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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-08-2007, 05:46 PM (1 of 66)
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I've noticed a few different names used here and there for the same items throughout the world. Only a quick start here for some of them but I'd be interested to hear of others. Some of them we don't even realise until we start posting at cross purposes. Please feel free to jump in with additions and/or corrections from wherever you are. Thrift Shop (US) = Op (short for Opportunity) Shop (OZ) Thongs (footwear) (OZ) = jandals (NZ) and flipflops (not sure but a few places) In fact in some places a thong is what is called either a G string or V string here (this is one of those types of undies that is practically an instant wedgie). Doona (OZ) - ??? (Lennie is going to fill this in) Cold meat = deli meat = luncheon meat (this is ham or salami or similar - these are all OZ terms depending on part of country) Milk bar (Victoria, OZ) = deli (South Australia, OZ) = general store (some parts of country OZ) = drug store? (US) - I know its a US term but I'm not sure if it is the equivalent - we can get bread, milk and a few general groceries sort of close to home - as distinct from a supermarket (OZ) which has the whole lot (think Safeway) - not sure what other names for this are. Or is a drug store where you get medicines from as the name suggests. Media representation seems to show them as a place to go to get an ice cream soda -which seems a strange combination of products to me. Somebody keep this going - I'm all out for now but I know there are tons more. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: lendube
Date: 01-08-2007, 06:41 PM (2 of 66)
This is great, Pauline. I love word stuff. Not quite sure how to format this but here goes: (I predict a long thread.  ) Also, my observations are purely California. Just like OZ - different from one side of the country to the other. Thrift Shop (US) = Op (short for Opportunity) Shop (OZ) Ca. - Thrift Store Thongs (footwear) (OZ) = jandals (NZ) and flipflops (not sure but a few places) Ca. - Thongs/Flip Flops In fact in some places a thong is what is called either a G string or V string here (this is one of those types of undies that is practically an instant wedgie). Ca. - Thong = instant wedgie too. G-String implies thongs with sexual overtones (i.e. strippers/dancers) Doona (OZ) - ??? (Lennie is going to fill this in) lol That's a duvet (doovay) which really is just a down comforter with a cover on it. Cold meat = deli meat = luncheon meat (this is ham or salami or similar - these are all OZ terms depending on part of country) Ca. - We'd say Cold Cuts, Deli Meats. Luncheon Meats would imply store bought packaged meats (i.e. Oscar Meyer, etc.) Milk bar (Victoria, OZ) = deli (South Australia, OZ) = general store (some parts of country OZ) = drug store? (US) - I know its a US term but I'm not sure if it is the equivalent - we can get bread, milk and a few general groceries sort of close to home - as distinct from a supermarket (OZ) which has the whole lot (think Safeway) - not sure what other names for this are. Or is a drug store where you get medicines from as the name suggests. Media representation seems to show them as a place to go to get an ice cream soda -which seems a strange combination of products to me. This is a good one. Okay, Your "Milk Bar" is known as a Speedy Mart, Quickie Mart, Mini Marts or by the company's name such as AM/PM, Circle K, etc. A drug store (examples: Rite Aid, CVS, Longs, etc.) is a good all purpose store with prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, toiletries, ice cream counters (not fancy, just functional), greeting cards, "quick" groceries. More than a mini mart but not a grocery store. Old fashioned drug stores were ice cream parlors and drugs/toiletries primarily. Okay, my brain's tired for now (didn't sleep much last night) and I certainly do not speak for us all.  Let's have some more.............
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User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 01-08-2007, 07:45 PM (3 of 66)
Just a few differences in  A drug store = pharmacy in a place to get prescription drugs, toiletries, magazines, films, but not bread, milk or ice cream. A milk bar = corner store or 7/11 or 24/7 in or dépanneur in QuébecThrift Shop = Thrift Store = Second-hand store TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-08-2007, 08:19 PM (4 of 66)
Oh yeah I missed the drug store - usually a chemist in OZ but occasionally a pharmacy (always pharmacy if it's located within a hospital). They sell over the counter and prescription medicine plus toiletries etc. but never films (or do you mean for cameras? - sorry, haven't bought that for a few years now - these are bought at the chemist) or magazines. Mags (is this only OZ) are usually purchased at newsagents (OZ again?) or supermarkets but some milk bars carry a smallish range. If you mean videos they don't come from the chemist mostly from department stores (Kmart) or from sound/video/electrical type shops (not sure what you've got) and increasingly from service stations (or petrol stations - both OZ I think). Where you stop to put petrol (gas for you I think) in the car (motor for Jan). And think - this is all supposed to be the same language.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-08-2007, 08:33 PM (5 of 66)
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zori's (japanese), flip-flops, thongs, sandals.. Since I've lived all over the U.S. all the terms (even some of the ones from OZ are familiar.) (of course my husband has been to OZ and the UK. I've been to Canada and we watch a lot of 'foreign' shows and have known a lot of AF from different countries...) So we both speak English and Americanese...(and bits and pieces of other languages...Japanese, Mexican, Hawaiian, Greek, Russian, Italian, German...) But for the life of me, I can't understand southerners very well...(my husband has to translate or I ask the person to repeat themselves...it's weird what the 'ear' can pick up and what it can't...) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: pretnichols
Date: 01-08-2007, 08:37 PM (6 of 66)
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Loo = bathroom = John = restroom = ? Various countries....... Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 01-08-2007, 09:04 PM (7 of 66)
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loo = toilet = dunny = outhouse = thunderbox (old one not used much now but amusing so worth mentioning).
