EuroTrash

It's been kinda quiet on here, and I found this on the German forum which I don't recall seeing posted on here, so I thought I'd float it - it made me smile anyway (when the page eventually loaded)

Translation table explaining the truth behind British politeness becomes internet hit - Telegraph

I'm sure it cuts both ways. The first time I sent a French client my T&Cs and he emailed back and thanked me effusively for 'ces préciseuses informations' I thought he was being sarcastic. I've since realised it's just their way of saying 'thanks for that, I'll file it in the bin'.

dmu

Yes, I saw this link, too!

InVinoVeritas

This could be a fun thread, ET. There are plenty of phrases that go the other way too:-

From a Maire, after I provided a quote to him for some travaux public:-

"Merci infiniment - esperons que vous aurez bientot une tres bonne nouvelle"

"Thank you so much - let's hope you win the lottery because you aren't getting this job as my brother-in-law is about to provide a cheaper quote.

Blackladder

I agree absolutely 100 per cent, more or less

InVinoVeritas

When the French use the word "normalent" foreigners think they mean "quite probably" but they really mean "wait and see".

EuroTrash

One could make the same mistake with éventuellement and think that eventually, if you wait long enough, patience will be rewarded.
Unfortunately it means maybe, perhaps, in the event that.

grannybunz

There were meant to be major roadworks in our hameau to install new storm drains commencing in November. They haven't.

Today Mme le Maire was here to welcome Pere Noël and we asked her when it might happen.

Her reply? "Normalement en Janvier." What she didn't say was which January!

audio

Most quotes are inaccurate IMHO

InVinoVeritas

Yes, I agree

Blackladder

You mean like: 'To be and not to you'

audio

That's forgery InVinoVeritas

InVinoVeritas

And there was me thinking it was just an inaccurate quote. Maybe there is a future for me in a French politics after all!

christmasoompa

It is, 'forgery' is definitely a bit of an overstatement! You might want to take another look at site rule 18 though, thx.

Chatter Static

Everyone hide it's the fun police....

InVinoVeritas

I agree CS, there does seem to be a general sense of humour collapse so thank you for establishing that at least one person was able to see the funny side of my post.

To recap for those too busy to read posts and site rules properly audio posted that most quotes are inaccurate. To prove she was correct I quoted her quote inaccurately and told her that I agreed. To draw attention to the inaccurate quote I actually underline the inaccuracy I had inserted. To draw attention to the fact this was intended to be amusing I finished with a

Christmasoompa draws my attention to Rule 18 which states that It seems to me that rather than misrepresent I actually reinforced the point audio was making.

Happily we have a Supermod whose name (at least) reminds us that we are nearing the time of the year for happiness and good will to all men.