NationStates Jolt Archive

We all know that English is a very different sounding language depending on where you hear it being spoken. Part of this is because of accents, but also because the vernacular language is so different. This thread is dedicated to asking those from other countries/regions what the hell the mean when they say something.

Examples everyone knows:
-A "fag" being a cigarette in England.

-A soda being called "pop" in the U.S. Great Lakes region, while it is called "coke" in the south, regardless of wether it is a coke, a pepsi, or any other brand.

My questions come from books I've read written by UK authors. First, is "snogging" a reference to simply kissing someone, or making out, or what?

Second, when something is "bloody", is that actually swearing? In the U.S., "bloody" has no taboo connotation to it, except perhaps at a second grade level. Equivalent to what a second grader considers a swear, like "crap", since their mothers would smack the bejeesus out of them if they said shit.

Second, when something is "bloody", is that actually swearing? In the U.S., "bloody" has no taboo connotation to it, except perhaps at a second grade level. Equivalent to what a second grader considers a swear, like "crap", since their mothers would smack the bejeesus out of them if they said shit.

I think it is in the UK, not so much in Australia >_>

In Canada, a toque is a winter hat. Pronounced tewk.

My questions come from books I've read written by UK authors. First, is "snogging" a reference to simply kissing someone, or making out, or what?
I can't answer this without knowing what 'making out' is. :p Snogging is basically french kissing someone (or should that be 'freedom' kissing them?).

Second, when something is "bloody", is that actually swearing? In the U.S., "bloody" has no taboo connotation to it, except perhaps at a second grade level. Equivalent to what a second grader considers a swear, like "crap", since their mothers would smack the bejeesus out of them if they said shit.
Bloody is considered a swear word, but only a very, very mild one. The new Aussie tourism adverts were banned recently for having it in, but most people wouldn't even notice if you'd said it.

I can't answer this without knowing what 'making out' is. :p Snogging is basically french kissing someone (or should that be 'freedom' kissing them?).

"Making out" is a term which generally refers to french kissing with a strong emphasis on progressing to second base, i.e. fondling. In some rarer instances, (depending on promiscuity or local custom), it can also include stealing third, i.e. fingering and the like.

Bloody is considered a swear word, but only a very, very mild one. The new Aussie tourism adverts were banned recently for having it in, but most people wouldn't even notice if you'd said it.

I had always wondered that. From Tolkien to R. Jordan (even though he's an american) to J.K. Rowling, "bloody" seems to be the swear of choice in fantasy settings. I always wondered why since it had no real meaning here.

In Canada, a toque is a winter hat. Pronounced tewk.

We say that in parts of Michigan, too.

"Making out" is a term which generally refers to french kissing with a strong emphasis on progressing to second base, i.e. fondling. In some rarer instances, (depending on promiscuity or local custom), it can also include stealing third, i.e. fingering and the like.
I wouldn't really consider snogging to be anything other than the kissing part. To be honest, it's not a word you hear that often these days.

"Making out" is a term which generally refers to french kissing with a strong emphasis on progressing to second base, i.e. fondling. In some rarer instances, (depending on promiscuity or local custom), it can also include stealing third, i.e. fingering and the like.

the 'base system'... as far as i'm concerned thats all american slang (or terminology, or whatever). largely cos i don't get it (never explained it and few people seemed to be ever sure of what base is what in school)

I had always wondered that. From Tolkien to R. Jordan (even though he's an american) to J.K. Rowling, "bloody" seems to be the swear of choice in fantasy settings. I always wondered why since it had no real meaning here.
its a bit of an old-fashioned and upper-class swearword. it isn't used much nowadays except in jest or where you want to emphasise something in a negative way... its not even rude.

of course there are spinoffs like 'ruddy' and the like... but again, mostly said by old red-faced geezers talking about the war while sipping a warm brandy *nods*


the british slang/swearwords i like particularly (for being british) are ones like wanker or 'blighter' :p (ok so the last one isn't used any more either but it just makes me laugh!)

the 'base system'... as far as i'm concerned thats all american slang (or terminology, or whatever). largely cos i don't get it (never explained it and few people seemed to be ever sure of what base is what in school)

The base system refers to baseball, something every american child is exposed to. It used to be considered America's national sport, but has fallen off in popularity due to the rise of football (american) and basketball. If you do not know, the game is kind of a combination of "tag" and cricket, and has four "bases", where you are safe and cannot be tagged "out". You are supposed to run between first, second, and third base, as well as the fourth base-called home plate. It is where you originate and where you end, or "score". So, in general, "first base" is kissing, second base is fondling, third is fingering/possibly oral, and a "home run" is obviously sex, since it is where you "score".
the british slang/swearwords i like particularly (for being british) are ones like wanker or 'blighter' :p (ok so the last one isn't used any more either but it just makes me laugh!)

