English Vocabulary Update


13 Sep 1995 16:49:03 -0400

(Am: Howdy) (Br: 'ello, 'ello) (Aus: G'day):

I found a couple more items for our ever-growing list of English
vocabulary differences among Britain, America, and (now) Australia. Are
there any other English-speaking cultures which we should be including
(e.g. India, South Africa, New Zealand)?

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?

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.

3.) Miscellaneous Vocabulary Department

In England, "a bomb" is a great success, while in America, it's a dismal
failure.

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

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

4.) Naughty Bits Department

I've been following the discussion of "fanny" with great amusement. I
never realized why "Fanny Hill" was such a scandalous title! At great
risk of invoking the wrath of the Political Correctness Police and
Self-Appointed Guardians of Decency, I'm inviting slang vocabulary
submissions for the following concepts:

Genitalia, Male
Genitalia, Female
Other Body Parts (Breasts, Buttocks, etc.)
Sexual Activity (Masturbation, Intercourse, other variations)

If you have a submission for these items, but are shy about identifying
yourself, do NOT respond to this newsgroup, but send private E-mail to me,
or use an anonymous remailer.

5. Australian Vocabulary Department

I need submissions from some authentic Aussies, here. The only Australian
word I know is "billabong" or "billie" which I believe means "teakettle."

That's all for now, folks.

Jeff Zahn (jzahn@aol.com)