Comments on CALL THEMSELVES WRITERS? THEY DON'T EVEN UNDERSTAND BASIC ENGLISH!

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Dylan

I agree, AbFab was quite wonderful. Johanna Lumley, who is very popular here, was especially good.

posted by Limey on May 3, 2005 at 9:39 AM | link to this | reply

posted by _Symphony_ on May 3, 2005 at 9:28 AM | link to this | reply

How could I have forgotten AbFab?!  That's right up there with the others!  They used to play it all the time on our Comedy Central TV station, but once I had seen every episode 5 times enough was enough.  Wish they would start making them again!  That show would put me in such a good mood! 

posted by Dylan24 on May 3, 2005 at 8:44 AM | link to this | reply

Dylan -

Apologies for the typo.

posted by Limey on May 2, 2005 at 5:57 AM | link to this | reply

Dylan - apologies

posted by Limey on May 2, 2005 at 5:56 AM | link to this | reply

Dyland

I'm glad you enjoyed London. Did you try British beer, bangers and mash, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, spotted dick (yes, really) and the rest?

Among our most popular sitcoms have been Dad's Army, Steptoe and Son, Only Fools and Horses, The Office and Absolutely Fabulous. Have you seen any of them?

posted by Limey on May 2, 2005 at 5:56 AM | link to this | reply

I loved London; I would go back in a second if I could just snap my fingers rather than go through the hassle of travel.  I liked that you could smoke almost anywhere you wanted, that the drinking age was 18, and many other, more important things.

I enjoy, in no particular order, Are You Being Served?, As Time Goes By, Keeping Up Appearances, Ballykissangel, and Waiting for God.  Just golden stuff.  Love it.

posted by Dylan24 on May 1, 2005 at 7:04 PM | link to this | reply

Dylan

Thank you. I didn't know about Britcoms; and, tell me, which of the shows do you most enjoy?

I was interested to read you consider British sitcoms to be of superior quality. You see, the American-made shows Friends, ER and The Simpsons are very well-regarded here - althogh, I must confess, I don't watch them.

What did you make of London?

posted by Limey on May 1, 2005 at 10:11 AM | link to this | reply

Jane

See my note to Entrepreneur Maker.

posted by Limey on May 1, 2005 at 10:01 AM | link to this | reply

Mike

It's interesting you should mention aitches as people over here are beginning to use them inappropriately.

For example, when I ring my HSBC bank the telephonist - yes, I know, it's now usually a machine, not a real person - says 'Haitch Es Be See.'

Most strange.

posted by Limey on May 1, 2005 at 9:58 AM | link to this | reply

Mary

All in fun? Don't kid yourself.

posted by Limey on May 1, 2005 at 9:49 AM | link to this | reply

Fabulous

I expect you use Webster's Dictionary. But here's a suggestion: try the Oxford English for a change. You might be pleasantly surprised.

posted by Limey on May 1, 2005 at 9:47 AM | link to this | reply

EM

Is there a difference? All I know is you speak a strange dialect,like our other colonials: eg Indians, Pakistanis, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, Hong Kong Chinese, South Africans ... and the rest.

posted by Limey on May 1, 2005 at 9:44 AM | link to this | reply

Wonder

I have one thing to say to you: total rubbish!

posted by Limey on May 1, 2005 at 9:35 AM | link to this | reply

Ms N Dependence

Knickers tend to get in a twist over here. (Not that I've examined any, of course).

Knickers in a wad? Now there#s an interesting thought: what wonderful images it conjures up.

PS It seems to me you can be quite stern when the occasion arises!

posted by Limey on April 30, 2005 at 4:13 AM | link to this | reply

Oh, no that really happened. I just was never sure just how vulgar of a turkey label it was by British standards... We did all think it was pretty funny....then again we think it sounds funny to say we're going to "dress a turkey," too.

posted by FactorFiction on April 29, 2005 at 6:04 PM | link to this | reply

Limey, you are very sweet under all that hatred...just as I suspected

from the start.  

posted by Ariala on April 29, 2005 at 3:25 PM | link to this | reply

Sacred, modest Wonder

Ariala.

