young in a pouch) And don't let any of our Aussie tourist adds fool you - they may be nice to look at, but they are just as likely to scratch and wee on you when you hold them for a nice photo...
US/C : Bus Station
Aus : Not sure we have a name for it, apart from where the buses leave from !
End Quote
Hmmm
Well I would distinguish a footpath as something a bit more natural than concrete. We've footpaths in the states, but they are generally formed up or rocks and dirt. Petrol is a rarity here, though I have heard it used in various places. I'd never call a Koala a Koala Bear, but then I know they are marsupials, but that doesn't stop a lot of the population from calling them that. :) Ever refer to the bus station as a depot? It's sometimes called that here...
Kryllith
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
What I find quite strange is that in England - a Public school is a 'private' school, and a State school is a public school, whereas in the US it's just public and private - I had such a job trying to explain this to my American friend some years back - I don't understand why really!
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
I was going to say.. I have a book of these somewhere - American/Britishism's. The obvious and the less obvious.
Of course, one of the most famous differences in slang that has come about is surely Cockney rhyming slang.
Aside from the obvious "apples and pears" - stairs, the name of the famous singer (for good reasons or bad) Britney Spears has been used to describe either someone who's had "one too many" - "I went to the pub last night and had about nine too many Britney's". Alternatively, it could be used to describe someone of little intelligence - go on, mention me if you must - who has little between their "Britneys"
Quoting:
As for british, one should pop over to the old country post haste old chap, and strike up a conversation with our friend Bobo.
End Quote
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
I personally will always do a double take if someone asks if I have a fag about me...
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I personally will always do a double take if someone asks if I have a fag about me...
End Quote
See? It even edited me! And not only am I a smoker, but a bona fide hag as well. I should be allowed to use the word!
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
American British
truck lorry
coat mack
diaper nappy
oatmeal porridge
And I didn't know that Scots and Irish had a foreign language until recently. I just assume that since they were part of the UK, they spoke the same English as the Brits, only with different accents. Stupid me. :-[
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
boot (think about the part of a car), hosepipe, chips...
Kryllith
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Many, many years ago, my Irish-born landlady had some newly-married cousins come here to visit. The cousins were given mom & dad's bedroom, they went into the kids' bedrooms and the kids came upstairs to stay with us for the week.
One evening, after telling us how his wife always slept late in the morning, our guest was planning the next day's sightseeing. He then proceeded to ask his uncle to please "knock his wife up in the morning".
My mom (literally) dropped her teeth!!!! :o :o :o
He meant "please wake her up". Mom thought he meant something that would cause the young lady to go shopping for maternity clothes. ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Valley Boy
End Quote
Valley as in "soon to be Camelot or something equally horrible"? ;) What part of the Valley? As a perpetual guest, we cannot find out anything about you.... :(
Zella in Reseda
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
American British
truck lorry
coat mack
diaper nappy
oatmeal porridge
And I didn't know that Scots and Irish had a foreign language until recently. I just assume that since they were part of the UK, they spoke the same English as the Brits, only with different accents. Stupid me. :-
diapers are nappy--nasty :P
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I have met some people from Australia and New Zealand in a chat room I use, and recently they were giving me some language lessons. Although I can't list most of the comparisons here, I will say that I'll never think of roots, fanny packs, or Mickey Mouse the same way again... :o
And here I thought Eskimos had a lot of different words for snow... ::)
End Quote
I'm glad you mentioned that Mystery Woman ! I didn't quite know how to raise the subject.
But if a moderator can do it, let me be the first to expand slightly.
In Wierd Al's 'Bimbo Nbr 5' (or 6) Bill Clinton (oops Al) says "Won't you spank my Fanny please".
Well he'd better get permission because you'd have to be into some pretty severe S&M to enjoy that !
And no, roots are not only things that hang off plants or mini-series' from the 70's regarding slavery...
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I can understand your point. Put a Yank, a Brit, and an Aussie together and they probably can't understand each other. (The same goes in Spanish. Put a Spaniard, a Mexican, and an Argentine together and they probably can't understand each other.) One of mine is an Australian depilatory (hair remover) sold on infomercials (30-minute-long commercials) called Nad's. The creator named it after her daughter. But in the States, "n a d s" is a word used to mean private parts, popularized (for you, FBVP and all you non-Americans out there, "popularised") by the cartoon duo Beavis and Butt-Head, whose show ran on MTV in the mid-1990's. (And for all you Aussies, Butt-Head always wears a T-shirt with "AC/DC" on it. The best heavy-metal band to come from the land Down Under.) They were two stupid Texas boys who would rather stay home and watch TV, mainly music videos, and critique them.
End Quote
Good on you Craydon ! You've brough up another subject I wasn't sure how to approach - the use of the letter S (Aust and UK) versus Z (US).
Are you aware that the Aust/British way of pronouncing Z is ZED as opposed to ZEE ?
That's beeen going slowly down the tubes ever since Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch and Bert and Ernie burst onto the scene in the 70's and started brainwashing all our kids !
When using the computer it often likes to suggest the substitution of a Z for an S, but we just click on the "Rackoff" button !!!! :D
We have Beavis and Butthead here :P
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Yeah, saying the wrong word can get you into deep doo doo!! (Doo doo being poo, crap, or shite. LOL)
Like in the U.S., when we say "That little bugger!", we mean, "He's naughty!" But in England, bugger means f**k! Yikes! I discussed a few of the differences with a friend from England while in chat. She said that what Americans call 'townhouses' are called 'rows' in England.
There were a few more, but I need a nap. LOL
End Quote
Another one - well done Bad Angel !
In fact, at least in Australia but I thought in Britain as well, Bugger means something even more specific - somehting that I believe is illegal in most states of the US.....it would probably make you :'( >:(
Of course, what word wouldn't be fun without some alternate meanings :
You can Bugger Off (go away)
You can be buggered (exhausted)
You can go to buggery (get lost)
You can say 'Bugger Me' (be surprised)
You can have a bugger of a day (a hard day)
...and on and on and on. It's a very useful word. Unless you're experiencing it the wrong way !!
