Spontaneously, I would say that they're both quite American, but grifter is probably OK while sucker is not.
Buffy: He ran away, right? Giles: Sort of, more. turned and swept out majestically, I suppose. Said I didn't concern him. Buffy: So a mythic triumph over a completely indifferent foe? Giles: Well, I'm not dead or unconscious, so I say bravo for me.
'Same Time, Same Place'
All Ogle, No Cash -- It's Not Just Annoying, It's Un-American
Discussion of episodes currently airing in Un-American locations (anything that's aired in Australia is fair game), as well as anything else the Un-Americans feel like talking about or we feel like asking them. Please use the show discussion threads for any current-season discussion.
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Fiona - Jan 18, 2014 10:16:44 pm PST #9803 of 9843
Typo Boy - Jan 19, 2014 12:20:32 am PST #9804 of 9843
Calli: My people have a saying. A man who trusts can never be betrayed, only mistaken.Avon: Life expectancy among your people must be extremely short.
Thanks. While not trying to conceal Americanness perhaps they both should go. Sounds like "grifter", even if completely comprehended may not have quite the Runyonesque feel it would have in an American context. Best to get rid of both of them.
thanks
Gar
Typo Boy - Jan 20, 2014 7:01:44 pm PST #9805 of 9843
Calli: My people have a saying. A man who trusts can never be betrayed, only mistaken.Avon: Life expectancy among your people must be extremely short.
X-post from press
I've written a less than 1,200 word piece on carbon trading pitched at a UK audience. I'd like someone who speaks English rather than American to look it over and spot any awkward or unclear Americanism or worse yet Britishisms used inappropriately. Because using British slang improperly would make me sound like a tosser. Naturally general feedback is also welcome, but a UK eye for the American guy is desperately needed. Profile addy is good.
Thanks
Gar
Seska (the Watcher-in-Training) - Jan 23, 2014 2:10:26 am PST #9806 of 9843
"We're all stories, in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?"
Very happy to look, Gar. E-mail address is in profile.
Edit: And I've just realised you asked people to email *you*, so I'm doing so.
Typo Boy - Jan 24, 2014 10:04:49 am PST #9807 of 9843
Calli: My people have a saying. A man who trusts can never be betrayed, only mistaken.Avon: Life expectancy among your people must be extremely short.
Thanks Seska. New English language question. I gather that "Boffin" is still a term in use in the UK but applies mainly to "hard" scientists. Applying the term to a sociologist or a literary theorist would be incorrect? True?
Fiona - Jan 24, 2014 10:20:56 pm PST #9808 of 9843
I guess so, yes.
Seska (the Watcher-in-Training) - Jan 25, 2014 1:15:04 pm PST #9809 of 9843
"We're all stories, in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?"
'Boffin' tends to be used for 'real' scientists, yeah, although I've seen it used for experts in general.
Typo Boy - Jan 25, 2014 11:44:40 pm PST #9810 of 9843
Calli: My people have a saying. A man who trusts can never be betrayed, only mistaken.Avon: Life expectancy among your people must be extremely short.
Sorry still pursuing Brit speak. Are there any particular UK equilvalents for "a rising tide lifts all boats" and "win-win". Apparently these American terms have migrated to your island, but I can't help but wonder if Tories have not invented some version of their own. After all, the "Manchester School" preceded US Libertarianism by generations; so I can't help but think there must be some UK cliche not borrowed from the USA along this line.
Fiona - Jan 26, 2014 10:56:32 am PST #9811 of 9843
Win-win is absolutely normal Britspeak nowadays. Sorry, but my mind is a blank on further equivalents. Will get back to you.
moonlit - Jun 27, 2014 5:27:14 pm PDT #9812 of 9843
"When the world's run by fools it's the duty of intelligence to disobey." Martin Firrell
A double batch of birthday wishes for the Smay - Zmayhem household, love and peace vibes winging their way from right at the bottom of 'Down Under'.