Speak f**kin English !
Apr 30th 2006, 11:27 pm
#46
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
I've never really had a 'bad' accent experience like you described Patrick. But Americans tendency to try and emulate the accent (almost always badly) can definitely wear thin.
For the most part I've found the accent thing can be advantageous, but maybe that's more the West Coast. The ladies definitely seem to like it, and at work somehow people seem to think I'm intelligent! I think it can depend on the accent. If you have a neutral or southern UK accent, Americans can more easily place you. But a strong regional accent and they're usually much more confused. I had a colleauge at work from Liverpool with a pretty strong scouse accent, and nobody but me could figure out what the poor bloke was saying.
One thing that does bug me; when I'm talking to someone, and then they suddenly get that look on their face of slight confusion and they just flatly spit out "You have an accent!" to which I usually respond with: 'Yes, doesn't everybody?!' It's funny how Americans don't consider their own accent as an accent at all. Bless 'em ;-)
For the most part I've found the accent thing can be advantageous, but maybe that's more the West Coast. The ladies definitely seem to like it, and at work somehow people seem to think I'm intelligent! I think it can depend on the accent. If you have a neutral or southern UK accent, Americans can more easily place you. But a strong regional accent and they're usually much more confused. I had a colleauge at work from Liverpool with a pretty strong scouse accent, and nobody but me could figure out what the poor bloke was saying.
One thing that does bug me; when I'm talking to someone, and then they suddenly get that look on their face of slight confusion and they just flatly spit out "You have an accent!" to which I usually respond with: 'Yes, doesn't everybody?!' It's funny how Americans don't consider their own accent as an accent at all. Bless 'em ;-)
Apr 30th 2006, 11:27 pm
#47
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Originally Posted by TouristTrap
Does it count if I used the word 'dummy' instead of pacifier today? As in, hubby spat his dummy out?
I was distraced. The look on their faces was ..... priceless.
I was distraced. The look on their faces was ..... priceless.
And now I want you to go to Office Max and ask for some rubbers
Apr 30th 2006, 11:28 pm
#48
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Originally Posted by Elvira
I guess there must be a reason though why I generally have my clients eating out of my hand... 
I am talking about my day clients, btw
I am talking about my day clients, btw
Apr 30th 2006, 11:31 pm
#49
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Originally Posted by rushman
The nearest they get to eating out of your hand is grabbing their f**king prescriptions!! Who are you trying to kid.
You really think I am a Rx dispenser don't you!
Apr 30th 2006, 11:37 pm
#50
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Welcome to expats Darren. 
Apr 30th 2006, 11:39 pm
#51
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Originally Posted by Elvira
Never actually.
I usually I get the "I just love your accent!!!" and "Which part of England are you from?" comments.
That's if they're not wondering whether I'm from Australia or South Africa...
The only real problem I have is obtaining a glass of "water"...
I usually I get the "I just love your accent!!!" and "Which part of England are you from?" comments.
That's if they're not wondering whether I'm from Australia or South Africa...
The only real problem I have is obtaining a glass of "water"...
Also, 'say something' & weird stares, which still throws me, I have to keep reminding myself that it's because I'm different, I still forget sometimes & think that they're staring because I've got something on my face etc!
Apr 30th 2006, 11:45 pm
#52
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Originally Posted by Partystar
I still forget sometimes & think that they're staring because I've got something on my face etc!
Apr 30th 2006, 11:51 pm
#53
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Originally Posted by Rompers
Welcome to expats Darren.
Apr 30th 2006, 11:55 pm
#54
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Originally Posted by elfman
My boss occasionally takes the piss very mildly when I use a word that Americans don't - he thinks "fortnight" is vastly amusing for some reason. Strangest thing was a couple of months ago I was in a meeting when without warning a bloke on the clients side suddenly turned to me and went (and I quote) "you're a long way from home aren'tcha? I SAY JOLLY NICE WEATHER WE'RE HAVING EH WHAT FWAAH FWAAH FWAAH".
There was a couple of seconds silence while everyone just looked at him and then someone else said "er, perhaps we could move on to the next item.."
There was a couple of seconds silence while everyone just looked at him and then someone else said "er, perhaps we could move on to the next item.."
May 1st 2006, 12:21 am
#55
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Originally Posted by rushman
You would have if I lived in AZ
May 1st 2006, 12:30 am
#56
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Originally Posted by Partystar
I just knew it, I ******’ knew you were gonna comment on that one, oh you are sooo easily led my boy!!!
May 1st 2006, 12:36 am
#57
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Originally Posted by rushman
I was refering to you having a smile on your face. Why, what did you think I me.....you thought I meant ...oh i know what you thought. You're filthy you are.
May 1st 2006, 12:37 am
#58
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Originally Posted by Partystar
Yeah, I'm diiirrrrrttttttyyyyyyy, I need a shower, care to join me?!?!
May 1st 2006, 12:50 am
#59
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
How often do you get reactions like that ?[/QUOTE]
Well I posted a thread similar to this a few weeks back and yesterday I finally had it.
This stupid B...H in Wal- Mart started to mimic my accent as we waited in the never ending line to pay at the check out,and after months of holding back she got it 100% (never met her before) I just looked her in the face and said "what do you think you are doing"? she replied I can do a British accent well hey?
"The replie was you sound stupid you are insulting me and do you realise that my accent is more socially acceptable then yours will ever be?
I would never be so rude to try and mimic and accent of a person that I did not know to their face so I suggest that next time you feel like being smart think first"
I tried to say it with a smile but making sure she knew I meant business and sure enough she followed me to the car park and apologised again I actually felt sorry for the poor thing.
Well I posted a thread similar to this a few weeks back and yesterday I finally had it.
This stupid B...H in Wal- Mart started to mimic my accent as we waited in the never ending line to pay at the check out,and after months of holding back she got it 100% (never met her before) I just looked her in the face and said "what do you think you are doing"? she replied I can do a British accent well hey?
"The replie was you sound stupid you are insulting me and do you realise that my accent is more socially acceptable then yours will ever be?
I would never be so rude to try and mimic and accent of a person that I did not know to their face so I suggest that next time you feel like being smart think first"
I tried to say it with a smile but making sure she knew I meant business and sure enough she followed me to the car park and apologised again I actually felt sorry for the poor thing.
May 1st 2006, 12:52 am
#60
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Re: Speak f**kin English !
Originally Posted by rushman
Only if you'll let my tongue be your bar of soap