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Ever refer to the bus station as a depot? It's sometimes called that here...
Kryllith
End Quote
Hi Kryllith
To us a Bus Depot is where the tired busses go to sleep and night ! But you can't catch one there
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Okay here's a few more to go on with - I asked some people at work to think of them and between us they came up with these :
Aus : Garage sale
USC : Yard Sale
(That was inspired by one of your messges Zella)
Aus : Biscuits
USC : Cookies
Aus : Chips
USC : Fries
(Another one that slipping from our cultural grasp - I'm not blaming Sesame St this time, it's our good friend Ronald - I hate the way they correct you if you ask for chips "That'll be a small FRIES then ? No - give me some McFreakin' CHIPS and make it quick !!!! Ha ha)
Aus : Tap
USC : Faucet
Aus : Chemist
USC : Drug Store
Aus : Bottle Shop
USC : Liquor Store
Aus : Caravan
USC : Trailer
(Can someone tell me if a Caravan is a Trailer, then what is the thing you might hook up to the back of your car that you fill with rubbish ?) Ooh that reminds me of another :
Aus : Rubbish
USC : Garbage
And my personal favourite :
Aus : I'm going to the toilet
USC : I'm going to the bathroom
(Sure hope there's a toilet in there buddy, 'cos otherwise I'm going next door for a shower)
Please fill me in if I have made any wrong assumptions
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Hi Kryllith
To us a Bus Depot is where the tired busses go to sleep and night ! But you can't catch one there
End Quote
Ah, but that's the best time to catch one. They are much easier to sneak upon when they are sleeping. :)
Kryllith
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
What about Lord Z (pronounced and spelt Zedd) from Power Rangers? That's the first thing that always comes into my mind.
Quoting:
Are you aware that the Aust/British way of pronouncing Z is ZED as opposed to ZEE ?End Quote
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Aus: USC ;)
USC: USA ;)
USC in the States is the University of Southern California (or South Carolina).
Quoting:
Okay here's a few more to go on with - I asked some people at work to think of them and between us they came up with these :
Aus : Garage sale
USC : Yard Sale
(That was inspired by one of your messges Zella)
Aus : Biscuits
USC : Cookies
Aus : Chips
USC : Fries
(Another one that slipping from our cultural grasp - I'm not blaming Sesame St this time, it's our good friend Ronald - I hate the way they correct you if you ask for chips "That'll be a small FRIES then ? No - give me some McFreakin' CHIPS and make it quick !!!! Ha ha)
Aus : Tap
USC : Faucet
Aus : Chemist
USC : Drug Store
Aus : Bottle Shop
USC : Liquor Store
Aus : Caravan
USC : Trailer
(Can someone tell me if a Caravan is a Trailer, then what is the thing you might hook up to the back of your car that you fill with rubbish ?) Ooh that reminds me of another :
Aus : Rubbish
USC : Garbage
And my personal favourite :
Aus : I'm going to the toilet
USC : I'm going to the bathroom
(Sure hope there's a toilet in there buddy, 'cos otherwise I'm going next door for a shower)
Please fill me in if I have made any wrong assumptions
End Quote
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Are you aware that the Aust/British way of pronouncing Z is ZED as opposed to ZEE ?
End Quote
Yes, I am aware of that. Actually, the US is the only place where the final letter of the alphabet is called zee, not zed. Even the Canadians call the final letter of the alphabet "zed." Alex Trebek, the host of the game show Jeopardy! in the States, is Canadian and wants to call the final letter of the alphabet "zed" sometimes. In the early days of the cable channel Nickelodeon, they showed a program called Today's Special that was produced in Canada. On one episode there was someone from outer space who had a name that ended in "z" (zed) and he rhymed it with "But you can call me Fred." In World War II, Americans went to Canada in droves to fight in Europe because Canada declared war on Germany two years before the Americans were attacked at Pearl Harbor (that's an American spelling) by the Japanese. The way they found out who the Americans were was that they asked them what the final letter of the alpahbet was. If they answered "zee," that meant that they were Americans. And the American way of spelling can be attributed to Noah Webster, who created a spelling book in the 1800's with a simplified spelling for Americans.
And speaking of beer, if beer were exclusive to states in the US as it were in Australia, then Budweiser would only be sold in Missouri, Coors in Colorado, Miller in Wisconsin, Samuel Adams in Massachusetts, etc. Like, if you ordered a Bud in Colorado, they'd tell you to get lost or order a Coors…
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Yeah, saying the wrong word can get you into deep doo doo!! (Doo doo being poo, crap, or shite. LOL)
Like in the U.S., when we say "That little bugger!", we mean, "He's naughty!" But in England, bugger means f**k! Yikes! I discussed a few of the differences with a friend from England while in chat. She said that what Americans call 'townhouses' are called 'rows' in England.
There were a few more, but I need a nap. LOL
End Quote
I think your friend may have been teasing you a bit here! Bugger doesn't mean f**k in the U.K it's a much milder swear word than that and we would describe someone naughty as a little bugger too.As to 'Rows' I've never heard houses called that before ever,all I can imagine you mean is a row of houses which we call a 'terrace'.
The funniest thing I ever heard was when an American guy at work talked about his suspenders!! We all thought he was a transvestite or something as suspenders are what we hold stockings up with!?! It took a while to figure out he meant what we call braces for trousers!
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Valley as in "soon to be Camelot or something equally horrible"? ;) What part of the Valley? As a perpetual guest, we cannot find out anything about you.... :(
Zella in Reseda
End Quote
Oh no. It's just a joke - as in "Valley Girl" and the way they/we Southern Californians supposedly speak. I used to have a pen pal in Scotland when I was a kid and he said we all had this funny "valley talk" and "surfer talk."
