American words/expressions you don't like
#213
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: American words/expressions you don't like
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.
I agree, the history of local sayings is fascinating and great fun to explore.
#214
Re: American words/expressions you don't like
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.
#215
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: American words/expressions you don't like
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.
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.
#216
Re: American words/expressions you don't like
I actually would consider that more of an "American" expression than some of the other examples given as it is used throughout the country.
#217
Re: American words/expressions you don't like
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.
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.
Last edited by nethead; Sep 18th 2011 at 5:54 pm.
#218
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: American words/expressions you don't like
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.
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 also think that if someone was making a statement about something you felt was regional, in the UK, you might say something as well.
#219
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: American words/expressions you don't like
#221
Re: American words/expressions you don't like
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.
#222
Re: American words/expressions you don't like
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.
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.
#223
Re: American words/expressions you don't like
Fair enough. Apparently, I parachuted in the middle of an ongoing pissing contest but my interest was legitimate even if it wasn't welcome.