Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > USA > The Trailer Park
Reload this Page >

American words/expressions you don't like

American words/expressions you don't like

Old Sep 18th 2011, 4:58 pm
  #211  
Sursum corda
 
cindyabs's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Richmond Hill, GA USA
Posts: 38,860
cindyabs has a reputation beyond reputecindyabs has a reputation beyond reputecindyabs has a reputation beyond reputecindyabs has a reputation beyond reputecindyabs has a reputation beyond reputecindyabs has a reputation beyond reputecindyabs has a reputation beyond reputecindyabs has a reputation beyond reputecindyabs has a reputation beyond reputecindyabs has a reputation beyond reputecindyabs has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by Sugarmooma
You make Jack Sparrow so proud matey
He looks better in eye liner than I do.
cindyabs is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 5:05 pm
  #212  
Account Closed
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 0
scrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond reputescrubbedexpat097 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by cindyabs
He looks better in eye liner than I do.

Me too.

Mind you none of us look as bad in it as Keith Richards
scrubbedexpat097 is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 5:09 pm
  #213  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Sally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by Leslie
The thread title implies disapproval rather than just an interest in the origin of modern usage. You really can't describe many of these words/expressions as "American" anyway since most of them are regional.

I agree, the history of local sayings is fascinating and great fun to explore.
Something like 'Have a Nice Day' is more a product of our fake consumerist world than a linguistic evolution, perhaps it's unfair to say it's 'American' but you sure hear it more over here.
Sally Redux is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 5:15 pm
  #214  
BE Forum Addict
 
nethead's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Vermont
Posts: 3,264
nethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by Sally Redux
Something like 'Have a Nice Day' is more a product of our fake consumerist world than a linguistic evolution, perhaps it's unfair to say it's 'American' but you sure hear it more over here.
Taking you example I think it is fair to call it an American expression, I don't think I've heard it in any other country, unless someone was being sarcastic or imitating an American. It would be difficult to have a general discussion if every thread had to be broken down into regional variations.
nethead is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 5:29 pm
  #215  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Sally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by nethead
Taking you example I think it is fair to call it an American expression, I don't think I've heard it in any other country, unless someone was being sarcastic or imitating an American. It would be difficult to have a general discussion if every thread had to be broken down into regional variations.
A lot of these threads are more about us letting off steam about how we feel in an unfamiliar environment, rather than academic theses.

If an American in the UK were saying they didn't like 'innit', I think I would understand, not feel the need to explain the etymology of the phrase from the Yoruba patois.*


*I know this isn't actually where it comes from.
Sally Redux is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 5:34 pm
  #216  
WTF?
 
Leslie's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Homeostasis
Posts: 79,352
Leslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by Sally Redux
Something like 'Have a Nice Day' is more a product of our fake consumerist world than a linguistic evolution, perhaps it's unfair to say it's 'American' but you sure hear it more over here.
I actually would consider that more of an "American" expression than some of the other examples given as it is used throughout the country.
Leslie is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 5:43 pm
  #217  
BE Forum Addict
 
nethead's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Vermont
Posts: 3,264
nethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by Sally Redux
A lot of these threads are more about us letting off steam about how we feel in an unfamiliar environment, rather than academic theses.

If an American in the UK were saying they didn't like 'innit', I think I would understand, not feel the need to explain the etymology of the phrase from the Yoruba patois.*


*I know this isn't actually where it comes from.
Exactly. I'm getting a bit tired of all this, I don't feel the need to go onto UK/Yankees and constantly defend English expressions that Americans don't like. People are taking it way too personally.

Last edited by nethead; Sep 18th 2011 at 5:54 pm.
nethead is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 5:46 pm
  #218  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
AmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by Sally Redux
A lot of these threads are more about us letting off steam about how we feel in an unfamiliar environment, rather than academic theses.

If an American in the UK were saying they didn't like 'innit', I think I would understand, not feel the need to explain the etymology of the phrase from the Yoruba patois.*


*I know this isn't actually where it comes from.
I completely understand that...

I also think that if someone was making a statement about something you felt was regional, in the UK, you might say something as well.
AmerLisa is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 5:49 pm
  #219  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Sally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by AmerLisa
I completely understand that...

I also think that if someone was making a statement about something you felt was regional, in the UK, you might say something as well.
I wouldn't, as I don't give a foxtrot what Americans in the UK think.
Sally Redux is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 5:49 pm
  #220  
BE Forum Addict
 
nethead's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Vermont
Posts: 3,264
nethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by Sally Redux
I wouldn't, as I don't give a foxtrot what Americans in the UK think.
nethead is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 5:56 pm
  #221  
WTF?
 
Leslie's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Homeostasis
Posts: 79,352
Leslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by nethead
Exactly. I'm getting a bit tired of all this, I don't feel the need to go onto UK/Yankees and constantly defend English expressions that Americans don't like. People are taking it was too personally.
If this is directed at me, I'm not taking it personally at all. This thread, and many like it, have been going for ages and they don't bother me at all. Sometimes I even agree.

I just found kimilseung's comment interesting. It made me wonder why a Brit would take exception to a disparaging remark about African American speech patterns exclusively. And, I do agree with what he said but I'm not quite sure why.
Leslie is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 6:01 pm
  #222  
BE Forum Addict
 
nethead's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Vermont
Posts: 3,264
nethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by Leslie
If this is directed at me, I'm not taking it personally at all. This thread, and many like it, have been going for ages and they don't bother me at all. Sometimes I even agree.

I just found kimilseung's comment interesting. It made me wonder why a Brit would take exception to a disparaging remark about African American speech patterns exclusively. And, I do agree with what he said but I'm not quite sure why.
No it wasn't directed at you specifically Leslie, it's just a general comment about the feel in the thread overall.
nethead is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 6:04 pm
  #223  
WTF?
 
Leslie's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Homeostasis
Posts: 79,352
Leslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond reputeLeslie has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by nethead
No it wasn't directed at you specifically Leslie, it's just a general comment about the feel in the thread overall.
Fair enough. Apparently, I parachuted in the middle of an ongoing pissing contest but my interest was legitimate even if it wasn't welcome.
Leslie is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 6:07 pm
  #224  
BE Forum Addict
 
nethead's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Vermont
Posts: 3,264
nethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond reputenethead has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by Leslie
Fair enough. Apparently, I parachuted in the middle of an ongoing pissing contest but my interest was legitimate even if it wasn't welcome.
Not really a pissing contest, but I do like that expression
nethead is offline  
Old Sep 18th 2011, 6:17 pm
  #225  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
AmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond reputeAmerLisa has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American words/expressions you don't like

Originally Posted by Sally Redux
I wouldn't, as I don't give a foxtrot what Americans in the UK think.
And still, life goes on....
AmerLisa is offline  

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.