Yeah, that's another thing...what does a "wanker" refer to? Is it kind of like how it sounds- telling someone they're a "jack-off"?

the 'base system'... as far as i'm concerned thats all american slang (or terminology, or whatever). largely cos i don't get it (never explained it and few people seemed to be ever sure of what base is what in school)
You've never heard Meatloaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights"?

Wanker is just that, a term of abuse meaning basically masturbater. It can be used to say someone is a wanker, they wank or are wanking. It is not a word I would expect to hear my kids say, but then my kids aren't allowed to say bloody either. :p

My Canadian boyfriend is of the opinion that people in day to day life swear less than in Canada, but the swearing on TV is WAY more, people use ALL the words on TV here, soon as its 9pm, its a free for all.

My favorite insult at the moment is tosser, (same as wanker) and when the kids were smaller we all used spanner and spanner monkey as insults.

I know my kids swear when they are with their friends, but they know when it is appropriate and dont think its big to say fuck in public...thank god.

The base system refers to baseball, something every american child is exposed to. It used to be considered America's national sport, but has fallen off in popularity due to the rise of football (american) and basketball. If you do not know, the game is kind of a combination of "tag" and cricket, and has four "bases", where you are safe and cannot be tagged "out". You are supposed to run between first, second, and third base, as well as the fourth base-called home plate. It is where you originate and where you end, or "score". So, in general, "first base" is kissing, second base is fondling, third is fingering/possibly oral, and a "home run" is obviously sex, since it is where you "score".
oh that makes much more sense... i guessed it was baseball, but i had no idea how many 'bases' there are in the game... and now the phrase 'to score' makes more sense too! haha! :D
thanks :fluffle: (:eek: they've taken the fluffle out of the smilie box in the latest update! nooooo!!!)

Yeah, that's another thing...what does a "wanker" refer to? Is it kind of like how it sounds- telling someone they're a "jack-off"?
to wank is to jack off *nods*

though "a jack off" doesn't make much sense to me either... i mean to 'jack off' is obvious, but being one... are you referring to the person being the product of jacking off, or is it just like wanker (calling someone a masturbater)? or does it not really matter? :confused:

My favorite insult at the moment is tosser, (same as wanker)

hehe i've always loved "tosspot" :p

Well, Northern Irish is a sort of mix between English, Scots, and Irish. So there's a lot of colloquial words.

Like "uxters" (for armpits), or "shuck" (for ditch).

Or phrases like "dead on" (ok), or "away on" (either 'I don't believe you' or 'going' e.g. I'm away on home here).

There's loads, Northern Ireland has a very distinct dialect of English.

Not to mention that every couple of streets in some parts of Belfast and you'll hear a new variation on the accent and dialect.

A soda being called "pop" in the U.S. Great Lakes region, while it is called "coke" in the South, regardless of wether it is a coke, a pepsi, or any other brand.
A carbonated beverage is not called "coke" in the South. They do that in England, at least where I was. I've always heard "soda" or "soda pop" in the southern states.

Well, Northern Irish is a sort of mix between English, Scots, and Irish. So there's a lot of colloquial words.

Like "uxters" (for armpits), or "shuck" (for ditch).

Or phrases like "dead on" (ok), or "away on" (either 'I don't believe you' or 'going' e.g. I'm away on home here).

There's loads, Northern Ireland has a very distinct dialect of English.

Not to mention that every couple of streets in some parts of Belfast and you'll hear a new variation on the accent and dialect.

"Yip Sham!" :D

Just add "hi" onto the end of the sentance or they'll stare blankly back at you... :p

"Where ya goin' hi?"

20 years ago, a thing called a "fanny pack" was popular in the U. S. . . .

"Yip Sham!" :D

Just add "hi" onto the end of the sentance or they'll stare blankly back at you... :p

"Where ya goin' hi?"

Aye, the country bays hi.

20 years ago, a thing called a "fanny pack" was popular in the U. S. . . .

We always called them butt packs.

We always called them butt packs.
Bum bags here.

A carbonated beverage is not called "coke" in the South. They do that in England, at least where I was. I've always heard "soda" or "soda pop" in the southern states.

'Coke' is used in Georgia. Pepsi might as well be outlawed. In the other Southern states, 'Soda' is the popular term.

We always called them butt packs.
No, no, you call them butt packs. In Western Michigan its fanny pack. Det stämmer.

We say that in parts of Michigan, too.
Wannabe Canuks.

'Coke' is used in Georgia. Pepsi might as well be outlawed. In the other Southern states, 'Soda' is the popular term.
Odd.

Here, soda is merely short for 'soda water'... which I beleive you call Selzer?