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-08-2007, 10:12 PM (8 of 66)
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Thrift store - I have always assumed that this is what you have meant by a charity shop - people donate their used items for resale to support a local or national charity, 'course, I could be wrong! a thong is the one 12 year old like to show above their trouser line. or my husband likes me to wear but I fell like a trussed turkey in - flip flops go on the feet. we have duvets to sleep under cold cuts - I assume that would be the cold meats you but from a delicatessen counter in a supermarket . Luncheon meat is a particularly nasty pink reformed meat for sandwiches. Did you ever have spam? Invented during the war as an attemp to be meat - we used to have spam fritters at school - slices of pink coated in batter and deep fried so that the pink inside turned to slime - healthy living - I don't think so! Milk bar - what the ? I always thought that was a 50's america sort of Fonze thing? Drug store - chemist or pharmacy. These sell presriptions and over the counter medication, shampoo, make up, hot water bottles, nappies etc loo - we have loos or toilets - you don't always keep a loo in the bathroom so no point going there to relieve yourself. Also know as "the littlest room" corner shop - this is the one that is always open and sells everything that you might have run out of at strange hours of the day or night - often a family run business. We have a load of shops which would equate to dollar stores ( eg Poundstretchers) where you can buy nearly every item for a pound and it is usually made a) in china b) out of plastic and c) and breaks before you get it out of the shop. The one that usually irriates my spousal unit is being introduced to people as "my partner" he likes to reply "Oh, are you in business then?" love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: lsoutherla
Date: 01-08-2007, 10:32 PM (9 of 66)
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so what's hard to understand about southerners? I'll see if I can find my southern phrase booklet for ya, Chrys. you guys have pretty well covered it..... but here are a few southern terms..... convenience store = one stops = minimart (QT, Circle K, 7/11) coke = (any carbinated beverage - the only politically correct carbinated beverage in Atlanta, GA) = soda = pop (from my summer trips to the northern regions of USA as a teen) coke float = ice cream soda flat bread = sliced sandwich bread flat bread 'n gravy = flat bread and any type of gravy fixin to = about to do something wachudoon = what are you doing gas station = service station (not many around now, all are combined one stops) sofa = couch = ?? (can't remember word my 90-ish MIL uses) supper = dinner cold cuts = cold meats (lunch meat is thin sliced meat bought a grocery store or deli) grits = (is there an equivalent anywhere?) Waffle House and/or Chickfila = (you either love em or you hate em) laura  
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User: lsoutherla
Member since: 05-04-2006 Total posts: 72 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-08-2007, 10:38 PM (10 of 66)
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My husband and I call the bathroom, the potty box...(of course if you have ferrets, you have to speak ferret). Well I can tell you I hate BOTH The Waffle House and Chik fil A.....my husband likes to threaten to take me to the Waffle House...I just tell him I have a car and I'll run him over and make it look like an accident...in the parking lot of the Waffle House... davenport ??? Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-08-2007, 11:17 PM (11 of 66)
Yeah Kath what's so hard about understanding what we southerns say.  I'm a pure coona&& and proud of it. We made groceries instead of going to buy them at the market. We go by our Mom's house on Sunday afternoon to see her instead of going to her house. When we want to ask how the family is doing we say, "How's ya Mama and dem" Yat- New Orleans slang for a person who has the accent from the area. The term comes from the colorful greeting “ Where y’at?” or “Where are you?” We have get togethers called "Boils" The definintion for this is Boil – New Orleans slang for a favorite pastime where foods such as shrimp, crawfish and crabs are boiled live in a huge boiling pot with seasonings, meats, and vegetables then spread over the table with newpapers under to catch the dripping liquid that is left in the pot. Usually done at least once a week during the season. (Crawfish, shrimp or crab season.) Mardi Gras, I hope everyone knows what this is but for those who don't it's a time for us Cajuns from New Orleans to let our hair down before we have to be good during lent. Beignet - A pastry made from fried dough, sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar and usually served with hot cup of Café au lait- A New Orleans original from Café du Monde, is a delicious concoction of coffee and warm milk. If you make it to New Orleans you have to try the coffee. Gumbo- A spicy, hearty stew consisting of 2 components: rice and broth, usually made in large batches. Gumbo often contains seafood such as crab, shrimp, crawfish, fowl-duck, chicken, and other meats-andoullie sausage, smoked sausage, tasso (Cajun smoked pork) along with smothered greens pulled together with a roux Hurricanes, there is two definitions of these. The one that takes your house away with it like Katrina and the drink Hurricane- Created by Pat O’ Brien the 1940’s, this popular drink is also an integral part of the New Orleans experience. The drink is made from passion fruit and rum, served in a hurricane-shaped glass. Betcha can't drink but one!!! I could go on and on but the one I like the best is the saying........ Laissez les bon temps roullier- The popular French saying for “Let the good times roll!” and that's what we are all about down here in Louzeeana. I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118 
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From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-08-2007, 11:20 PM (12 of 66)
I forgot to add that in my Gumbo I put oysters and oyster water. Other wise known in our parts as Ursters. LOL I really don't talk that way. 