I live quite away from the valley - way further down in south Orange County: I try to differentiate between North And South seeing as to how there's a drastic change in the way both places look (not to mention they want to slam an airport in our backyard); it's funny, I didn't even know they had a city called Stanton - the only redeeming value of the place is that Beach Blvd goes right through it :P
Back on the accent thing. I was watching Gregory's Girl (the 1980 film from Scotland) and that's the accent I want! Dude, it's so cool. Of course, I'd probably, like, have to carry subtitles with me just like they do with the band-members of Oasis.
Tarzan Boy
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Aus: USC ;)
USC: USA ;)
USC in the States is the University of Southern California (or South Carolina).
End Quote
Yes yes I knew - I was shortening US/C (which is for US/Canada - as you can see I managed to save one whole keystroke becaise I am a lazy so and so.... :-[
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Yes, I am aware of that. Actually, the US is the only place where the final letter of the alphabet is called zee, not zed. Even the Canadians call the final letter of the alphabet "zed." End Quote
Thanks Crazydon - that's interesting info. You have once again raised another one of those 'letter' subjects - the missing U's.
Labor/Labour
Color/Colour
etc etc
And whilst on the subject : 'er' vs. 're'
Theater/Theatre
Center/Centre
And back to the original thread - another one that sprang to mind today :
US (and C?) : Railroad
Aus : Railway
I presume Canada is included with the US because of Gordon Lightfoot's song - Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
One word which I understand is much ruder almost everywhere else, than it is here, is 'shag'. I was in a show with this guy from France who was scandalized when some of us girls described another girl's haircut as a shag. He reacted as though we'd said something really outrageous, and we had to explain that it's the name of not only a haircut but also a dance--which just blew his mind further, as we'd never seen the dance performed and couldn't give him any idea of what it looked like.
Did the name of the movie "Austin Powers 2", and its lead female character, get changed to something less filthy in other countries?
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
And whilst on the subject : 'er' vs. 're'
Theater/Theatre
Center/Centre
End Quote
We actually have several streets here (in Boston) named either Center Street, or Centre Street.
Now that the post office is sorting mail by computer only, if you spell the name of the street wrong, the letter will be returned to you (usually with no explaination). I know this, because that is one of my duties here at work: find out why the mail is "bouncing". :P
People who live on or near one of the streets so named know enough to spell it out when giving out their address.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
One word which I understand is much ruder almost everywhere else, than it is here, is 'shag'. I was in a show with this guy from France who was scandalized when some of us girls described another girl's haircut as a shag. He reacted as though we'd said something really outrageous, and we had to explain that it's the name of not only a haircut but also a dance--which just blew his mind further, as we'd never seen the dance performed and couldn't give him any idea of what it looked like.
Did the name of the movie "Austin Powers 2", and its lead female character, get changed to something less filthy in other countries?
End Quote
No Daylily - here is Oz they kept it as is - Heathens that we are !
"Felicity Shagwell's the name. Shagwell by name - Shag very well by reputation..."
Ha ;)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
This is a thread that I found while going back to BR (Before Race) days. Sounded kind of fun and I know there is some other newbies that may like to participate in it.
I just have to ask though, does Australia have an "Outback Steakhouse" and do you serve "bloomin' onions?
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
No ! We have "Lonestar" steakhouses which seem suspiciously Texan ! ;D
"Bloomin" to me I have always taken to be a rather polite english way of saying the much more direct and meaningful "Bloody" ;)
Yes, to the second part of the question, we have onions :P
Keep 'em coming !
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Lonestar is a Texas Steakhouse that I visited in Colorado. ;D
Quoting:
No ! We have "Lonestar" steakhouses which seem suspiciously Texan ! ;D
"Bloomin" to me I have always taken to be a rather polite english way of saying the much more direct and meaningful "Bloody" ;)
Yes, to the second part of the question, we have onions :P
Keep 'em coming !
End Quote
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Lonestar is a Texas Steakhouse that I visited in Colorado. ;D
End Quote
More common than the oft-mentioned Starbucks here !
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
No ! We have "Lonestar" steakhouses which seem suspiciously Texan ! ;D
"Bloomin" to me I have always taken to be a rather polite english way of saying the much more direct and meaningful "Bloody" ;)
Yes, to the second part of the question, we have onions :P
Keep 'em coming !End Quote
Ok, FussBudget, since you are allowing me to ask, don't think me stupid, but, I see that you refer to yourself sometimes as being in "Oz", what does that reference? The reason I ask is because I live in Kansas and sometimes refer to myself as living in the land of Oz, referencing Dorothy/Toto/ wizard of oz. :) Sorry if that is a dumb question and I maybe I am just exposing my ignorance (what, again? lol).
BTW I love Australian accents. And it does fascinate me that we all have different words for different things, even here in the US you can go Northward and find different words than people use in the South, and same with East Coast and West coast, etc.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
And it does fascinate me that we all have different words for different things, even here in the US you can go Northward and find different words than people use in the South, and same with East Coast and West coast, etc.
End Quote
I was just thinking about that too (the whole "pop/soda/beverage/coke" thing)...
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
This is great! I lived in London for 3 months back in '98 so I have a few of these.
I never got used to saying "loo" and when I did my British co-workers would make fun of me.
I say "that's brilliant" or "tops" now almost as much as I say "cool"
return= round trip
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Ok, FussBudget, since you are allowing me to ask, don't think me stupid, but, I see that you refer to yourself sometimes as being in "Oz", what does that reference? The reason I ask is because I live in Kansas and sometimes refer to myself as living in the land of Oz, referencing Dorothy/Toto/ wizard of oz. :) Sorry if that is a dumb question and I maybe I am just exposing my ignorance (what, again? lol).
BTW I love Australian accents. And it does fascinate me that we all have different words for different things, even here in the US you can go Northward and find different words than people use in the South, and same with East Coast and West coast, etc.
End Quote
There are no dumb questions, Shazzah ! Only welcome questions ! :)
Quite simply "Oz" is how "Aus" is phonetically pronounced !
So when we refer to ourselves as "Aussies" you hear "Ozzies".