Coke is dominate unless you specify the brand name- Sprite or Pepsi.

Wannabe Canuks.
Wallonochia has no idea what's he's talking about. Canada hating is alive and well in most parts of the state, even though our governor is Canadian...

Where I live the hills are called downs and the gorges are called chines. All young men are nippers and a fork (the eating kind) is called a prong, gert is a word meaning big, and nammit means packed lunch. local people are called caulkheads (but only if your parents are locally born as well as you) otherwise you are an 'overner' and tourists are called grockels.

Odd.

Here, soda is merely short for 'soda water'... which I beleive you call Selzer?

Coke is dominate unless you specify the brand name- Sprite or Pepsi.

It's not really all that odd, since coca-cola has their corporate headquarters in Atlanta, and they pretty much own the entire state.

It's not really all that odd, since coca-cola has their corporate headquarters in Atlanta, and they pretty much own the entire states.
Coke products are more common in Europe though. Whenever I go to a place to grab a bite in the States, its always only Pepsi products from the fountain. Then I order a glass of water or lemonade instead. Then again, probably different in Georgia than in the Mid-West.

A carbonated beverage is not called "coke" in the South. They do that in England, at least where I was. I've always heard "soda" or "soda pop" in the southern states.

Maybe it's just Florida and Georgia then.(I'm from Florida) Everything is a coke. Just like if you ask for tea, it is sweet. You have to specifically ask for unsweet. I have NEVER heard "soda pop" in the south though. In fact, it is something of a game to beat-up the northern kids who use the word pop. It is worse than fingernails on a chalkboard. You hear someone refer to their coke (regardless of wether it is a pepsi, a coca-cola, a dr. pepper or whatever) as a pop, and you pop them one. It's like the slug-bug game when you see a VW bug.

Wallonochia has no idea what's he's talking about. Canada hating is alive and well in most parts of the state, even though our governor is Canadian...

They call them tooks in the UP, especially when you get out towards Marquette and Keewenaw. But one could argue that they don't speak English out there.

I know Canada hating is alive and well in this state. I even have an "Invade Canada" shirt :p

No, no, you call them butt packs. In Western Michigan its fanny pack. Det stämmer.

In Central Michigan we call them butt packs :p

I think you'll appreciate this site, Mariehamn

The Michigan Accent Pronunciation Guide (http://www.michigannative.com/ma_home.shtml)

My questions come from books I've read written by UK authors. First, is "snogging" a reference to simply kissing someone, or making out, or what?
It usually means an involved yet unromantic kiss (such as sticking your tongue down someone's throat when drunk...).

Second, when something is "bloody", is that actually swearing? In the U.S., "bloody" has no taboo connotation to it, except perhaps at a second grade level. Equivalent to what a second grader considers a swear, like "crap", since their mothers would smack the bejeesus out of them if they said shit.
'Bloody' is regarded as extremely mild swearing. Cr*p on the other hand is slightly worse (I wouldn't use it, for example, and schoolkids could get detention for using it).

Okay, now for my question: what age is 'second grader'? Different countries' school year systems always baffle me.

Coke products are more common in Europe though. Whenever I go to a place to grab a bite in the States, its always only Pepsi products from the fountain. Then I order a glass of water or lemonade instead. Then again, probably different in Georgia than in the Mid-West.

That's not always the case, you just went into Pepsi restaurants. Pepsi used to be part owners in a lot of restaurant chains, so those chains would have (and most still have) Pepsi. Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut come to mind.

Okay, now for my question: what age is 'second grader'? Different countries' school year systems always baffle me.

I think about 6ish?

I always use 7th grade as a comparison to the start of secondary education.

Okay, now for my question: what age is 'second grader'? Different countries' school year systems always baffle me.

Second grade is usually around 6 or 7. U.S. school systems generally start at 4 or 5, depending on when your birthday is. That grade is called Kindergarden. Then you progress to the grades, which are 1-12. "High School", (I think that is called "secondary school" elsewhere) is grades 9-12.

A carbonated beverage is not called "coke" in the South. They do that in England, at least where I was. I've always heard "soda" or "soda pop" in the southern states.
I've never heard called it coke over here. We tend call call them soft drinks (or fizzy drinks).

