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11-12-2006, 04:08 AM | #1 |
We have to go back, Kate!
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Yorkshire
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American Phrases
It occurred to me whilst reading and contributing to the British phrases thread, that most of what we Brits (and probably other nations too) know of American phrases, comes to us through TV shows and movies. I am guessing that's a fairly narrow experience base. Given how different dialects and language use can be in such a small island as Britain, it stands to reason there's a bunch of innately American phrases that never make it to our tv screens, or that are used differently from one state to the next.
I am a huge fan of any books set in and around Maine, because I love the phrases used by the characters and the culture those books portray. So.....Any of you Americans care to share any gems you think we might not have come across? |
11-12-2006, 07:26 AM | #2 |
still says videotape
Join Date: Feb 2001
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How about- I beat him like a rented mule; used interchangably with; beat him like a red-headed step child. Used in competitive situations not necessarily physical. Maybe they don't reflect well on our psyche?
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11-12-2006, 07:32 AM | #3 | |
We have to go back, Kate!
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Location: Yorkshire
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11-12-2006, 09:35 AM | #4 |
Radical Centrist
Join Date: Jan 2001
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Just like the Brits in the Brit phrases thread, it's hard for me to work out what is distinctly American... and which American phrases are less known.
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11-12-2006, 09:59 AM | #5 | |
Read? I only know how to write.
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11-12-2006, 11:57 AM | #6 |
UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 20,012
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"Y'all"
Also, I would guess that these are American: "Gotta pee like a racehorse," and "shotgun wedding." |
11-12-2006, 12:02 PM | #7 |
halve your cake and eat it too.
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Georgia.. by way of Lawrence Kansas
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was just wondering if " well.. fuck me running (down a gravel road) " had made it back across the pond
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no my child.. this is not my desire..I'm digging for fire. |
11-12-2006, 12:07 PM | #8 |
halve your cake and eat it too.
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Georgia.. by way of Lawrence Kansas
Posts: 1,359
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damn. I tell you.. culturally speaking since moving to the south I have had to learn soooooo many more phrases.. therein lies the problem with america.. it's too damn big.. too many regional dialects and phrases.. "all shot out" is a southern phrase meaning 'crazy but in a good way' (heh.. I've had a dozen people call me that, I take it as a compliment personally) still learning..helps that the g/f / neo-wife is a southerner and very intelligent so I can ask her what they mean in a 'northern'/'yankee' sense..
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no my child.. this is not my desire..I'm digging for fire. |
11-12-2006, 12:11 PM | #9 |
The future is unwritten
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Hold my beer and watch this.
Shit through a tin horn. Horny as a hoot owl.
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11-12-2006, 01:31 PM | #10 |
Radical Centrist
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There's the classic "built like a brick shithouse", but who can figure how that one came to be.
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11-12-2006, 05:13 PM | #11 |
We have to go back, Kate!
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 25,964
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That's used a lot in Britain.
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11-12-2006, 06:14 PM | #12 |
Cardigan-wearing man
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In the Uk, a lot our phrases come from various sports: sticky wicket, horses for courses etc...... I guess the same is true of the US. We've all heard the 'three strikes and out' thingie (taken from your version of rounders, I believe) but I'm sure there are others....
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11-12-2006, 07:19 PM | #13 | |
Thats "Miss Zipper Neck" to you.
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Quote:
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11-12-2006, 07:33 PM | #14 |
Cardigan-wearing man
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Much Binding In The Marsh
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is 'hook, line and sinker' also used in the US?
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I *like* wearing cardigans...... my current favourite is an orange cable-knit with real leatherette buttons. |
11-12-2006, 07:42 PM | #15 | |
Bitchy Little Brat
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Queensland, Australia
Posts: 5,067
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"silly wanker" used to be mainly Australian from what I gather. "Flamin' Galah" is NOT used by any Australian barr Alf from Home and Away (aussie sitcom). I personally dont know anyone who says "Crikey". "Go root your boot" Getting "pissed" is drunk. "off his face" is also drunk (but very old school). I'm sure there are a tonne more, but I cant think of them now. Pomms - those English buggers Yanks - those American buggers the others are NOT PC that I refuse to mention them |
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