British words or expressions found while reading....cont'd
3 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (180)
- last year
- last year
Related Discussions
Odd British sayings...........help!
Comments (2)To be 'at sixes and sevens' means to be all over the place, as momj says. Not said so much these days but if for eg. you are late for an appointment, the car wont start, a child says they feel too ill to go to school, your husband suddenly remembers he is bringing home a couple of work colleagues for dinner . . . then you may be/or soon will be at sixes and sevens. Spotted Dick is a very traditional English pudding (the word 'dessert' is usually reserved for rather fancy cold dishes). These hot, filling puddings used to be the mainstay of school meals, though these days, with all this calorie control, sedentary life-style etc, plus the fact that they take some time to prepare plus a couple of hours to 'steam' they are much less popular. Made with a suet-crust pastry with a scattering of raisins, currants (hence the 'spotted' appearance) rolled into a wide sausages shape and cooked in a steamer in a 'pudding cloth'. Served with lots of custard they are very yummy. Didn't know they sold them in cans (which we call 'tins'). Don't you have any pudding-type 'desserts' in the US? Perhaps those of you with German/Dutch/Polish ancestry have similar recipes. Here is a link that might be useful: Make your own Spotted Dick...See MoreWords, Words, Words...
Comments (49)Wood - Glad you are enjoying the wonderful "Child/Forest" book. My library has the prettiest edition of this, and I donated the other two in the trilogy, but have a strong feeling they went into the FoL book sale instead of on the shelves which I had intended to make up the trilogy for other people. As for the adding of the "-ie" sound to words in English, that is quite common even now. "Brekkies" - breakfast "Sarnies" - sandwiches "Prezzies" - presents/gifts Also, there used to be a penchant for reducing some names to "-az" such as: Sharon --> Shaz or Shazzer Barry --> Baz or Bazzer Des --> Dezzie This might just be my group of friends though... We had a mixed bunch (social class speaking) and I think this shortening was a lower class trend... I could be mistaken as it may vary in other regions......See MoreAny expressions that irk you?
Comments (192)I was watching a news program the other day, when the talking head clearly said, "he has a tough road to hoe." I think hoeing any road would be pretty darned tough. The expression is clearly supposed to be "a tough row to hoe," yet I constantly hear people say it as road....See MoreBritish expressions found while reading...........
Comments (70)Never thought of the narcissist angle, but it does make sense. When you think how welcoming everyone over here was, with as far as one can tell little bother about POC, in fact it appeared like a breath of fresh air. Grandmother-in-law took her under her wing (perhaps remembering how D had been treated in the early days with little apparent concern for her welfare). Lots of smiling, glad-handing, beautiful wedding etc. How/why did it all go wrong SO quickly? At the moment yet another legal dispute in underway between the Home Office and the couple concerning their security when/if they visit these shores. They feel their family will not be safe as they are no longer entitled to round the clock police protection, and "Sorry Sir but you cannot hire the Metropolitan Police by the hour/day. That isn't their job." BTW Don't forget that Daddy has already given you millions of £££'s. You are not on the breadline. A short afternoon tea visit to Windsor has given him the realisation that he must 'protect' HM and make sure the 'right people' are around her; whatever that means....See More- last year
- last year
- last yearlast modified: last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last yearlast modified: last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last yearlast modified: last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last yearlast modified: last year
- last yearlast modified: last year
- last yearlast modified: last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last yearlast modified: last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
Related Stories

MOST POPULARThree Magic Words for a Clean Home and a Better Life
Not a natural tidying and organizing whiz? Take hope in one short phrase that can change your life forever
Full Story
HOUZZ CALLEver Found or Left a Note in the Wall the Way This Couple Did?
The remodeling couple whose note from previous homeowners went viral tell us about their fun find. What’s yours?
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDESSpell It Out: Words of Inspiration for Your House
A favorite quote can enhance a room the way an inspiring idea engages your mind. Here’s how to add word power to your interiors
Full Story
DECORATING STYLESWorld of Design: 11 Secrets of British Eccentric Style
Playfulness, humor and imperfection are some of the elements common to this unconventional way of decorating
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESHow to Read a Floor Plan
If a floor plan's myriad lines and arcs have you seeing spots, this easy-to-understand guide is right up your alley
Full Story
MOST POPULARA Few Words on the Power of Simplicity
An architect considers a pared-down approach to modern home design
Full Story
KITCHEN APPLIANCESConsidering a New Kitchen Gadget? Read This First
Save money, time and space by learning to separate the helpers from the hassles
Full Story
LIFEWhat I Learned While Cleaning Out My Junk Drawers
A homeowner finds some surprises on her journey to junk-free bliss
Full Story
HOMES AROUND THE WORLDWorld of Design: 11 Book Lovers and Where They Like to Read
Bibliophiles across the globe reveal their top books and favorite reading spots, from a 2-story library to an artfully curated book nook
Full Story
EVENTSDon't Throw Away Another Household Item Before Reading This
Repair Cafe events around the world enlist savvy volunteers to fix broken lamps, bicycles, electronics, small appliances, clothing and more
Full Story

vee_new