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
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From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-08-2007, 11:29 PM (13 of 66)
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Just found this site thought you all would be interested in it since we are discussing something like this, have fun. http://www.spraakservice.net/slangportal/american.htm I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
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From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-08-2007, 11:32 PM (14 of 66)
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After posting it I can't get any of them to open let me know if they open for you all. It looked like a good site.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
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From: Sherri
Date: 01-08-2007, 11:34 PM (15 of 66)
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You's Guys all talk weird Eh? Sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-09-2007, 12:15 AM (16 of 66)
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Susie...you forgot the mud puppies (crawdads...) of course mud puppies are also fish who walk on land. Since I can't eat shellfish...all that 'stuff' isn't part of my home.. You forgot red eye gravy... Brown gravy, white gravy... Chitterlings...(pronounced chitluns) When I was in my 20's I could put away 4 hurricanes... (of course I didn't remember what I did, afterwards... )
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: lizzybugsmommy
Date: 01-09-2007, 12:56 AM (17 of 66)
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Ya'll = you all Bathroom, restroom, potty over yonder+ over there Fixin to going to do it soon aint = am not Mom, Mam, Mum,Mama, Mother , Mommy Dad, Daddy, father, POP, Pappy, Pops, Papa, Diddy Grandfather, Pop, Granddaddy, Paw paw, Pepaw, pappy, papa, popa, Poppy, Gramps,Grampy, Granddad, Grandmother, Nana, Granny, Granma, Mimi, Lady, GrandLady, Maw Maw, Memaw Wife ,Old lady, Old bat, better half, ball in chain, spouse Husband, Old man, Partner, Pain in the rear, Child, Son Daughter Tax write off, crumb snatcher, rugrat, Baby, infant,Tot, Toddler, dependent, KId, Diaper, Nappie, Pamper, pacifier, binky, bink, plug, stopper,nuk, Ok I am running out of things it is getting too late. Catherine
http://www.photoworks.com/share/shareSignin.jsp?shareCode=A0E42A2C202&cp=ems_shr_a lb_pml&cb=PW Husbands gone fishing..... I've gone fabric shopping |
User: lizzybugsmommy
Member since: 05-20-2006 Total posts: 207 |
From: Sancin
Date: 01-09-2007, 04:04 AM (18 of 66)
Beat me to it, Judy  I had the same things in mind, even depanneur!"A milk bar = corner store or 7/11 or 24/7 in or dépanneur in Québec" I use corner store or the actual name of the store which could be Mr. G. here in PG plus a few others. What Fun! Keep them coming! *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-09-2007, 06:50 AM (19 of 66)
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Soda or pop (for you guys) is soft drink for us. I guess because alcohol is "the hard stuff". Pacifier is dummy We have G'day short for Good day (usually followed by mate - which can be either sex) A female can be a chick (I think that's everywhere though) or a sheila. And a chick flick is something along the lines of Thelma and Louise (not something a lot of guys are interested in watching). If a guys name is one syllable (like John) then it's usually lengthened (Johnno) and if its more than one syllable its shortened (David becomes Dave). Something considered close by is "just around the corner" - even if it's 20 km or so. Gravy is only really served with roast meat and flat bread is Turkish flat bread which is sort of like a squashed loaf or roll (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches high). A couch is part of a lounge suite (3 or more pieces) but a sofa is an individual item (or 2 of the same) and you would usually put the lounge suite in the lounge room (slightly more formal room) and the sofa or sofas in the family room (nearer to the kitchen and dining room) - where you sort of hang out more and watch TV. I don't even know what a grit is (although I know you eat it) - so I don't THINK we have an equivalent. Have to ask while I'm in here - what does dh stand for - dear husband? In OZ it's not a complimentary term and is used as a commonly abbreviated form of dickhead (apologies if I've crossed the line here). Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-09-2007, 08:36 AM (20 of 66)
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When I moved from California to rural upstate New York I had a lot of cultural shocks -- especially language. Instead of Hamburgers they ate Hamburgs. They didn't throw something away, they pitched it. They didn't wear thongs they wore flip flops. They didn't drink soda they drank pop. When they did the same thing I did they didn't say "So did I" they said "So didn't I" (Now that is just bad grammar). I could go on but it only gets worse from here. It does seem to have improved over the years though. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 01-09-2007, 10:08 AM (21 of 66)
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couch = sofa = davenport = hide-a-bed = love seat Well they are not all exactly equal. A hide-a-bed means there is a fold-up bed inside the sofa. Love seat is a shorter version of a sofa. Thongs were shoes where I grew up, but around my teenage years the other type became popular. So now you can wear thongs between your toes and your cheeks .There's one for us. Cheeks can be either on your face or your rear-end. Supper = Dinner, Lunch = Dinner but Supper never = Lunch Here in San Antonio Mama is a term of endearment for a little girl. So all the time I hear grown women saying to little girls "Come here Mama." Confuses the heck out of my five year old when they call her Mama. She says "I can't be a Mama until I grow up." Sugar can be any sweetener you add to your coffee. Example: I work at McDonald's. I ask the customer "Do you want cream and sugar for your coffee?" They answer "Yes, five sugars please." I get them five sugars and they say "No, the blue/yellow/pink (Equal/Splenda/Sweet and Low) sugar. Sugar = Kiss Sugar = woman (normally a waitress) Sugar = man (used by woman above towards her customers) Babe = baby Babe = beautiful woman Hunk = gorgeous man Hunk = piece Example: Hunk-a-Junk normally used to refer to and old worn out car. I could go on and on. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: lendube
Date: 01-09-2007, 12:50 PM (22 of 66)
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ROTHFLMAO, Pauline! Dh is dear husband but I like yours better! I laughed almost as hard at you as I did when my dh referred to the leader of our country that way yesterday. (But now I'm crossing that forbidden line.) Dh isn't American, it's just computer-speak. Divan is another word for couch, sofa, etc. Divan and davenport are rarely used anymore. At least where I am. Very old fashioned words. Whew! That southern talk! It may as well be Martian to me - most of it..... Thrift store - I have always assumed that this is what you have meant by a charity shop - people donate their used items for resale to support a local or national charity, 'course, I could be wrong! Nope Jan, you're right. There are also plenty of private Thrift Stores as well. Luncheon meat is a particularly nasty pink reformed meat for sandwiches. Did you ever have spam? Invented during the war as an attemp to be meat - we used to have spam fritters at school - slices of pink coated in batter and deep fried so that the pink inside turned to slime - healthy living - I don't think so! Spam kinda went out in the '60's around these parts. So gross! Did you know that more Spam is sold in Hawaii than any other place worldwide? Yech! Milk bar - what the ? I always thought that was a 50's america sort of Fonze thing? To my knowledge there is no such thing as a "Milk Bar" in the States. Anyone??? Are you thinking Soda Shop, Soda Fountain, Soda Parlor? They're just memories for the most part as far as I know. We have a load of shops which would equate to dollar stores ( eg Poundstretchers) where you can buy nearly every item for a pound and it is usually made a) in china b) out of plastic and c) and breaks before you get it out of the shop. These are called 99 cent stores or dollar stores around here. Same junk, different name. The one that usually irriates my spousal unit is being introduced to people as "my partner" he likes to reply "Oh, are you in business then?" He prefers "spousal unit"????  Lennie
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User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-09-2007, 01:03 PM (23 of 66)
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There I times when I refer to him as the Chairman of the Board and co-mortgagee so spousal unit is an improvement. I haven't met anyone else who uses this term. What about a Guzunda? A large china po that 'goes under' the bed. We used to have these when I was little - man sized potties full to overflowing - ah memories! Grits is some form of porridgy thing Pauline - I am not convinced myself - someday I am going to eat Susies Gumbo though even if I die trying. Depending on your social class you have lunch in the middle of the day (or dinner) and tea or supper (or dinner) in the evening. If you have dinner in the evening then you still can have supper later. And of course you can have tea around 4 o clock as well (High Tea) Children often have dinner at lunchtime and Tea and maybe supper before bed. Cinfused yet? Any excuse for 4 meals a day. A couple generally means 2 of an item (though it can mean 3) but a few is always at least 3. Several can be any amount. I have had beignets in the south of France where the students walk around selling them on the beaches - delish and you can feel the arteries hardening as you eat them. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: cowqueenie
Date: 01-09-2007, 01:09 PM (24 of 66)
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SPAM!!! DEEP FRIED??? OMG I live VERY near to where SPAM is made. They have a museum there at Hormel in Austin, MN and that my dear friends is where my DH brought me for our anniversary last year! LMAO This is very humorous to read here at work and I have no time to reply to the phrases but will look this up tonight at home!  Laters! (A northeren phrase???) "A trip to the fabric store is my therapy"
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User: cowqueenie
Member since: 10-30-2006 Total posts: 125 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 01-09-2007, 03:52 PM (25 of 66)
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I'm with your husband on that partner thing Jan. At first it was gay people that had partners. And that was fine. It means something -- you know, life partner -- makes sense. After all gay people are not allowed marriage in this country. It did make it awkward once when I was a theater critic and referred to the woman I worked with as my partner in a town that has an unusually high gay population. My "partner" was younger and attractive and the lady from the theater was flirting like crazy when we all met. Jackie couldn't figure it out and I was cracking up. But then my husband turned politically correct with it. Men and Women that were not married but lived together were suddenly partners. When I mentioned that I thought that was stupid he said "Well, they've been together 10 years. What should I call him, her boyfriend?" I grudgingly accepted that. After all I was the one who snickered when I interviewed the mother of the first baby of the year and she called the father (also the father of her three other children) her fiance. No, I didn't snicker to her face but come on, Honey, if he was going to marry you he would have done it by now. Partner would have been a better term, I guess. All that eventually morphed into any couple -- gay or straight, long or short term, married or not -- were suddenly "partners." Then my husband started this job. He shares an office and works very closely with a woman. One day he called her his partner (which she is in the traditional sense of the word). Boy did I have fun with that one!! Kind of broke him of the habit. Now she is his partner and I am his wife -- which is fine with me. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-09-2007, 04:40 PM (26 of 66)
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I work on the theory that if people have been together, shared mortgages,life experiences, children and years they are "husband" and "wife" whether they recognise it or not - it is a matter of time tested committment. Though it is sometimes easier to refer to them as "the other half". I do find it odd a good friend of mine having a boyfriend when he is patently well beyond the boy stage - lets face it as a mature mother of 4 (3 at Uni) she is a bit strange to be the girlfriend. Do you say my lover? my mistress? Well my co-mortgagee and Chairman of the board is not in tonight so I am off to play!!!! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Sancin
Date: 01-09-2007, 11:56 PM (27 of 66)
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Sofa = Chesterfield What are those things that one sits on like a sofa/chesterfield but one pulls out like a futon (God's revenge on human bones) called? They are not sofa beds but is my memory correct when I refer to them as davenports? *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: Pudge99
Date: 01-10-2007, 10:02 AM (28 of 66)
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Davenport is the name of a series of sofas manufactured by the now-defunct A.H. Davenport Company. Due to the popularity of the furniture at the time, the name "Davenport" has become a genericized trademark and is often used as a synonym for "sofa", especially in the Midwestern United States and among those born before World War II. Amazing what you can find on the web. I actually grew up using this word, being Midwestern born and raised although I am definately not born before WWII. A town (Sherrard) not too far from where I grew up had there own language when it came to certain things. The word that still sticks in my mind is Ambliance (Ambulance for the rest of the country). Every person I have ever met from this town says it that way. Being military we bounce around the world and once, I forget if it was in Florida or Germany, I heard someone say it that way. I turned around and said "Sherrard?" His answer "Yes, How'd you know?" Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 01-10-2007, 10:32 AM (29 of 66)
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But then my husband turned politically correct with it. Men and Women that were not married but lived together were suddenly partners. When I mentioned that I thought that was stupid he said "Well, they've been together 10 years. What should I call him, her boyfriend?"Dorothy In we say...common-law-spouse, common-law-husband, common-law-wife. And we have tax laws that include them accordingly!
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: Magot
Date: 01-10-2007, 12:27 PM (30 of 66)
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We have a similar phrase in North Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. When telling someone to "be specific" they will say "be pacific". "An emmet" is an ant and a derogative word for a tourist in Cornwall' love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 01-10-2007, 12:51 PM (31 of 66)
| I haven't heard anyone mention "the can" meaning use the toilet, as in, I have to go to the can, or where's the can? |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: cowqueenie
Date: 01-10-2007, 01:49 PM (32 of 66)
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how about for the military peeps in this world....THE HEAD????
"A trip to the fabric store is my therapy"
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User: cowqueenie
Member since: 10-30-2006 Total posts: 125
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From: Pudge99
Date: 01-10-2007, 02:46 PM (33 of 66)
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How about Porcelain God = Toilet.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: cowqueenie
Date: 01-10-2007, 02:52 PM (34 of 66)
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Oh boy, does that remind me of the old line we used to say in College....Praying to the porcelin god all night! WOW!!! Had forgotten about that one! Thanks Pudge for reminding me why I don't drink anymore! "A trip to the fabric store is my therapy"
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User: cowqueenie
Member since: 10-30-2006 Total posts: 125
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From: Pudge99
Date: 01-10-2007, 03:05 PM (35 of 66)
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I didn't go to college, but used that phrase during pregnancy.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: cowqueenie
Date: 01-10-2007, 03:08 PM (36 of 66)
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Yup fits in that scenario too! (Unfortunately!!!) I have a few girls here at work thinking of different words and meanings now!