We usually have a bit of a giggle, as we tend to hear it pronounced on American TV as "Oss-ees" :P
We say it much more lazily ! ;)
As with words, same here ! There are heaps ! One that comes to mind is the word "Port" - I used to carry a "Port" to school. Outside my state of Queensland, that word is not used....
FB :)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I was just thinking about that too (the whole "pop/soda/beverage/coke" thing)...
End Quote
I was intrigued by that debate when it was going on.
Here, as far as I'm aware, Australia-wide, it is simply referred to as Soft Drink.
And Coke only refers to Coke. Pepsi is Pepsi etc etc. There are many generic brands of Cola, but they get referred to by their specific names.
Or simply "Bleccchhhh" :P
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
being in "Oz", what does that reference?
End Quote
In Australia, "Aussie" is pronounced "Ozzie". Not, as many North Americans will pronounce it, "Arsey" (spelling deliberately chosen for added humo(u)r ) :)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
This is great! I lived in London for 3 months back in '98 so I have a few of these.
I never got used to saying "loo" and when I did my British co-workers would make fun of me.
I say "that's brilliant" or "tops" now almost as much as I say "cool"
return= round trip
End Quote
LOL ! ;D
You are saying 'Return' means something else somewhere ? What else could it mean but round trip ? ??? :)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Thanks for helping me out there, FussBudget, I appreciate it!
I don't understand the whole fizzy drink thing either. When I lived in Texas it was Coke, here in Kansas it's pop, where I lived in Virginia it was sodapop, and my friend from Minnesota always calls it soda. ??? and it is all the same or similar drink. Although I do have to say my Texan friends were fierce about this...it was COKE, not pop. They laughed and called me a "Yankee" when I would say pop...Go figure...
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Well, sure they mean the exact thing ;), but if you asked an American for a return ticket, someone would say "Oh you mean a round trip ticket."
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Well, sure they mean the exact thing ;), but if you asked an American for a return ticket, someone would say "Oh you mean a round trip ticket."
End Quote
Oh !
I'm a bit guilty of the same thing here ! My Pet Peeve : McDonald's !
"Would you like some fries to go with that" ?
No ! >:( Give me McCHIPS please ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
While we're at it....
Why do Americans Drive on a parkway but park on a driveway? ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
While we're at it....
Why do Americans Drive on a parkway but park on a driveway? ;D
End Quote
You ever see some of us drive? ;D ;D
I've seen people doing any number of distracting things while driving, not only talking on a cell phone, but also eating, putting on makeup, reading a map, reading a newspaper (!), shaving, and brushing teeth.
As to the question, most "parkways" are constructed alongside a park. That's where the name comes from. Don't know how the driveways got their name though...
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
A teeny bit off-topic but I was thinking about this while reading about the regional differences in naming "soda" -- there are generational differences in use of words also: for instance, my late grandparents (both born turn of century) called the toilet a 'commode'; the faucet was a 'spigot' and they did not go 'to the basement' but rather 'went down cellar'....
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
This is a great topic FBVP. I love looking at the differences in the Australian and the American cultures, the differences in meanings of words etc. My only hope is that we never lose our culture - that we don't become too Americanized. We have a lot to be proud of.
I love our slang terms, our laid back lifestyle, our sporting heroes, our beaches, our climate (yes Im glad Christmas was a little bit cooler this year) and our sense of humour. I have nothing against Americans - I'm just a VERY proud Aussie girl! ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Hey there FussB
I too use to carry my PORT to school - that was in country NSW only. City NSW folk dont use the term.
When I moved to WA schoolfriends thought I was referring to alcohol !!
Other state to state difs are:
Bathers/swimmers/cossies/togs
Sandwich Meat/Devon/Polony/Fritz
off/ "orf" gone / "gorn" - this I notice most in my country NSW and SA relatives - they extend the sharp "o" into a long "awwww" sound.
Funny ones in the UK (particularly Plymouth) I found were:
"shes a right party" - meaning she was the town tart.
"shes a little maid" - meaning a nice girl
"cheee-ooooh" - when answering the phone - I thought they were killing the Italian ciao - but apparently it was a bit more "cheerio" - which we say as a farewell not a hello.
As someone who spent her childhood travelling from state to state in Aus - and her late teens living in USA and UK - I have never found it difficult to understand an accent or terminology. However I found many Americans had a tough time understanding my accent. Funnily - the people who found the Aussie accent easy to understand were all from Texas and Alabama.
I think also with TV being dominated by US sitcoms - we have picked up a lot of terminology that is more US than Aus.
Tho I have to say - we will NEVER start calling bumbags "fannypacks" - and we will NEVER "root" for any football team unless we wanted a whole new reputation !!!!
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Hey there FussB
I too use to carry my PORT to school - that was in country NSW only. City NSW folk dont use the term.
When I moved to WA schoolfriends thought I was referring to alcohol !!
Other state to state difs are:
Bathers/swimmers/cossies/togs
Sandwich Meat/Devon/Polony/Fritz
off/ "orf" gone / "gorn" - this I notice most in my country NSW and SA relatives - they extend the sharp "o" into a long "awwww" sound.
Funny ones in the UK (particularly Plymouth) I found were:
"shes a right party" - meaning she was the town tart.
"shes a little maid" - meaning a nice girl
"cheee-ooooh" - when answering the phone - I thought they were killing the Italian ciao - but apparently it was a bit more "cheerio" - which we say as a farewell not a hello.
As someone who spent her childhood travelling from state to state in Aus - and her late teens living in USA and UK - I have never found it difficult to understand an accent or terminology. However I found many Americans had a tough time understanding my accent. Funnily - the people who found the Aussie accent easy to understand were all from Texas and Alabama.
I think also with TV being dominated by US sitcoms - we have picked up a lot of terminology that is more US than Aus.
Tho I have to say - we will NEVER start calling bumbags "fannypacks" - and we will NEVER "root" for any football team unless we wanted a whole new reputation !!!!
