Language Differences
#1
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?!?
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?!?
#2
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
Welcome to Canada Eh. At least we get to snigger at the everyday use of the word Fanny
#3
Originally Posted by iaink
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
Welcome to Canada Eh. At least we get to snigger at the everyday use of the word Fanny

I think this is the one, my 13 yo son will enjoy sniggering about the most
Last edited by wonderwoman; Nov 14th 2006 at 7:39 am. Reason: typo
#4
Originally Posted by iaink
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
Welcome to Canada Eh. At least we get to snigger at the everyday use of the word Fanny

#5
Originally Posted by printer
What about rubber? Is it the same as the UK or the USA? I know in the States they say eraser.
#6










Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 9,606

Originally Posted by printer
What about rubber? Is it the same as the UK or the USA? I know in the States they say eraser.
#7
BE Forum Addict









Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,842











Originally Posted by wonderwoman
[/COLOR]
I think this is the one, my 13 yo son will enjoy sniggering about the most
I think this is the one, my 13 yo son will enjoy sniggering about the most

#8
Originally Posted by steve666
What's so funny about the word 'fanny'? Please explain.
North American fanny pack = British bum bag
#9
Originally Posted by Judy in Calgary
North American fanny = British bum
North American fanny pack = British bum bag
North American fanny pack = British bum bag
Of course...if it needs to be explained it aint....Oh, weve covered that already.
#10
BE Forum Addict









Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,842











Originally Posted by Judy in Calgary
North American fanny = British bum
North American fanny pack = British bum bag
North American fanny pack = British bum bag
#11
Originally Posted by steve666
What's so funny about the word 'fanny'? Please explain.
#12










Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 9,606

Originally Posted by iaink
UK Fanny = "Front bum" as my (now) 4 year old refers to it!
I always thought it was front bottom.
#13
Originally Posted by Souvenir
You must be so proud.
(no, she didnt pick that up from me!)
#14
Originally Posted by iaink
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
Welcome to Canada Eh. At least we get to snigger at the everyday use of the word Fanny

#15
Originally Posted by iaink
Positively briming. She also refers to that particular area as her clitoris!!!
(no, she didnt pick that up from me!)
(no, she didnt pick that up from me!)



