Nia_Nia

By question inflection I am of course referring to the way Americans make statements as though they are questions for example;

I went to the mall today? and I saw this really cute sweater that was like half off? but I didn't get it because I didn't think it was really my colour?

(In case you are wondering I am quoting a co-worker who I am about ready to throttle!)

Speak properly damn you!!!! Can anyone shed any light on why Americans do this? Its supremely irritating.

BritGuyTN

no idea, but my friends in the UK castigated me when I went back for having picked up this trait

this inflection is also present in the french language i believe

Always21

Isn't that an Australian thing too? I seem to remember reading an article about how Neighbours had made us all speak as if everything was a question? I think I did?

Nia_Nia

BritGuy how dare you! You should be ashamed of yourself!

I just think it sounds so airhead-ish especially when women do it, my blood pressure rises at least 5 points every time I hear it...

Nia_Nia

Ah yes Neighbours! what a treat that used to be.

RoadWarriorFromLP

Surely you must have omitted a few "like, you know"'s and "ohmigawd"'s that were included in that scintillating discussion of yours. Totally.

(By the way, this lilting voice bit is largely a female phenomenon. I'm, like, too busy drinking Bud to, like, talk like that. You know?)

Angry White Pyjamas

perhaps we brits just speak in a boring monotone?

Elvira

Don't ya mean "OgmiGOSH"?

Never quite figured out why they say that. Is it something to do with these "mustn't take the Lord's name in vain" preoccupation?

Nia_Nia

That is so true?! I mean like it is so like totally kewl to speak that way?

Stick to your bud mate, at least you won't get smacked in the balls by people like me.

Nia_Nia

Yes I believe that is exactly why, which is why I enjoy exclaiming 'oh my GOD!!!!!!! in front of such self righteous ponces. If you're going to swear do it properly for GOD'S sake.

Angry White Pyjamas

This is like a totally awesome thread dude.

RoadWarriorFromLP

it, like, totally depends on like, where you, like, are. here in california, it's not like so important, you know, like we are totally kewl and like we talk how we want to, but like in kansas or like englund, they're like totally different. u know???

(Feel free to start pulling your eardrums out of your skull after that one. For one, I already have my icepick in hand and have begun digging...)

Elvira

Once I was nearly hung drawn + quartered on some US forum when I dared to respond to some cretin with "Jesus!"

Nia_Nia

Well I do hope you said 'CHRIST ALMIGHTY, don't get your panties in a bunch!' in response.

Celtic_Angel

I've been here for 9 years and never noticed it...maybe it's a PA thing?