Since the Eccentric English Boyfriend came into my life I have been introduced to a whole new vocabulary of strange and seemingly nonsensical phrases, and I got to pondering on this today after EEB's mother asked me in an email whether I was going to be 'turning out' before we moved house. My English friends can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think what she meant was will we be having a big chuck out of stuff we don't need any more? Either that or in England it's customary to turn your children out to live on the street when you move house - tempting I must say.
My favourite so far has to be 'pants'. As in "that band was pants". I really thought EEB had completely lost his mind when he first said this, then I started to wonder if perhaps he'd been reading too much Pratchett (if you don't get the reference then get thee to a bookshop and buy some Pratchett now!), until it finally dawned on me that it is in actuality a derogatory term.
EEB, on the other hand, has conniptions every time I describe someone (male or female) as spunky. Those of you living in England and not familiar with New Zealand slang can be assured that when I say this I do not mean that the person in question is covered in fluid of an ejaculatory nature, rather it is a compliment - said person is 'hot', or 'fine' or however else you like to phrase it. EEB's equivalent to this is 'fit', which has resulted in some very strange conversations:
EEB: She's really fit.
Me: Yes she does look like she works out a bit.
EEB: No, she's fit.
Me: Yes I get it, she's in good shape.
EEB: NO, she's fit.
Me: Look, if this is some sort of hint that I need to go to the gym more why don't you just come out and say it. And pass me the chocolate.
But she was fit. he has an eye for these things.
ReplyDeleteBut was she fit or 'fit'. Or, as often happens, a combination of both.
ReplyDeleteAnd obviously he has an eye for these things, he's going out with me isn't he?