No, really, it's completely unnecessary for you to provide more photographs. Those I've seen are quite wonderful. The rest, I'm certain, are much better kept safely at home.

Of course, you modesty knows no bounds!

posted by Limey on April 29, 2005 at 3:22 PM | link to this | reply

Fact

I like this one very much. But fact or fiction?

posted by Limey on April 29, 2005 at 3:08 PM | link to this | reply

I love reading British Blogit commentaries...they make no sense, but the

accent is so sexy.

posted by Ariala on April 29, 2005 at 12:56 PM | link to this | reply

Philly

Pint glasses for girls? They always seem to do things bigger in America: this proves the point, or pint.

posted by Limey on April 29, 2005 at 12:54 PM | link to this | reply

Limey. Don't you just hate Southerners?

A rhetoric question clearly. Who said we drop hour aitches?

posted by Mike_Manc on April 29, 2005 at 12:52 PM | link to this | reply

Limey, I would provide photos, but I'm too modest for that (cough, cough)

The sacred wonder,
Ariala

posted by Ariala on April 29, 2005 at 12:52 PM | link to this | reply

Hollee

Having once been chastised for commenting on her cat suit, I'd never dare threaten Ariala.
As I'm sure you know, this woman's a Blogit icon - and almost sacred.

posted by Limey on April 29, 2005 at 12:49 PM | link to this | reply

Mike

Thanks.
For the sake of this blog, all you really need to know is that I say parst and you say ... probably something I can't understand.
Toodle pip!

posted by Limey on April 29, 2005 at 12:41 PM | link to this | reply

Wonder

You couldn't possibly mean what I think you mean, surely? Well, I'm totally shocked!

But then I seem to recall Prince Andrew doing something similar on Brighton beach* a few years ago. So you're in 'good' company or, then again, perhaps not!

PS I believe the story, plus pic, was run by most of our national newspapers.

posted by Limey on April 29, 2005 at 12:32 PM | link to this | reply

Hmmm still unclear on the er respectability of another term...

a friend once told me a story of his British buddy whose wife spent 5 minutes doubled over laughing in the grocery store frozen food section at Thanksgiving... seems there were instructions on the back of the turkey telling "How to Stuff a Bird."  This was translated to us as "How to screw a hooker" instuctions on the frozen poultry.

posted by FactorFiction on April 29, 2005 at 12:22 PM | link to this | reply

Cyrpess

Sorry, I'm stumped!
This cricketing term, which is used throughout the UK, indicates uncertainty.
What's cricket? Well, it's a game rather like baseball, but a bit more complicated.
Thanks for your kind remarks.

posted by Limey on April 29, 2005 at 12:21 PM | link to this | reply

Limey, just stopping by to moon you...Americans do that, you know.

Cat suit wonder,
Ariala

posted by Ariala on April 29, 2005 at 12:14 PM | link to this | reply

Limey. You were?

Ermm. OK. Only in the "One world" sense. Bollocks. I'm from the North I am.

Yer good self?

posted by Mike_Manc on April 29, 2005 at 12:12 PM | link to this | reply

Tanoo

Thanks. I'm considering it.

posted by Limey on April 29, 2005 at 12:06 PM | link to this | reply

Mike

I was simply enquiring whether you're an American.

posted by Limey on April 29, 2005 at 12:05 PM | link to this | reply

Ms N Dependence

Yes, of course - the very nub of the problem!

posted by Limey on April 29, 2005 at 12:00 PM | link to this | reply

My apologies, Limey,

I had thought you were seriously taking pot shots at Americans, now I realize that you're having a go at us, all in fun.  Aw, you're just a big old softy. 

posted by Blanche. on April 29, 2005 at 11:12 AM | link to this | reply

Limey - I am loving your blog so far. God help me.

posted by Hollee on April 29, 2005 at 11:11 AM | link to this | reply

You know, the angrier people get at this stuff, the more popular you get. You're even threatening Ariala now.

Good old british irony

posted by Gubby on April 29, 2005 at 11:05 AM | link to this | reply

But then Dylan.

