Language Differences
 

I found that a lot of my English phraseology is lost on a lot of Canadians. I'm already having to conform, much to my chagrin... ;)

I can't believe some words don't make the crossing though. I described my son's mood as "whingey" the other day to someone whose response was "He's what?!?" and my partner (who's Canadian but lived in England for 15 years before returning) was shocked to find that nobody understood what she meant by "taking the piss/mick".

It means that jocular comments are often lost on a Canadian public who just don't get what you're on about.

I was in Niagara On The Lake a couple of weeks back and in a cafe we were in, there was a sign for "Fish & Chips with Fries and Coleslaw".
I said to the waitress, "does that mean you get two portions of chips then?"
I got the usual "Pardon me?" and after I tried to explain what I meant she just looked non-plussed and said, "You can have two pieces of fish if you want."

WTF?!? :confused:

Re: Language Differences
 

Simple rule of thumb: If you have to explain the joke...its not worth the effort.

Welcome to Canada Eh. At least we get to snigger at the everyday use of the word Fanny:D

Re: Language Differences
 

I think this is the one, my 13 yo son will enjoy sniggering about the most :rolleyes:

Re: Language Differences
 

What about rubber? Is it the same as the UK or the USA? I know in the States they say eraser.

Re: Language Differences
 

That one works the other way, when you go into a class of junior school kids and ask for a rubber...take a look at the teachers face ;)

Re: Language Differences
 

My teenager (horny little sod) refers to them as party balloons.

Re: Language Differences
 

What's so funny about the word 'fanny'? Please explain.

Re: Language Differences
 

North American fanny = British bum

North American fanny pack = British bum bag

Re: Language Differences
 

UK Fanny = "Front bum" as my (now) 4 year old refers to it!

Of course...if it needs to be explained it aint....Oh, weve covered that already.

Re: Language Differences
 

Does that only apply to Calgary?

Re: Language Differences
 

:rolleyes:

Re: Language Differences
 

You must be so proud. Such highly developed language skills at the tender age of four.

I always thought it was front bottom.

Re: Language Differences
 

Positively briming. She also refers to that particular area as her clitoris!!!

(no, she didnt pick that up from me!)

Re: Language Differences
 

Wasn't I shocked when I moved to the UK and complained about the damn passport/cash pack I had loped around me middle for the past 12 hours.... at the time I didn't see WHAT was so damn funny that my partner and his parents (yes he actually brought me downstairs and made me repeat my complaints to his parents) were laughing at my discomfort.... Ahhh... the innocence of Canadians travellers everywhere talking about their fanny packs digging in to them and making them all sweaty *lol* :D

Re: Language Differences
 

:scared: