Re: English Vocabulary Update


Tue, 19 Sep 95 22:44:51 GMT

In article <437g3v$oce@newsbf02.news.aol.com> jzahn@aol.com "JZahn" writes:

> 1.) Latex Prophylactics Department
>
> We've been through the eraser/rubber/condom discussion already. I
> recently was told by a Welsh acquaintance that "Durex" in Australia is a
> brand of adhesive tape ("Scotch tape" in America), but in England, a
> "Durex" is a condom. Comments?

Durex is a brand name.
Scotch Tape is known as Sellotape in England (also a brand name).

> 2.) Interestingly-named British Food Items Department
>
> Toad In The Hole: Batter pudding with sausage cooked inside. Baked in
> individual serving dishes/ramekins/custard cups.

Needn't be in individual portions. Batter pudding is also known
as Yorkshire Pudding.

> 3.) Miscellaneous Vocabulary Department
>
> In England, "a bomb" is a great success, while in America, it's a dismal
> failure.

I can't think of an example of this, except that a show bombed, which
is the same as the American 'pseudo-meaning'. If someone can think
of an example where it used as a success, then we recognise both.

> A British "chat program" is known as a "talk show" in America.

Normally 'chat show' not program.

> "Pissed" in England means "drunk/intoxicated," while in America it either
> means "angry" or the past tense of a slang term for urination.

Also is used as passed tense for urination, when used as a verb.
As an adjective it means drunk, while 'pissed off' means angry.

Also note that a lot of these expressions change even within a country
(hell - even within a city) and slang itself would be impossible to
incorporate into games, except in a very superficial way, as it is
constantly changing.

It would have to be a 'wizard' game to get slang words 'pukka'. Any
attempt which wasn't totally 'fab' would end up a real 'bummer'.

(hey, that almost rhymes!) ;)

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