West Wing is as well written as anything I've seen.

Strange.

posted by Mike_Manc on April 29, 2005 at 11:03 AM | link to this | reply

I heard/read some of them on TV ("Britcoms" aired on public television in the U.S., which are of such superior quality to American sitcomes that it's almost embarrassing for us), some here on Blogit from Damon Leigh, and others I have just read in magazines and books.  Also I spent several days in London years ago, and noticed some interesting colloquialisms there.

posted by Dylan24 on April 29, 2005 at 11:00 AM | link to this | reply

Limey. Septic Tank is rhyming slang for Yank.

Or were you wondering about Manc. Jodrell Bank is rhyming slang for Manc or something very like that.

But I am sure you knew this.

Whats the hymning plang for rhyme?

This is getting silly so now I shall stop.

 

posted by Mike_Manc on April 29, 2005 at 10:24 AM | link to this | reply

I wonder if he came to Texas could he speak Texan?"

Or Boston, deep Boston , Eh?

Perhaps - Backwoods Arkansas?

Maybe he's right...we don't speak English... WE SPEAK AMERICAN

posted by Entrepreneur_Maker on April 29, 2005 at 10:08 AM | link to this | reply

Well, when I was in high school, I used to enjoy reading the dictionary.  I've found that the study of words can contribute to effective communication.  For instance:  "Engl-ish" reminds me of little Laura Ingalls of Little House on the Prairie.  That was always my most favorite TV program.  Now, where did you say you were going to lead us in our thoughts today?

posted by TARZANA on April 29, 2005 at 10:04 AM | link to this | reply

DM

Well it would - using a computer.

posted by Limey on April 29, 2005 at 9:57 AM | link to this | reply

I get wha your say'n

Your loved

posted by Loved-Child on April 29, 2005 at 9:07 AM | link to this | reply

Blimey Limey you sure are slimey.

How long did it take you to get tired of all those misnomers? I have read through your blogs and your comments sections and I would like to offer my apologies for the ignorance you have seen and experienced here on Blogit. I rather enjoyed your blogs. Americans need to see how outsiders view us because we all see ourselves through rose coloured (that is how you spell across the pond isn't it?) glasses. I'm glad you are making some money for your efforts as well.

You have stirred up the pot. Kepp it up.

By the way...this blog was great. I'm going to be saying fancy a little bit of how's your far-ther to every juggy bird I lay my eyes on.

posted by Diversion4u on April 29, 2005 at 5:15 AM | link to this | reply

Very funny!

And very informative.  This Yankee girl drinks from a pint glass, however.  Cheers!

posted by PhillyBorn68 on April 28, 2005 at 9:20 PM | link to this | reply

"""BASIC""" ENGLISH!

Oh bloody hell! Get your knickers out of a wad! Must the English teacher teach you to read! LOL!

posted by Transcendental_Child on April 28, 2005 at 5:30 PM | link to this | reply

Hmmm, well, I'm glad to see you have a sense of humor --

to be able to joke about the strangeness and deficiencies of your own dialect of English.  Ironically, the times I've either spoken with a Brit or been to Britain, your countrymates have no difficulty understanding ME and my English.  But I'm the one who must muddle through and decipher all of your strange and unique colloquialisms and accents. So tell me, who's the one speaking proper English?

posted by JanesOpinion on April 28, 2005 at 5:20 PM | link to this | reply

Hardly well-checked, mate--it glared. DM

posted by Dennison..Mann on April 28, 2005 at 4:43 PM | link to this | reply

DM

Well checked.

posted by Limey on April 28, 2005 at 4:40 PM | link to this | reply

LIMEY

Where does the expression “Look into my bloody eye” come from? All the rest is jolly good indeed.

posted by Cypress on April 28, 2005 at 4:36 PM | link to this | reply

A recording? Hmm ill think about it   ... sure post the rest, well they are terms after all...

posted by Tanoolicious on April 28, 2005 at 4:21 PM | link to this | reply

Limey --

"In this instance, fairly earthy language."