"A trip to the fabric store is my therapy"
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User: cowqueenie
Member since: 10-30-2006 Total posts: 125
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From: Magot
Date: 01-10-2007, 03:38 PM (37 of 66)
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I always understood the Aussies used to "point Percy at the Porcelain" (man having a pee) then there is the "Technicolour yawn" "crying for Huey" "blowing chunks" and other moments which involve investigating your lunch up front and personal.. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-10-2007, 03:52 PM (38 of 66)
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Never heard your phrase Jan - it may be that I just don't mix in the right circles. LOL I have heard "the porcelain" and the "porcelain god" - which we don't pray to but do worship but never "percy". It might be an old one which the now typically "macho" Aussie male feels effeminate - especially when referring to his pride and joy. Speaking of - here's one that has to have come from UK - "the crown jewels" which led to "the family jewels". Euphemisms are a whole new ball game (US?) aren't they? Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-10-2007, 08:53 PM (39 of 66)
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spend a penny (pee) got to see a man about a horse (go to the bathroom) In my family my grandparents were Mom and Pop, my parents Ma and Da (or Daddy when I was small). couch, chest of drawers (tall), dresser (short with or without a mirror on top), ottoman/hassock. catty corner, kitty corner (across the street at an angle) (pacificer) plug beater (old car), junk in the trunk (loud bass speakers) doofuss (idiot), twit (idiot), jacka** (idiot)
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Bama
Date: 01-10-2007, 09:03 PM (40 of 66)
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Chrys, If my 2 teenagers say someone has "junk in the trunk" it means someone has a large or nicely shapen rear end.
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: material_pakrat
Date: 01-10-2007, 09:10 PM (41 of 66)
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Different states in Australia are bad enough, but when you add in all of the oversea definitions as well it's no wonder my kids have 5 names for most things. So to dd some more.... Thrift Shop (US) = Sallys (after the Salvation Army) or Sammy's (Good Samaritans) in Western Australia (WA) If they are a pritaley owned place, they are usually called a Recycled Clothing Outlet or something similar, just as long as it has Recycled in it. loo = toilet = dunny = outhouse = thunderbox Another Aussie one is the long-drop, which is like the thunderbox, which is a pretty seat over a big hole in the ground. It is still used in a lot of places in the middle of no-where. Couch = Click-clack (one that folds into a bed ). I was also taught that a couch was solid, but a fold-out was a divan or click-clack. Dollar stores in Tassie are referred to as "Chick Feed" because it's the name of the biggest chain over there. And possibly a few new ones.. Peanut butter (Vic) and peanut paste (WA) Bucket of ice-cream in Vic is 2+ litres, but in Wa is a single serve, also called a Dixie Cup in Vic. Rockmelon or cantaloupe (Vic and Tas). Football has it's own definition which can be AFL, soccer, rugby league and rugby union. You can either do a "U-Turn" or a "U-bolt" to turn your car in the other direction. And that could be in done in your "Toorak Tractor" (or 4WD, SUV) or in your "Ute". But dont get caught by the police, or they will take you away in their "divvy van" / "paddy wagon" / "bull wagon" / "bundy wagon" / "blue-light taxi" (all of them being a panel van) And if you have stopped at the "pub" or went through a "bottle-o", hope that they dont test you in one of their "booze buses." You need your own dictionary to order a beer in Oz, because it varies from state to state so much. A 10 ounce glass (called the same in Tasmania) = middy in WA and NSW = handle in NT = pot in Vic and parts of Tas. A 7 ounce glass = glass in WA and Vic = butcher in SA A 15 ounce glass = schooner in NSW, NT, Qld, Tas = pot in Vic = pint in SA. So now I remember why I gave up bartending! And dont even ask about small measures coz you start with a "pinch", "to a smidgen", then a "tad", and onto a "bees dick" (sorry - hope that doesn't offend anyone) And finally - the concept of American "peanut butter and jelly" is rather bizarre, as jelly in Oz is a dessert made from sugar, gelatine and flavour, and is best used in a triffle (according to the rest of my family) I think the closest thing to that kind of jelly is jam here. But I am pretty sure Nan used to make a jam thingy called apple jelly which was a jam that was completely smooth with no pips or chunks. And Jan - I always understood the Aussies used to "point Percy at the Porcelain" (man having a pee) - can also be draining the snake or just going for a leak Aren't men so nice. Maybe these are a WA or Tassie one Pauline????? These words are commonly heard around my place  "Technicolour yawn" "crying for Huey" "blowing chunks" and other moments which involve investigating your lunch up front and personal.. can as be "visiting the carrot man" which is a Tassie one. I have to deal with this quite a lot in life. I am a Victorian, married to a Tasmanian. My Ma is from NSW, my kids are Western Australian, and my closest cousin is in South Australia. We have learnt to be very precise when explaining if we want anything from each other. I have lived in WA more than Victoria, but move around coz hubby is in mining, so also have to remember what state I am in when asking for things. I dont think I have had so much fun with the "english" language in a long time. Keep it going everyone. Cheers, Soph Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
From: Bama
Date: 01-10-2007, 09:32 PM (42 of 66)
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Here's a few phrases I've heard around here. Not that I use any of them. Slower than molasses. Cute as a speckled pup. As useful as a t*t on a boar hog. Don't let the door hit ya where the Good Lord split ya. He'd complain if you hung him with a new rope. I was real "proud' to meet you. (happy or pleased to meet you) reckon= I guess so/ I suppose so buggy= shopping cart mash=push or press sometimes the word "cut" is used in place of "turn" like, "Would you please cut off the lights for me?" tote=carry tump over= turn something over or knock over |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-10-2007, 10:06 PM (43 of 66)