Here's the standard American map, by the way:

http://www.popvssoda.com/countystats/total-county.gif

In fact, it is something of a game to beat-up the northern kids who use the word pop.
Native West Michigan Spartans and Wolverines enjoy mauling those folks that "soda" or "soda pop" instead of the right term, which is "pop". "Carbonated beverages" and "Coke" fly and are tolerated, and when specifically requesting a brand, we allow that as well. Usually, the conversation flows like this in the West Michigan Mid-West:
"Wanna pop?"
"Whaddya got?"
"Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Mt. Dew-"
"Oh my gawd, you have Mt. Dew?! Sweet Jesus, stop hoarding you stingy commie pinko, and give me the gential shrinking nectar of life!"
"OK. Calm down."
So, pop is the general term, but then we usually gotta get specific with our folks. At fast food joints, they usually say, "What would you like to drink?" That way, remaining diplomatically neutral and avoiding any dialect problems. We're also curteous enough to ask if you would like ice and we'll happily resort to merging on while on the high-way and someone is comming off the on ramp. Our sandy beaches and dunes provide ours of enjoyment under a beautiful sunset on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Alright, got off track. I'll have to say I've only been in the more turisty areas in the South and those places that are just off of the major highways.

That's not always the case, you just went into Pepsi restaurants. Pepsi used to be part owners in a lot of restaurant chains, so those chains would have (and most still have) Pepsi. Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut come to mind.
its certainly the case in the UK - you simply don't get pepsi anywhere else but those restaurants (and we don't get Taco Bell over here either... oh but we do get TGI Fridays and they're cool). coke owns the restaurant and cafe market... but most vending machines (i see) are pepsi, so i guess it balances out

i prefer pepsi so its not fair :P

you lot don't get pepsi max (http://www.theartofair.com/usrimage/pepsi%20max%20500%202.jpg)do you? if you do i never saw it over there...

you lot don't get pepsi max (http://www.theartofair.com/usrimage/pepsi%20max%20500%202.jpg)do you? if you do i never saw it over there...

Never heard of it. Is that kind-of like Coke Zero? Supposedly same taste, but no calories?

Never heard of it. Is that kind-of like Coke Zero? Supposedly same taste, but no calories?
kinda... well, thats not how its marketed. its got a whole load extra caffiene in it and they sell it for the extra flavour it has. it happens to have no calories either (hence the "maximum taste, no sugar" tagline :P )

its kinda like normal pepsi just... better tasting :D

That's not always the case, you just went into Pepsi restaurants. Pepsi used to be part owners in a lot of restaurant chains, so those chains would have (and most still have) Pepsi. Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut come to mind.

They serve coke products at my local pizza hut. Of course, I live within walking distance of "the coke building".

The Michigan Accent Pronunciation Guide (http://www.michigannative.com/ma_home.shtml)
I'm laughing. Loudly. I'm afraid I'll wake up the folks upstairs. :D

Company names as possessives, try explaining that to a Swedish English teacher. :p Davenport! :eek: Dead on about "goin' up North"! Explains why know body in Europe knows WTF euchre is. Ending nouns in prepositions came from the Finns that immigrated to Michigan! *gasp* That site is the best linky ever!
That's not always the case, you just went into Pepsi restaurants. Pepsi used to be part owners in a lot of restaurant chains, so those chains would have (and most still have) Pepsi. Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut come to mind.
Strange thing is, I don't frequent any of those locales! :eek:
I've never heard called it coke over here. We tend call call them soft drinks (or fizzy drinks).
I would tell you this London bar story, but I don't remember it. That map, is sort of right. I guess. I really don't know.

Wannabe Canuks.


No, Mainers are wannabe Canucks, especially from northern Maine. I've actually heard people end sentances with "eh?" and give Canadian pronunciation to words ("aboat". eg.) Although the New Englander accent is much more common. ("it's snowing wicked hahd out theah").

No, Mainers are wannabe Canucks, especially from northern Maine. I've actually heard people end sentances with "eh?" and give Canadian pronunciation to words ("aboat". eg.) Although the New Englander accent is much more common. ("it's snowing wicked hahd out theah").
The Newfie accent? That's prevalent throughout all of the Northern East Coast.

No, Mainers are wannabe Canucks, especially from northern Maine. I've actually heard people end sentances with "eh?" and give Canadian pronunciation to words ("aboat". eg.) Although the New Englander accent is much more common. ("it's snowing wicked hahd out theah").

I was visiting some distant relatives in Rhode Island a few years back, and a cousin asked me when I was gahtin my par carhd. I thought she was asking me where I was going to park my car, but she was asking me when I was getting my report card.

I'm laughing. Loudly. I'm afraid I'll wake up the folks upstairs. :D

Company names as possessives, try explaining that to a Swedish English teacher. :p Davenport! :eek: Dead on about "goin' up North"! Explains why know body in Europe knows WTF euchre is. Ending nouns in prepositions came from the Finns that immigrated to Michigan! *gasp* That site is the best linky ever

I thought you'd like that :p

When I was in the Army and we had to hurry up and wait, people would play cards. There would be several games of spades going on, and then the Michiganders would be in the corner playing euchre.

That's one of my favorite sites. I've got one of his bumper stickers on my Jeep.