The above quote from your post does not represent a complete sentence. Please consider revising (after reviewing basic English grammar.)                                         DM

posted by Dennison..Mann on April 28, 2005 at 4:19 PM | link to this | reply

Why Limey Dear

We have become Americanized! Good night!

posted by Transcendental_Child on April 28, 2005 at 4:19 PM | link to this | reply

MS N Dependence

Not tonight, Josephine! It's just gone midnight, so I'm away to my bed. Tomorrow, maybe.
No desk-lids, indeed! What's the world coming to?

posted by Limey on April 28, 2005 at 4:04 PM | link to this | reply

Dylan

Where did you hear/read those you recognised?

posted by Limey on April 28, 2005 at 4:01 PM | link to this | reply

Limey

Please do!

posted by Transcendental_Child on April 28, 2005 at 3:57 PM | link to this | reply

Dylan

Where did you hear/read those you recognised?

posted by Limey on April 28, 2005 at 3:57 PM | link to this | reply

Tanoo

Thanks a lot - most interesting.

Why don't you do a recording? It would be absolutely fascinating.

One question - to you and everyone who's read this item - should I post the rest? (See below).

posted by Limey on April 28, 2005 at 3:53 PM | link to this | reply

Oh Limey!

We don't use desk lids anymore! Besides - my students know I see everything.

posted by Transcendental_Child on April 28, 2005 at 3:53 PM | link to this | reply

Burly

Well, just as long as it was in my cheek ...

posted by Limey on April 28, 2005 at 3:48 PM | link to this | reply

Mike

Septic tank, Manc?

posted by Limey on April 28, 2005 at 3:46 PM | link to this | reply

Great post Limey!! I went to a school that used the British teaching system and I ended up with an American accent... so my language has a mix of american and english popular terms

posted by Tanoolicious on April 28, 2005 at 3:44 PM | link to this | reply

Damon

See my note to Roofpig. Do you think I should post the other few? They are somewhat explicit.

posted by Limey on April 28, 2005 at 3:41 PM | link to this | reply

Roofpig

Glad you liked them: I have others but thought they might offend.

posted by Limey on April 28, 2005 at 3:40 PM | link to this | reply

EM

Aren't you being just a little extreme?

posted by Limey on April 28, 2005 at 3:37 PM | link to this | reply

Ms N Dependence

Somehow I knew you'd spot it. Next time I'll write behind my desk-lid!

posted by Limey on April 28, 2005 at 3:32 PM | link to this | reply

Limey

Basic English... LOL!

posted by Transcendental_Child on April 28, 2005 at 1:19 PM | link to this | reply

Thanks...

...Mike. I'll make a note.

D

posted by DamonLeigh on April 28, 2005 at 10:03 AM | link to this | reply

I assume your tongue was firmly in your cheek on this. Otherwise, GET STUFFED!!!!

posted by Burly on April 28, 2005 at 9:46 AM | link to this | reply

Hi Damon

I thought you had miss-spelt sceptic. A sc(k)eptic tank? Isn't that when you can't believe they're real?

Sorry.

posted by Mike_Manc on April 28, 2005 at 7:51 AM | link to this | reply

Thanks for the edification.  Several of them I did not know, or did not know I did not know until I read your post.

posted by Dylan24 on April 28, 2005 at 7:38 AM | link to this | reply

Try Asking...

...them to spell 'aluminium' - that's always a larf!

An American mate used to say to me that the Brits invented the language, the septics perfected it. Bastardised it, more like, but there you go.

They're a funny lot, but there are definitely some nice ones amongst them.

Oh, and EM - you clearly are still paying to be here, are you not?

D

posted by DamonLeigh on April 28, 2005 at 6:35 AM | link to this | reply

Some of those I've learned over the years, but it was cool to read some of the ones I didn't know.

posted by roofpig on April 28, 2005 at 5:38 AM | link to this | reply

Whammie gets banned

and this jerk gets to spew ANTI-American ism.

Do you still want to give shamecom your money?

posted by Entrepreneur_Maker on April 28, 2005 at 5:36 AM | link to this | reply