Re: Why do they do this?
 

So...everyone in the UK uses perfect English do they?;)

I don't think so. :sneaky:

Re: Why do they do this?
 

:confused:Because they are whining about something?

Like I said, you have to take the rough with the smooth, that goes for internet fora too to some extent. Post something a bit stupid, and you have to expect a few stupid responses....especially as we are in the Maple Leaf where there is more casual banter and the like.

I dont think anyone said they couldnt do it... I just answered the question...it is a foreign country and language has evolved to be a bit different here!

Re: Why do they do this?
 

On the subject of mis-use or incorrect pronunciation, how about French words? How many of us admit to saying 'Garridge' for where the car is left?;)

Re: Why do they do this?
 

I guess we'll agree to differ. I don't think wanting something liked and maybe asking where it can be obtained or just regreting its passing, for example, is the same as Whining. To utter a plaintive, high-pitched, protracted sound, as in pain, fear, supplication, or complaint.
2. To complain or protest in a childish fashion.
3. To produce a sustained noise of relatively high pitch

Perhaps I'm too sensitive (my wife thinks so :lol:) but it's like when politcians try to disparage what others say, not by addressing the comments themselves but by saying they are 'bleating' about something.

It's just so negative. Whining is the child stamping his foot and saying "Why can't I go out dadeeeeeeee?"

That's a long way from expressing a wish for 'proper' bacon or whatever - especially when one has grown accustomed to far more and far bigger changes in the new life.

<retires to corner to lick wounds>
:rofl:

Re: Why do they do this?
 

Thats the thing though, it seems so trivial compared to the major changes that really matter.

Im not saying its right that people should jump all over this sort of post, but it is going to happen, thats just human nature, and in this sub forum at least as long as people are not overly agressive / abusive, its just part of the give and take.

Re: Why do they do this?
 

I'm Canadian and I'm sitting here trying to think of why I say 'so' at the beginning of a sentence. I think it depends on the context but generally I think it's meant as 'friendly cushion' - if that makes sense.

To my Canadian ears, 'So, how was the gig last night?' sounds more friendly and genuine than, 'How was the gig last night?' which sounds more formal and distant.

I'm sure there are other interpretations but that's mine, one coffee down and one more to go.

Re: Why do they do this?
 

"Garridge" is where one keeps one's beer and power tools. "Driveway" is where one keeps one's car.

Re: Why do they do this?
 

Why do so many Brits use the word "of" in place of "have" - sounds so stupid. As in "I would of done so and so" instead of "I would have....." I've even seen it used that way in newspapers there for crissakes.

Re: Why do they do this?
 

Not all of us feel that way.

The garage was intended for cars and that's what it is used for at our house. :p

Re: Why do they do this?
 

Call yourself a Canadian!!!!!!!

Re: Why do they do this?
 

"so, was the coffee good" :eek::eek:

I think it sounds very friendly, now what is annoying is when you drop the kids at school and you get teachers saying "bet you don't get snow like this in the uk" or "is that tea for you, your english"

No the snow in england is a real funny colour, totally different from here and yeah i drink tea, as long as it has a heap of coffee in it :thumbsup::rofl::rofl:

It works both ways, some of the moms here crack me up with some of there stuff, but i come home and scream REAL LOUD..haha

One thing i have learnt is that i don't judge them, some even call immagrants...then quickly turn round and say "O not you" :wub:

I just turn round and say "well i am one" and....love watching them get out of that one, as most of there parents or grandparents are english haha

Re: Why do they do this?
 

Yeah!!!! :p

A double garage with TWO cars in it, I know it goes against convention but hey ho. :rofl::rofl:

Re: Why do they do this?
 

Never really occurred to me, but "whatever" at the end, start and the middle of most sentences, seems to illustrate a lack of vocabulary. Still, better than, "at the end of the day" which i never hear anymore, and was used more than all the "so and whatevers" put together.

Re: Why do they do this?
 

"So" indicates that the sentence is going to be a question, and hints to a prior conversation or shared experience.

It gives the listener a a cue and therefore a chance to hear the question more clearly.

They don't say, "So, the weather is nice today."

They'll say, "So, does your wife hate me?" (The unspoken and shared experience being, since you rolled home pissed as a newt after drinking with me.)

So is better than some Briitshisms - I hate gobsmacked, innit, I would of...

Re: Why do they do this?
 

My Spanish book has an entire chapter on this, words that are essentially meaningless but give the speaker time to think.