American-English phrases and trends
CONTENTS
1. HEADLINE FEATURE:....American-English phrases and trends
2. REGULAR FEATURE:....Goals by numbers and favourite news story suspended for this blog due to time restraints, there will however be a good news story in my next blog (which will be my last before my enforced break)
1. American-English phrases and trends
I think this subject has been covered before, but from what I can see, it was way back in 2013, so let’s give it another blast.
I’ve read lately about some individuals voicing concerns over the way they write articles, even down to the spellings of certain words, when it comes to the varying Anglo-American lingo.
Having read a very interesting article on landing pages, the meaty part of this being the way you can entice your prospective website customers on 3 different levels, based on how savvy they already are. Now, for me being from the UK, I wouldn’t want to put off or even offend my US compatriots by using inappropriate phrases or dialogue. Indeed, in other parts of the world, my language or phrases could be totally misinterpreted, so it is worth highlighting and giving it some consideration.
Another biggie for me, is to jump on short lived niches, where a certain craze, be it gadget, gimmick or even dance related, is often spawned in the US and later emerges on our shores within days or weeks. Social media obviously plays a big part in this now.
Anyway, I thought I would compile a short phrase and trend list as they appear in my head, (hopefully highlighting the ideas that have had an impact on an average Joe like me!) and of course I would love you guys to add your views to the list
Here they are in no particular order, with a brief explanation attached:
THE FLOSS; the latest kids dance craze which involves swinging your arms low in front and then behind whilst swinging your hips in the opposite direction! Last year it was the dab!!
DILLY, DILLY; a quiet typical olde English phrase which is used to advertise an alcoholic beverage, the host makes a toast and ends with dilly dilly to which the guests repeat it back to the host
ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE; social media challenge which involves the participant pouring a bucket of ice cold water over their head
FIDGET SPINNERS; originally designed to help special needs children to concentrate they were the must have toy accessory
DAY/NIGHT BLINDS; a glorified roller blind but as a double continuous cloth, patterned with thick opaque strips to provide light in or out within a short operating range
BITCOIN; is this the future international currency or is it doomed to crash in spectacular style??
And a couple more recent social media trends for you to mull,
INSTAGRAM STORIES
HIGHER ENGAGEMENT RATES BETWEEN CUSTOMERS AND BRANDS; apparently 1 in 3 customers will share a brand whilst discussing personal accomplishment in the year 2018!
Anyway, enough of my drivel, let’s here some of your American or Rest Of The World phrases and trends!
Best wishes for an awesome Friday and weekend, yes you read that right, you can smell the weekend!
Heyday
Recent Comments
42
Awesome post! We sometimes get so focused on creating content, that we don't always think about using slang that may be normal for us, but could possibly be interpreted incorrectly by visitors in other countries.
And I'll admit, I had no clue what the heck The Floss was. Had seen it mentioned in passing on Facebook. Guess I'm just not up with all the current trends. LOL!
Thank you so much for the lovely comment, the dance floss is crazy popular with the kids here in the Uk. If they applied the same amount of enthusiasm to actually flossing their teeth, I don’t think we would need dentists over here in 10 years or so!!
Best wishes
Heyday
Heydey< > Fun thoughts and characteristically yours...Are you enforcing your absence still because of laptop/phone issues?
Can you please PM me the answer?
Anyway One of my favorite phrases picked up from one our fellow members:
"I'm here now and willing to make a Fist of it"
Blessings ( in growing admiration)
David
Thankyou David for your ever thoughtful words. Bear with me, and I will get back to you
Best wishes
Heyday
Very nice post!
I'm not an native English speaking person. I often get confused by the English and American idioms.
One example: Here in Europe we say "I hold my thumbs for you" which means " I keep my fingers crossed for you". It's hard for me using this English idiom because for me keeping the fingers crossed means "not telling the truth". Well people keeps the fingers crossed behind the back when they say something that is not quite true (kind of apologize to the Universe, a bit superstitious thought).
Languages - sooo interesting!
:-)
How many fingers are you holding behind your back-if they are crossed...love your comment Pernilla
As always encouraged by your presence here..stay long shine brilliant! And as Heydey aptly put:
Smell the week end...wait a minute, No, that's my laundry
:=) David
Thankyou so much for the comments, you’ve reminded me of one that is still used a lot for performances in shows and sports, which is ‘break a leg’ I mean, who thought these phrases up!
Best wishes
Heyday
Good post, enjoyed read in it
A couple of my phrases are 'Charmless Nerk' a polite way of saying someone is rude, without being rude yourself
You are doing my swede in... as in your are giving me a headache, and not the person from the country!!
Great comment Dave, love the charmless nerk one, I know a few come to think of it!
Best wishes
Heyday
Pernilla not a chance, I might have even spelled it wrong, its a saying my wife uses mainly, but one that I like : )
OZZY phrases
Crickey that sheila's a stunna
(good looking girl)
A few stubbies short of a six-pack
(not all there in the head)
Wrap your laughing gear around that
(telling someone to eat)
Fruitloop
(crazy)
Bonza
(really good)
Hit the Frog and Toad
(to leave and get back on the road)
How could I have not mentioned some Ozzy/Aussy phrases, they are globally renowned!
The hit the frog and toad, sounds like it might have originated from some ‘cockney-shandy-drinking-big-girls-blouse, mate!!
Thanks for those,,that’s brightened up my day already
Best wishes
Heyday
FYI - The Ice Bucket Challenge is something near and dear to our hearts here in Massachusetts. It was started by Pete Frates, a Boston College baseball player alumnus (played professionally in Europe) who was diagnosed with ALS in March 2012. The proceeds of the ice bucket challenge go to ALS research.
I was not aware of that Steven, thanks for bringing it to the blog. Can’t believe it’s been doing the rounds for so long.
It’s a shame that the social media challenges went toxic for a while with some downright stupid and dangerous stunts doing the rounds
Best wishes
Heyday
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Very interesting my friend.
Wendi
Thankyou Wendi, I can’t persuade you to divulge one of your popular sayings or phrases, can I?
Best wishes
Heyday
I'll give you a few in sentence form.
1. My daughter in law is a couch potato.
Has nothing to do with potatoes. Means she is a little lazy.
2. He needs to put his big girl panties on.
Has nothing to do with underwear. Means he needs to face facts and get the job done.
3. Or he could just take the bull by the horns.
Has nothing to do with bulls or horns. LOL Means basically the same thing as #2. To get a hard job finished.
One more for ya. She drives me up the wall!!
Means nothing about driving me anywhere except a little crazy :)
I just can't seem to stop, but I really gotta go. Been "shooting the breeze" too long. LOL Means idle chit chat. I have to go back to work.
Have a lovely weekend,
Wendi
Thanks for that Wendi
I like the shooting the breeze, reminds me of watching ‘Frasier’ back in the day and although I haven’t heard of this one before, I shall go and put on my big girl panties, not sure if that sounds totally appropriate though!!
Enjoy your weekend too
Heyday
LOL
You crack me up!