Squirrel

OK I hate 'bangs' for fringe, don't know why, I just do.

I couldn't believe it the first time my MIL of all people used the expression 'he was just blowing smoke up my ass.' I mean come on, we Brits have some rude expressions but that's awful, lol!

cluedweasel

The use of "value" where we would use something like "bargain" gets my goat. Don't really know why, it just does.

another bloody yank

There might be one or two in here:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=725808

Or here:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=729870

Egg and Cress

Are you taking aim at anyone/anything in particular - or are you using the "shotgun effect" tactic? (she asks as she digs buckshot out of her butt)

SultanOfSwing

'Bangs' never made sense to me. 'Fringe' at least means border or edge.

Anyway, for me there are quite a few. Words and phrases like 'gotten', 'can't be beat', 'winningest' and the like are pretty vom-worthy. This only really affects me, but hearing other coaches and refs referring to 'offsides' at footy matches makes me want to punch people.

Oh, and the proliferation of substitute swear words like 'heck', 'gosh' and 'dang/darn' piss me off too, as does referring to proper words like 'f**k' and 'cnut' as 'cussing'. Bleugh.

But I'm a bastard like that

Egg and Cress

Are you as "verbal" in front of your children - or your wife? Or do you curtail your spicier language in their presence, for courtesy's sake, if nothing else?

Our mid-Victorian attitudes toward foul language dictate that they be changed to "gosh-darn it" instead of the actual calling of God's curse upon someone/something; many women would like to feel free enough to use the F word but change it to "frigging" or it's like, in order to maintain a more ladylike facade. (although since everyone knows what "frigging" means, I don't see that it makes much difference )

I know my explanations of our words won't change your dislike of them, but I hope it'll soften your outrage at their use. Don't forget, you Brits have brought some real doozies to our ears - some are funny, some are brain-rattling and others are downright disgusting - but we love you anyway!

SultanOfSwing

I have words like 'bloody' at my disposal if needs disctate that I keep it clean, or I can just not use any expletive. In all reality if you are replacing one word with the other, you're still thinking the so called 'bad' word, aren't you?

nethead

I agree with you, I think if you're going to say freakin' you may as well say ****ing, because it's the same thing.

SultanOfSwing

That's a good example actually! Similar to 'frigging', which Egg n Cress brought up earlier

nethead

Yes I have this argument with my 16year old daughter that her saying freakin' is swearing and she doesn't agree

1chumly

'Could care less' is the one that drives me up the wall.

Oh, and saying WimbleTON instead of Wimbledon, that always has me screaming at the TV!

SultanOfSwing

Does she think it means 'come on everybody, let's all dress up like sideshow acts'

Yes, we had a thread dedicated to that one a while back . . .

nethead

Hmmm I'm sure she doesn't

She sounds like a cross between a valley girl and a 'gangsta'

SultanOfSwing

Ooo, not a good combination. I'm starting to wish mine will stay 18 months old forever now she's starting to talk more and more

robin1234

Wait till she gets a mortgage and she'll be fine.