End Quote
You make some good points in there, BMG ! And Hello, long time no see. :)
Your last paragraph - was covered in some detail in the first couple of pages of the thread I believe, but is always worth a re-visiting !
FB :)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
I really enjoy the American accent and I've noticed that our teenagers here in Australia have adopted the accent to say certain words....like 'over' and 'sure'. I have found that some Australian words though, are quite difficult for the American accent to get it's tongue around, such as koala and Caloundra. Those vowel combinations seem a bit tricky! ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
its not gasonline , its simply gas.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
hiya FussB - sorry matey I have been on walkabout. Followed Chris Isaak all over the country, came back a few days before xmas and had two days at work before getting strep throat and brochitis - so I have been sick ever since :(
Will have some happy snaps ready for viewing soon tho :)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Thanks for helping me out there, FussBudget, I appreciate it!
I don't understand the whole fizzy drink thing either. When I lived in Texas it was Coke, here in Kansas it's pop, where I lived in Virginia it was sodapop, and my friend from Minnesota always calls it soda. ??? and it is all the same or similar drink. Although I do have to say my Texan friends were fierce about this...it was COKE, not pop. They laughed and called me a "Yankee" when I would say pop...Go figure...
End Quote
Thanks Shazzaah
I still get confused by that whole issue. Notwithstanding my affection for Coca-Cola :P, surely it is a brand name, and therefore must be Coke no matter where you are.
Therefore doesn't it follow that nothing else can be Coke ? How confusing :o
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
I'm assuming a "whippersnipper" in Aus. is our "weedwhacker"?
My Aussie friend calls her triplets "bubbies".
I just printed an "Australian Slang" dictionary for our friends daughter. She'll be spending three weeks in Aus in July. It's a school thing. Sounds very fun. Anyway, some of your slang Fuss, is so funny. Much more creative than ours.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
I'd love to hear more about the state-to-state slang and pronounciation differences in Oz. It's a really big place, just like the USA, and most of us here tend to assume everyone sounds just like "Crocodile Dundee" or more recently, Steve Irwin.
I'm from Boston, and one thing we are know for is our strange accents. Apparently, it is illegal to prounounce the letter "R" up here if it falls in the middle or at the end of a word, because none of us seem to be able to do it.
here = heeyah or hee
car = cah
yard = yahd
Harvard = Hahvahd or Hahvid
hair = hayah
Medford (a nearby city) = Medfah, or Medfid
People from other parts of the USA look at me funny when I tell them to "bang a U-ee" (say it 'yoo-wee')---turn the car around and go back the way you just came.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Not to mention that ChuckyG pronounces his hometown "Woo-stah"…
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
It's a really big place, just like the USA, and most of us here tend to assume everyone sounds just like "Crocodile Dundee" or more recently, Steve Irwin.
End Quote
PLEASE, please, please don't assume we sound anything like Steve Irwin!
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
PLEASE, please, please don't assume we sound anything like Steve Irwin!
End Quote
Not to worry, Gecko. I know better. But sadly, a lot of other people know next to nothing about Australia, and what little they know is influenced by what they see and hear on tv.
Personally, I think Steve Irwin needs some Ritalin. ::) Or a Valium. ::) Calm down, already! Sheesh!
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Not to worry, Gecko. I know better. But sadly, a lot of other people know next to nothing about Australia, and what little they know is influenced by what they see and hear on tv.
Personally, I think Steve Irwin needs some Ritalin. ::) Or a Valium. ::) Calm down, already! Sheesh!
End Quote
I am so glad you know better - I don't think I have ever used the word CRIKEY in any of my conversations :) My friend wipeoutgirl went over to the States last year and she said that as soon as people realised she was Australian, all they wanted to know about was Steve Irwin. Come on, there's more to Australia than him - thank God!
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
My favourite is the word fanny...
US: Fanny = Butt (dont know why...)
Everywhere else: Fanny = Vag ina
;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
You know what pisses me off? When americans say that New Zealand is part of australia... ITS NOT!!!
New Zealand is a country on its own... and is in no way related to Aussie. I got nothing against Aussie... just against people who say that NZ is part of them.
Theres my rant... >:(
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I'm assuming a "whippersnipper" in Aus. is our "weedwhacker"?
My Aussie friend calls her triplets "bubbies".End Quote
Correct Heidi - Lawn Trimmer ! Bubbies, I always took to be an affectionate trem for babies ! But I could be wrong ....
Quoting:I just printed an "Australian Slang" dictionary for our friends daughter. She'll be spending three weeks in Aus in July. It's a school thing. Sounds very fun. Anyway, some of your slang Fuss, is so funny. Much more creative than ours.
End Quote
I'd love to see it ! Did you get it from the net ? Any chance of getting a copy ?
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I'd love to hear more about the state-to-state slang and pronounciation differences in Oz. It's a really big place, just like the USA, and most of us here tend to assume everyone sounds just like "Crocodile Dundee" or more recently, Steve Irwin.End Quote
I will see if Dooley and I can come up with any, Xena. Maybe Gore and BMG and Gecko can assist, coming from different states ?
I know this has laready been covered, but that Steve Irwin comment really concerns me. I think he sets our cause back to the 70's. At least Croc Dundee was marketed as humour. Croc Hunter, as you say, just leaves everyone with the impression, that that's the way it is, and that is a BIG worry. :-/
Quoting:People from other parts of the USA look at me funny when I tell them to "bang a U-ee" (say it 'yoo-wee')---turn the car around and go back the way you just came.
End Quote
We talk about "chucking a u'ee" - same thing in the end. Banging is something different ::)
FB :)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Bubbies, I always took to be an affectionate trem for babies ! But I could be wrong ....
End Quote
Yes, that's the way she uses it. I think we all forget that we don't necessarily know each other's slang. It takes a little deciphering sometimes. ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
PLEASE, please, please don't assume we sound anything like Steve Irwin!