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dance with the one what brung ya....(as in, stay with it) Sorry Bama...I'm not around teenagers much... sleeze, sleezoid, bimbo ( girl with 'loose' morals) ash can, trash can, garbage can asphalt, paving, street, road, highway, freeway, through way. Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Bama
Date: 01-10-2007, 10:31 PM (44 of 66)
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That's okay Chrys. Sometimes I have to ask my kids what certain phrases mean nowadays. (another southern word) What does hobo mean now anyway? I hear kids at school call each other that. I just thought it was a bum. Apparently not anymore. I forgot to ask my kids about that one. mighty= very (as in I was mighty proud to meet you) My grandmother used to use the word "directly". "They will be coming home directly". (soon) A phrase my great grandmother used to use when she talked about a young man that her niece was dating. She did not like him. "He's as green as goose sh**" My mom said it meant ignorant or inexperienced. My mother uses the word "peffy" (sp?) when refering to the texture of cabbage or other vegetables when it's spongy. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-11-2007, 12:03 AM (45 of 66)
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Who ? feet wouldn't fit a limb.... I've heard slick as goose sh**... My Dad always said (when he didn't like something) I'd like two of those, one to s*** in and the other to cover it up...( I say it and my husband gives me a bad look...I think it's funny...all I say is, I'd like two of those...and then laugh...) Hallelujah J.C. Penny... ( my grandmothers irreverence to t.v. evangilists or her mother-in-laws sending money to them...or going to tent revivals) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-11-2007, 12:19 AM (46 of 66)
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Her elevator don't go to the top floor. Which means she's dumb One sandwich sort of a picnic, same meaning as above What crawled up her/his shorts, (why is he/she so irriated.) Chunk, (throw away) As in "Are you going to chunk that fabric. Who died and left you boss? Self explanitory I'll think of more later I'm tired and going to bed and it's only 11:18PM.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
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From: Sherri
Date: 01-11-2007, 12:27 AM (47 of 66)
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My mom used to say when they were handing out brains you thought they said trains and you weren't going nowhere. Sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-11-2007, 12:29 AM (48 of 66)
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Sherri we also eat funny things too. You don't know what you're missing. ROFL Kath, 4 HURRICANES!!!!!!!!! Now I think I know what all ales you, You need some of Jan's guts, yours are eat up. Oh that's another one, when someone thinks you said something crazy or off the wall they say "You're eat up" LOL Jan if you can get the seafood there I can walk you through a good gumbo. I can tell you how to fix one of them in my sleep. Instead of formula in our bottles our Mom's in Cajunland put gumbo in our bottles. 
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
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From: Bama
Date: 01-11-2007, 07:29 AM (49 of 66)
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Susie, My dad uses that one. "You're eat up with it." (crazy, not right in the head) My husband says "one brick shy of a load" meaning same as above or someone who is not smart. And Susie, my husband and his family also "make groceries".  When they're finished "making the groceries" they "go eat some groceries".
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: lendube
Date: 01-11-2007, 01:06 PM (50 of 66)
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You can either do a "U-Turn" or a "U-bolt" to turn your car in the other direction. Okay, Soph, from my oh so lovely daughter years ago. "Why don't you just "flip a bitch" Mom? For whatever reason it stuck and dh still uses it. Doesn't make sense to me. From my sweet son. (Why are the guys so big on bathroom humor?? And while I'm at it, why do guys feel the need to announce where they're going and why??) My son, "Mom, Going to the bathroom. Got to download." "Mom, Going to the bathroom. Got to drop the kids off at the pool." (That one does make me laugh!) Oh, Bama, I've been accused of being as "worthless as tits on a bull." Thank you very much dh, I was only trying to help............  Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: lsoutherla
Date: 01-11-2007, 01:51 PM (51 of 66)
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I've heard "you're eat up with it" as in covered in poison ivy, bites, what ever.... also, when it's cold "it's as cold as a witches t*t. My dad always said "go play on the four-way" when he wanted you out of sight. The only reason by Mom could curse was because she only said "damn it to hell and back again." And stealing or borrowing something in my teenage DD's language is devo or jack (i.e., did you jack that out of my room, or I devo'd this pen.) And, men do have a thing for potty humor, to this day my husband will ask when I excuse myself, especially when eating out, "number one or two?" (As if I'm actually going to respond to that.) |
User: lsoutherla
Member since: 05-04-2006 Total posts: 72 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-11-2007, 02:05 PM (52 of 66)
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The lights are on but there is no body home. (someone not quite all there) 2 penn'orth short of a shilling (as above) toys in the attic (crazy) my Mum used to say "He's as confused as a fart in a colander" ah - the joys of English love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Bama
Date: 01-11-2007, 08:02 PM (53 of 66)
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I've heard my husband say "cold as a witch's t*t in a brass bra" How about "one can shy of a six pack"? My sil says "make doe doe" for go to sleep. comes from fais do do |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: DorothyL
