Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
#46
Re: Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
"So whaddya figure!"
My other half still randomly says that to me from out of nowhere - and I still to this day say "how the hell do you want me to respond to that????"
Whaddya figure means to me that someone wants my opinion on something - Canadians seem to use it instead of "So hows it going" which you can give an answer to. Whaddya figure just seems rhetorical
My other half still randomly says that to me from out of nowhere - and I still to this day say "how the hell do you want me to respond to that????"
Whaddya figure means to me that someone wants my opinion on something - Canadians seem to use it instead of "So hows it going" which you can give an answer to. Whaddya figure just seems rhetorical
#47
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
Having a hissy fit threw me when I first arrived - oh and the 'double fisting' one too of course!.
I think I have been here too long to be confused about any now.
I think I have been here too long to be confused about any now.
#48
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC (originally from Huddersfield, W. Yorkshire)
Posts: 1,223
Re: Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
I came across this for the first time recently! My boyfriend used the term and I thought he was being dirty
He and I often have lively debates about the merits (and otherwise) of one another's use of English...
Canadians are pretty entertaining
He and I often have lively debates about the merits (and otherwise) of one another's use of English...
Canadians are pretty entertaining
#49
Re: Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
There is no debate, never forget that we speak English, they dont, and always remember, they are the ones with accents, this is what English is supposed to sound like!
#51
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,746
Re: Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
What does charley horse and double fisting mean over here?
#52
Re: Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
Er... where in the world are you? Depending on your location they will have completely different meanings... and I means streets/blocks apart!
A "Charley horse" or "Horse Gummit" is a popular North American colloquial term for painful spasms or cramps in the leg muscles
Last edited by james.mc; Oct 25th 2012 at 1:24 pm.
#54
limey party pooper
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,982
Re: Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
At work, there are loads of differences, most too specific to mention here but a few of them are:
trolleys, trolleys are carts, or stretchers. Drip stands are IV stands, walking sticks are canes, of course the whole pants/trousers thing, and vest/undershirt.
#55
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,746
Re: Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
I know what it means in the British way but have no idea what it means in Canada and can't think how it could mean something innocent/clean.
I also remember explaining what Howay meant to you! Sooooo.....
#56
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
#58
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
#59
Re: Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
Thanks I'd never heard that. Hoser is one term, which they seem to use affectionately, that I still can't really get my head around even though some of tried to explain it to me. As far I can tell its just a drunk div?
#60
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,746
Re: Canadian Expressions that confuse the British
"Hey Hoser - you're going the wrong way, turn around"
Made us laugh like drains every time
I presumed it was just a term for someone a bit silly etc?