End Quote
I have to admit I used to believe that! And I have an Aussie cousin in Victoria whom I used to speak to occasionally who 'spoke Strain' and he unfortunately reinforced my stereotype... I have since been pleasantly re-educated however... :)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
I heard of a girl from Australia that came to an American school and asked someone if she could use their "rubber." I guess in Australia that means eraser but in the US its a condom. :-[
I'm trying to think if we Okies have any funny words. All I know is that everyone around here uses "Coke" to mean any type of carbonated beverage. You can say "go get me a Coke" and really want a Mountain Dew. ::)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I'd love to hear more about the state-to-state slang and pronounciation differences in Oz.
I'm from Boston, and one thing we are know for is our strange accents. Apparently, it is illegal to prounounce the letter "R" up here if it falls in the middle or at the end of a word, because none of us seem to be able to do it.
End Quote
In some areas of Oz, "castle" is pronounced more like "cassle", and the rest of us say "carstle".
There is a pressed meat product similar to Spam, which many of us call "Devon" and others call, er, something else (Fritz! that's it)
I think we have different names for a standard glass of beer, as well. Sometimes it's a "middy", but other places I think call it a "pot" (not to be confused with a pint pot, which is ginormous in comparison).
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I heard of a girl from Australia that came to an American school and asked someone if she could use their "rubber." I guess in Australia that means eraser but in the US its a condom. :-[ End Quote
Yep ! Gives new meaning to lending it to others in class but insisting on having it back once they are done with it, doesn't it ! ;D
Quoting:I'm trying to think if we Okies have any funny words. All I know is that everyone around here uses "Coke" to mean any type of carbonated beverage. You can say "go get me a Coke" and really want a Mountain Dew. ::)
End Quote
LOL ! I am still confused ! So how do they know then which it is you want ?
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I heard of a girl from Australia that came to an American school and asked someone if she could use their "rubber." I guess in Australia that means eraser but in the US its a condom. :-[ End Quote
HEHE!!! That was you right???!!! ;D
Quoting:
I'm trying to think if we Okies have any funny words. All I know is that everyone around here uses "Coke" to mean any type of carbonated beverage. You can say "go get me a Coke" and really want a Mountain Dew. ::)
End Quote
If someone asked for a coke... Id give them a coke... nothing else ;) You need to be more specific around me
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
There is a pressed meat product similar to Spam, which many of us call "Devon" and others call, er, something else (Fritz! that's it)
End Quote
Sorry mrgzapacho, I dont call it either Devon or Fritz. I call it Luncheon!
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Talking of Deli meats, I just thought of another difference. Queenslanders call them Cheerios (little frankfurts), but dont Victorians call them Little Boys? Or am I wrong?
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Talking of Deli meats, I just thought of another difference. Queenslanders call them Cheerios (little frankfurts), but dont Victorians call them Little Boys? Or am I wrong?
End Quote
Now you know why lots of Victorian men dive around in big red sports cars, it a compensatory behaviour ! ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
You know what would b interesting... A TV show where 6 people are the main actors - an Aussie, a Kiwi, an American, a Canadian, an Irish and an English.
This show would b quite funny and better than survivor or whatever ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
LOL ! I am still confused ! So how do they know then which it is you want ?
End Quote
Fuss, if Oklahoma is anything like Texas, we would say "Hey let's go get a Coke." and it would be followed by, "OK, which kind do you want?" lol.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Kylie Minogue (sp?) they call her the Australlian Madonna, but the problem is there is only one Madonna, and she is internationally known as Madonna, so sorry.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Kylie Minogue (sp?) they call her the Australlian Madonna, but the problem is there is only one Madonna, and she is internationally known as Madonna, so sorry.
End Quote
Whoa ! Who is this THEY you refer to John ?
I have you're not talking about Australia ! Most of us spend our time trying to disown her.....
You have left me with a real moral crisis here, because I'm not sure out of Kylie and Madonna, which I dislike more ! ;)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Whoa ! Who is this THEY you refer to John ?
I have you're not talking about Australia ! Most of us spend our time trying to disown her.....
You have left me with a real moral crisis here, because I'm not sure out of Kylie and Madonna, which I dislike more ! ;)
End Quote
I'll help you. Madonna! :P
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I'll help you. Madonna! :P
End Quote
I dunno ! I never saw Madonna playing a precocious brat in Neighbours..... >:(
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
UK - Car
Us - VeeeHickull (Vehicle)
UK - All-Yoo-Mini-Um (Aluminium)
US - Al-Looo-Min-Umm (Aluminium)
UK - Puppies (baby canines)
US - Puppies (a pair of breasts)
UK - Face (something on your head)
US - Face (area around the whole body eg. get outta mah face)
UK - Trainers
US - Sneekers
UK - Trousers
US - Pants
UK - Pants
US - Underwear
UK - Pub (Public House)
US - Bar
UK - Shandy
US - Rootbeer
UK - Alcohol
US - Beer
UK - Whopper (a wafer thin burger in a wafer thin bun)
US - Whopper (a juicy burger the size of a whale in a bun)
UK - Stone
US - Pounds and ounces
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Alright !
To add the Aussie perspective :
UK - Car
Us - VeeeHickull (Vehicle)
Aus - Car
UK - All-Yoo-Mini-Um (Aluminium)
US - Al-Looo-Min-Umm (Aluminium)
Aus - All-Yoo-Mini-Um (Aluminium)
UK - Puppies (baby canines)
US - Puppies (a pair of breasts)
Aus - Puppies (small dogs !) ;D
UK - Face (something on your head)
US - Face (area around the whole body eg. get outta mah face)
Aus - Face (Preparing to bat when playing Cricket)
UK - Trainers
US - Sneekers
Aus - Joggers
UK - Trousers
US - Pants
Aus - Trousers or Pants
UK - Pants
US - Underwear
Aus - It's getting hot in here, do you mind if I take these off :P
UK - Pub (Public House)
US - Bar
Aus - Pub
UK - Shandy
US - Rootbeer
Aus - Shandy
UK - Alcohol
US - Beer
Aus - Beer is just type of alcohol that most Aussies seem to consume in copious amounts !
