Cheers: The British 'Aloha'

The British continue to baffle me with their words and, despite a host of willing translators, there are some words I still can't quite get the hang of.

Today's word: Cheers.


While one kindly Brit (Charlie) ensured me that it really only had one meaning, the number of times and the number of contexts in which I hear it ensures me that Charlie is barmy :) Case(s) in point:

"Cheers" (in a bar setting): This could be the typical clinking of glasses and celebration in surviving another 2 hour lecture with Nicolay and Olga Bortagoveta (or however you say their very Russian surname) as they ensure us that the TRIZ design methodology isn't just a crock.

"Cheers" (as you're leaving): I believe it counts as a legitimate 'Goodbye'. Often said, 'Cheers, mate!', followed by a round of 'Cheers!' from those left in the room.

"Cheers" (while holding the door for someone): It also counts as 'Thank you'. Sometimes the two even go hand in hand, as in, "Cheers, thanks!" But they don't ALWAYS go together. Often it's just 'Cheers.' This particularly makes me feel very American, as I always say 'Thank you' ever so politely.
(Side note: 'You're welcome' is rarely used. Except by me. I embrace the funny looks.)


"Cheers" (when your mate walks in): Quick note: 'mate' does not mean your baby-making partner. It means your friend, pal, amigo, forced lab partner, etc. Anyway, I was told that no one actually uses it as a 'Hello', but if that is true, there are a lot of Brits who either are thanking their friends for walking in the room or hoping a subtle 'Cheers' will let them know they'd prefer they were leaving.


In short, people are 'Cheers'ing all over the place, and I just can't pick it up. I sound far too American for that. I already get a bit of a chuckle from those around me when I talk about pounds as 'quid', but as one who thinks of pounds as units of weight, I prefer their slang version of money.

Eventually I'll understand what's being said in this foreign country. However, once that happens I'll have to start a new blog back in America about how I don't fit in within the States anymore...such is life.

Are You SURE We're Are Speaking 'English'?!

Everyone laughs and jokes about how the general terms and slang in the UK are quite different from those in America. During conversations on this topic back in the States, someone inevitably mentions that they need to 'use the loo' or 'would like a spot of tea'. Then someone else yells out 'Bloody 'ell!' and all us little Americans have a good laugh.

This is both accurate and inaccurate at the same time, as I've come to find. I've yet to be asked to 'get a spot of tea' (though I've been invited to coffee; we drank Americanos, ironically enough) and apparently it is NOT called 'the loo'. However just about every other word that IS different happens to show up in my classes and/or everyday life. And I get it wrong. Every time. So to save all those who are planning on coming to visit me, here is the first edition of...

LANGUAGE TIPS FROM ENGLAND

Pants -- No. Don't ever mention your pants. I'd been warned about this before arriving, but it turns out a word used so often in everyday conversation in America (don't ask why I use it so often; I have no idea) is hard to shake. Upon finishing a story involving $70 (that's approximately £50) pants, I was told that 'those were very expensive undergarments'. Pants are underwear. Trousers are pants.

AluminIum -- Technically we're both right...unless you're in England and speaking like an American. We spell it without the extra 'I', giving us 'aluminum'. They add an 'I', meaning it's pronounced 'al-u-min-i-um'. Get it right. You will be mocked.

Composites -- I'm about the only one who needs to worry about this, as most people don't regularly discuss composites. But here it is pronounced 'comp-i-sits'. After being corrected by the Formula team here multiple times, my professor took it upon himself to correct me during class. Jolly good show by the American girl.

Jumpers -- Imagine walking along and hearing the man next to you mention that he should have put on his jumper before going outside. You likely came up with some terrifying image like this:

 

That's not pleasant. At all. Fortunately, here a 'jumper' is simply a sweater or sweatshirt. Everyone wears jumpers most every day, and no cross-dressing is involved, thank goodness.

Pasties -- Ha. Haha. Pasties. Not the boob-tassle kind. It's food. Like a fancy hot-pocket, full of steak and potatoes or other such tasty num-nums.

Graham -- This has nothing to do with crackers (of which they have none here!!!). I have a friend named Graham. Apparently the way I say his name is...wrong. I say it like an American; far too much emphasis on the 'aaaaa', as is 'Graaaaaam'. It should be said, 'Gr-ah-m' or something of that sort. But as 'Graaaaaaam' has now been informed, I'll change to 'compisits' and 'aluminIum', but his name is staying as-is.

I know there are so many other ridiculous things I've said (and done) thus far, but this can serve as a bit of a taster for things to come. So far I've been absolutely horrid (Brit-speak!) at keeping up this blog, but I'll get better. I promise. I might even come back and talk about my first week here, which was sorely neglected. But until then, I'm going to go wrap some pasties in aluminium foil as I'm reading my book about compisits with Graaaaaaaam (who, incidentally, is wearing a jumper...and hopefully pants).