Date: 01-11-2007, 09:08 PM (54 of 66)
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"He's as confused as a fart in a colander" I'm going to remember that. When the kids used to say "But, I thought...." my husband used to say "That's what you get for thinking." I always liked that one. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-12-2007, 01:50 AM (55 of 66)
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Bama that "doe doe" thing is common here in S. Louisiana. My kids make doe doe to go to sleep and they suck a "nu nu" or a nupie for a pacifier. We also make groceries and go eat groceries. Some in New Orleans say things like Put your plate in the zink. (sink) Earl for oil. Ersters for Oysters, Burl for boil. NawLins for New Orleans. Lou-e-zze-anna for Louisiana. We also eat Aligator pears (avacodas) We call crepes with butter and sugar folded in a pie wedge, Flap Jacks. As a kid my grandmother, which was from France would stand at the stove and make crepes and my sister and brothers would fight over who got the next one out the pan. We would eat them as fast as she could fix them. I still make them for my kids and grandkids and they do the same thing.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
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From: Magot
Date: 01-12-2007, 11:21 AM (56 of 66)
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Well, Nu nu's happen here too! Or Blankie's for those horrid rags that toddlers carry around with them. On Shrove Tuesday it used to be like that with the pancakes at my house too Susie - when I was a kid and when I made them for my own. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Domestic Goddes
Date: 01-12-2007, 05:47 PM (57 of 66)
| "I'll take my hand off your face" - to give someone a slap around the "chops" - face. |
User: Domestic Goddes
Member since: 01-04-2005 Total posts: 108 |
From: lsoutherla
Date: 01-13-2007, 09:14 AM (58 of 66)
| "don'y get your panties in a wad" or thong nowadays..... |
User: lsoutherla
Member since: 05-04-2006 Total posts: 72 |
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-14-2007, 02:10 AM (59 of 66)
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Jan Shorve Tuesday is that the Tuesday before Lent? We call that day Mardi Gras!!!
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
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From: pretnichols
Date: 01-14-2007, 10:28 AM (60 of 66)
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Shrove Tuesday = Fat tuesday = Mardi Gras = Pancake Day?? = The day before Ash Wednesday
Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-14-2007, 11:23 PM (61 of 66)
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Peggy you must be from New Orleans or Catholic LOL You know you stuff.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
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From: pretnichols
Date: 01-15-2007, 09:52 AM (62 of 66)
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Suzie - I'm Catholic, but from Chicago. Many of the old-timers (75+) in our church call it Shrove Tuesday. I think the first time I heard it called that was by my grandmother. I've never heard of Pancake day, but found a listing for it online. Maybe someone else can explain that one. I do know that when my Mom worked in a school, some of the teachers would bring in "punchke's" (sp??) on Fat Tuesday, and they were of Polish decent, and they referred to the day as "Punchke Day". We call these sweets "bismarks", but I'm sure there were all kinds of other names for them too. They'd stuff themselves and then "starve" the next day! I love reading this thread! There is all kinds of fun trivia, and I'm learning something new!
Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-15-2007, 09:27 PM (63 of 66)
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Peggy we have a custom here in New Orleans that is called king cake season. It starts on Jan 6th, and ends on Mardi Gras day. The way it works is someone starts off giving a party, at this party they have a king cake, it's called, and it has a plastic baby inside. The cake is more like a cinnamon coffee cake formed into a circle with icing and colored sugar on top. The sugar is dyied with food coloring, Mardi Gras colors..... green, purple and gold. The baby years ago was a bean but now it's a tiny plastic baby. The cake is cut into pieces usually before the guest arrive. At sometime during the party everyone takes a peice of cake. The person who gets the piece with the baby has to give the next King Cake Party the next week. It's fun. We would do this at work and whoever got the baby buys the next cake the next week. We also celebrate St Joseph Day by setting up an alter with food and goodies and we have a St Patty's Day parade and they throw veggies off the floats. Now that's fun. I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
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From: MotherInLaw
Date: 01-15-2007, 09:31 PM (64 of 66)
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I have to add to this post. My Mother would tell us when we went to a king cake party to swallow the baby because she didn't want to have the next party with all those kids in her house. Each party got bigger and bigger because the kids from the first party was invited to the next one and so on until the last party was huge.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-15-2007, 09:55 PM (65 of 66)
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My Mother would tell us when we went to a king cake party to swallow the baby because she didn't want to have the next party with all those kids in her house. Did you ever actually have to do this? If so I hope it was very small. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-16-2007, 12:55 AM (66 of 66)
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Pancake day is what we commonly call Shrove Tuesday - having, as so many religious festivals, lost it's connection to its origins most youngsters only know it by the secular name - pancake day. I thought when you are shriven it is to make confession and gain absolution - hence munching all those naughty sugar and eggs before lent before popping off to communion on Ash wednesday. Nowadays it is a popular gluttony day. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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