UK - Whopper (a wafer thin burger in a wafer thin bun)
US - Whopper (a juicy burger the size of a whale in a bun)
Aus - Whopper (an unwelcome bodily emission in an unfortunate location, like an elevator.... >:()
UK - Stone
US - Pounds and ounces
Aus - Kilograms, but in pre-metric days it was Stones, Pounds and Ounces
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
I have to say Fuss, we Americans still like the lbs, oz, miles etc instead of the new fangled metric system, but I have to say it makes much more since than that British measuring ??? system.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
New fangled ? ;D Australia and New Zealand have been metric since 1974....
It really is so much easier thinking in lots of 10, 100, 1000, rather than than
14
16
144
3760
etc etc, and the variations endlessly go on.....
What British measuring system ? I thought they used the Imperial system like you guys ?
Please explain ! ;D ???
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
That stone thing.
Metric is easier, the trouble is that everything must be converted and that's what scares everyone off here. I remember 1974 when I was 8 years old we were talking like we were going to start metric too, I guess when your the big kid on the block you don't have to follow the others lead.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Oops, Race !
Don't start me down that discussion, it could turn ugly ! ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Thank God you weren't Steve, Tazan Boy or Ayhab, I'd be bleeding by now. ;D
Quoting:
Oops, Race !
Don't start me down that discussion, it could turn ugly ! ;D
End Quote
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
UK - Car
Us - VeeeHickull (Vehicle) We call it a car too.
UK - All-Yoo-Mini-Um (Aluminium)
US - Al-Looo-Min-Umm (Aluminium)
UK - Puppies (baby canines)
US - Puppies (a pair of breasts) Where in the
US?
UK - Face (something on your head)
US - Face (area around the whole body eg. get outta mah face)
UK - Trainers
US - Sneekers Sneekers are only the old style
basketball shoes here in Ca.
UK - Trousers
US - Pants
UK - Pants
US - Underwear Panties/thongs for women.
UK - Pub (Public House)
US - Bar
UK - Shandy
US - Rootbeer
UK - Alcohol
US - Beer
UK - Whopper (a wafer thin burger in a wafer thin bun)
US - Whopper (a juicy burger the size of a whale in a bun)
A greasy burger the size of a whale
in a bun. :P
UK - Stone
US - Pounds and ounces
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I really enjoy the American accent and I've noticed that our teenagers here in Australia have adopted the accent to say certain words....like 'over' and 'sure'. I have found that some Australian words though, are quite difficult for the American accent to get it's tongue around, such as koala and Caloundra. Those vowel combinations seem a bit tricky! ;D
End Quote
Is there really such thing as an "American" accent? Cuz I mean all around the US we got people talking so different I don't know how people would know we're "American" if we went to Europe or something. See, Minnesota accents come from Scandinavian, Boston and Jersey "Joysey" accents sound somewhat similar to British or Cockney (don't know if thats spelled right)......but I have NO CLUE where Okie or Texan accents descended from....
btw I have a joke for....whoever understands this......
Q: What's the difference between an Okie and an idiot?
A: The Red River.........HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA! ;D
Oh here's some "accent" jokes...:
Q: What's a specimen?
A: An Italian astronaut ::)
Q: What's a bygamist?
A: A heavy fog over Rome :D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Is there really such thing as an "American" accent? Cuz I mean all around the US we got people talking so different I don't know how people would know we're "American" if we went to Europe or something. End Quote
In a nutshell (how did I get inside this bloody big nutshell ?) - in a word, YEP ! Easy ! You have lots of local variations, but the underlying (whatever the word is) remains the same.
One big giveaway is the long 'R' sounds that (most) americans use.
So when I say 'Car' I hear 'Cah', but usually when I hear it from America, I hear 'Carrrr'.
It's hard to describe, but think of it in the same way as I do. Even though I don't think I have a very Australian accent (I have been told I sound like Davy Jones when I talk :o) no-one from other countries have any trouble picking me as an OR-STRAY-YAN.
FB ;)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
You are correct Fuss, we have different accents in different regions of the US, but our basic dialect is still the same. Isn't it funny how noone feels that they havean accent? It is always the other guy that has one....Now...about this Davie Jones accent.... :D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
You are correct Fuss, we have different accents in different regions of the US, but our basic dialect is still the same. Isn't it funny how noone feels that they havean accent? It is always the other guy that has one....Now...about this Davie Jones accent.... :D
End Quote
Quoting:
Davy Jones?! No way, dude! Awright 8) That's, like... awesome :D !
End Quote
Wow ! A fan club ! Listening ! Okay ! In best Fuss Davy voice :
Oh, I could hide 'neath the wings
Of the bluebird as she sings.
The six o'clock alarm would never ring.
But it rings and I rise,
Wipe the sleep out of my eyes.
My shavin' razor's cold and it stings.
;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
LOL! Keep going keep going! ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
{...}
One big giveaway is the long 'R' sounds that (most) americans use.
So when I say 'Car' I hear 'Cah', but usually when I hear it from America, I hear 'Carrrr'.
FB ;)
End Quote
**{sputter}** <coff, coff> (wipes sprayed coffee off computer monitor).
LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!
I had to read that three times to find your (most) reference.
I mentioned a little ways back how it's culturally illegal for Bostonian Americans to pronounce the letter "R" if it's at the end or in the middle of the word.
It's so easy to forget sometimes how 'funny' I really do talk sometimes... ;D :o
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
LOL! Keep going keep going! ;D
End Quote
Just for you, Shaz...the encore !
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
You once thought of me
As a white knight on a steed.
Now you know how happy I can be.
Oh, and our good times start and end
Without dollar one to spend.
But how much, baby, do we really need.
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
**{sputter}** <coff, coff> (wipes sprayed coffee off computer monitor).
LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!
I had to read that three times to find your (most) reference.
I mentioned a little ways back how it's culturally illegal for Bostonian Americans to pronounce the letter "R" if it's at the end or in the middle of the word.
