Originally Posted by Domino

considering how many seem to feel about their prime minister, if they don't then I feel sure they will understand once it is explained
thats how language works

Originally Posted by Domino

the oh has just told me that some of the spaniards she works with didnt understand it but when it was explained to them they thought it the funniest thing of the year and went round telling everyone else.

Originally Posted by bil

I just can't wait until Rajoy brings in his version of heaven on earth.

It's going to be so much better than Zapatero's.

Originally Posted by The Oddities

Not known for his love of immigrants.

Graham

Originally Posted by Domino

whats the problem Fiona ?? the thread title reads (here in the uk) Embarrassed by the Brits? so sure it is the same out in sunnyland.the op was on about attitudes and language and the discussion currently is about the use of words which may or may not cause embarrassment
in the words of the Great Moderator - keep digging until I tell you to stop !
rgds

Originally Posted by fionamw

... look who the OP is!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by The Oddities

Not known for his love of immigrants.

Graham

Originally Posted by cricketman

No it isnt. You've just let everyone know how little Spanish you know!

Originally Posted by JLFS

Right, like "er indoors" or "the missus" type thing.

I cant really say if it exists or not as a recognised word. but quite a lot of folks use it )probably copying us) , in a familiar way.

Esposa, mujer, are not such nice sounding words as marida, I prefer using it.

Originally Posted by jackytoo

Yes, agree CM I have never hear "marida" in all the years in Spain. I think it's probably used as one of those jokey private family words by JLFS. Esposa isn't used much either except by people learning spanish, certainly not in a conversation between spaniards.

Originally Posted by JuanSolo

Hi! This is my first post. I'm a Spaniard planning to move to UK and I came to this forum just to learn more about Brits. This is an ideal place for me to do so, given that British expats like you have an invaluable view of both cultures. You point with your comments to remarkable facts that will help me a lot when I arrive to the UK.

I realize that there's room for improvement in my English, so please be patient if I use odd expressions or even grammar faults. Corrections will be more than welcome.

I don't mean to be an intruder here, but in the other hand I think I can contribute with my point of view and thus give something in return to the community.

So...

Originally Posted by JuanSolo

Hi! This is my first post. I'm a Spaniard planning to move to UK and I came to this forum just to learn more about Brits. This is an ideal place for me to do so, given that British expats like you have an invaluable view of both cultures. You point with your comments to remarkable facts that will help me a lot when I arrive to the UK.

I realize that there's room for improvement in my English, so please be patient if I use odd expressions or even grammar faults. Corrections will be more than welcome.

I don't mean to be an intruder here, but in the other hand I think I can contribute with my point of view and thus give something in return to the community.

So,

1) The word *'marida' is not in the Spanish dictionary and AFAIK that word isn't used at all by any Spaniard with the caveat of jokes. Therefore I foresee it won't be added to the thesaurus. We use to correct children when they use such word and we explain to them that the correct term is 'mujer' or 'esposa'. 'Pareja' is also used, but --and this is completely personal-- when people use this word, it seems to me that they are hiding their marital status and/or their sexual preferences. 'Media naranja' does so, but since it's more informal it sounds better to me. If you want to me very formal, 'cónyuge' is your word.

2) I wouldn't assume a waiter/waitress prefers a swelled bill instead of a good conversation. First, because he/she could be an employee with fixed wages. Second, because the average Spaniard loves conversation. And it's up to the individual to be kind regardless other considerations.

3) Beyond the language you speak to the people it is the attitude that matters. Of course it is polite to ask first in the local language whether or not they can speak English. But if you're ordering and you have no option because you only speak your language, your only tool is your hand sign and your language. The average Spanish bartender understands this and tries to give service, in English, French, Russian or Swahili. Anyway if you plan to travel to a country with other language, it is smart to learn some basic constructs. The good news is that mastering English and Spanish, you can communicate with 80% of people around the world.

And I agree that most of the times you get what you are expecting.

By the way, we Spaniards get embarrassed lots of times by our fellow's behaviour. None of us want to be labelled because other's misbehaviour. I'm glad we have that in common.

Originally Posted by megmet

It may or may not be a recognised word, but the Spanish side of our family use it, as do our Spanish neighbours.
Perhaps it's only snobbish in-comers who think they know Spanish better than the indigenous people who don't know of it's common usage.

Originally Posted by megmet

It may or may not be a recognised word, but the Spanish side of our family use it, as do our Spanish neighbours.
Perhaps it's only snobbish in-comers who think they know Spanish better than the indigenous people who don't know of it's common usage.

Originally Posted by Carol&John

I'm embarrassed (I'm keeping on topic, Fiona!) that no one has thought to say welcome to you, JuanSolo, on your first post! And, a good post, too!

Originally Posted by Carol&John

"Esposa" = wife, spouse (formal). I'm guessing this word is used more often by the older generation. (I use it.) Besides which this word is used in Church wedding ceremonies, isn't it?