It's so easy to forget sometimes how 'funny' I really do talk sometimes... ;D :o
End Quote
;D I was most careful to use that word ! I saw your Boston references, and must admit I was already aware of the lack of 'R's because of Charles Emerson Winchester III from MASH....
:)
When it comes down to it, we all talk funny :D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Just for you, Shaz...the encore !
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
You once thought of me
As a white knight on a steed.
Now you know how happy I can be.
Oh, and our good times start and end
Without dollar one to spend.
But how much, baby, do we really need.
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
Cheer up, Sleepy Jean.
Oh, what can it mean.
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen.
End Quote
*swoon* ;D ;) :) applause!!!!!!
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
;D I was most careful to use that word ! I saw your Boston references, and must admit I was already aware of the lack of 'R's because of Charles Emerson Winchester III from MASH....
:)
When it comes down to it, we all talk funny :D
End Quote
Oh, but they had him speaking "upper class" Bostonian. "Working class" pronounciation is slightly different, and only someone who has lived in Boston for years can hear the difference.
Truly said, we all sound 'funny' to everyone else. :)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
In a nutshell (how did I get inside this bloody big nutshell ?) - in a word, YEP ! Easy ! You have lots of local variations, but the underlying (whatever the word is) remains the same.
One big giveaway is the long 'R' sounds that (most) americans use.
So when I say 'Car' I hear 'Cah', but usually when I hear it from America, I hear 'Carrrr'.
It's hard to describe, but think of it in the same way as I do. Even though I don't think I have a very Australian accent (I have been told I sound like Davy Jones when I talk :o) no-one from other countries have any trouble picking me as an OR-STRAY-YAN.
FB ;)
End Quote
Hey yo-nothin' wrong with the Australian accent. I think it's cool!
Actually, this is the #1 reason why Aussies are OK BY ME:
http://www.sxnews.com.au/assets/life/stars_aries_3.jpg
:-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
;) Oh come on! You knew that was comin'!
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
http://www.carlalowe.com/crowe/images/tjohn-1110n.jpg
This is the reason why I got interested in TOFOG...haha. ;) I think Russell is one of the sexiest men in film right now. Even if he is semi-retired. ;D
edited to add this is the only reason why I have the dvd "Mystery, Alaska" ::) ;)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I mentioned a little ways back how it's culturally illegal for Bostonian Americans to pronounce the letter "R" if it's at the end or in the middle of the word.
It's so easy to forget sometimes how 'funny' I really do talk sometimes... ;D :o
End Quote
This rule also holds true for those of us that live heeah in New Hampshaaaaa
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
http://www.carlalowe.com/crowe/images/tjohn-1110n.jpg
This is the reason why I got interested in TOFOG
End Quote
Russell grow is EXTREMELY sexy, but at for his singing......forget it! One time TOFOG came on the country channel and I was just like "Why, Russ, why? You bring such disgrace to the world of music!"
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Russell grow is EXTREMELY sexy, but at for his singing......forget it! One time TOFOG came on the country channel and I was just like "Why, Russ, why? You bring such disgrace to the world of music!"
End Quote
Oh, you mean TOFOG is a band?? LOL ;) I thought 30 odd foot meant.. :-X. I'm shameless. I know. ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Thirty Odd Foot of Groin ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Up here in the Pacific Northwest we are said to have the least regional accent in the U.S. Kind of boring cause I can't think of one saying or regional terms that we use. :-/
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Here's one that came up in conversation on the Renegade Retro chat room yesterday....
I said 'Ta" and was met with a series of ?'s !
It means Thanks ! ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Here's one that came up in conversation on the Renegade Retro chat room yesterday....
I said 'Ta" and was met with a series of ?'s !
It means Thanks ! ;D
End Quote
I've always known that as "Ta Ta" (same word repeated twice)...and it meant "goodbye" or "so long". :)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
I've always known that as "Ta Ta" (same word repeated twice)...and it meant "goodbye" or "so long". :)
End Quote
Here too ! Funny, it should then translate to "Thanks, Thanks" ! ::)
It goes on and on....I said 'Industrial Bin' in writing the other day (sounds like an interesting PM, huh ;)) and was informed 'Dumpster'....
There must be more ! Let's have them !
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
It goes on and on....I said 'Industrial Bin' in writing the other day (sounds like an interesting PM, huh ;)) and was informed 'Dumpster'....
End Quote
'Industrial Bin Diving' just does not have the same ring to it.... :P
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
One could be an "Industrial Bin Investigator" ! Sounds classier than 'Garbologist' :)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
One could be an "Industrial Bin Investigator" ! Sounds classier than 'Garbologist' :)
End Quote
Agreed. Hee Hee! ;D
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Heres something that ive recently found strange: some names are pronounced different from the US to other places.
For example: Jose is pronouced Jo-see in New Zealand... but is pronounced Ho-sey in the US
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
I gotta tell ya, BC, that as it is a Spanish name, it should be pronounced :
Ho-zay
rather than like sounding from Josie and the Pussycats.
I wouldn't call any bloke named Jose (Ho-Zay) Josie to his face :o
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
So, anyone out there wanna translate:
'chucking a wobbly'
?
::)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
'chucking a wobbly'
End Quote
Flying off the handle.
Also: Chucking a mental
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Isnt it "throwing a wobbly" ...not chucking a wobbly??
I dunno... never said that saying
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Flying off the handle.
Also: Chucking a mental
End Quote
Thank you! Sometimes I require a translator... ::)
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
Quoting:
Flying off the handle.
Also: Chucking a mental
End Quote
My friends and I have always called that "taking a nutty".
Subject: Re: Cultural naming differences
When I was in high school we had the saying
"Crack a Darkie"
To us it simply meant be in a dark mood. We all cracked a darkie the day the Science Teacher sent Darren Perkins to the Headmaster's office to get the cuts, for using the term, accusing him of being a racist.
The idiot. The only person in the room who had a problem, it seemed to us, was the Science Teacher himself....
Grrr >:(