Learning English

[Ramagna]

I'm about to read Douglas Adams' Ultimate Hitchhikers Guide again, and this time, while
rolling on the floor laughing, I thought of something...

I'd like to kindly ask you if you could help me out a little bit with some english
expressions, I just don't get right...

For example, I only recently found out, that 'to snog' meant some nice form of kissing, ;o)
I always thought of something completely else... *g*

So the first expression I need a translation of is this:
bla bla bla... then I for one would be off like a shot

Anyone please understood me?:rolleyes:

[Thorin]

Originally posted by Ramagna
I'd like to kindly ask you if you could help me out a little bit with some english
expressions, I just don't get right...

For example, I only recently found out, that 'to snog' meant some nice form of kissing, ;o)
I always thought of something completely else... *g*

Anyone please understood me?:rolleyes:

Well, you may have a tough time considering that there are many dialects of English on this forum. The UK English is much different from the Americas which is different from the Australians and the New Zealanders. And then if you get the Newfoundlanders (a province in Canada) you'll be REALLY lost!:D

I for one have never heard of the "snog" comment. I live in Canada.

To be "off like a shot" means to be moving quick, like the speed of a bullet leaving a gun. Exaggerated, yes.

Unless it means something else in other parts of the world?

[Ramagna]

Thank you for your help, Thorin...
I think it won't be the last time, I ask for some translation... ;)

Greetings to you up there in Canada!

[DGoeij]

Yesterday I was watching 'Shrek' without subtitles. I was amazed how much I was able to understand. I guess I have to thank both the English speaking members of this Forum and Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.:D

Indeed, HHGTTG might do the same to you, it's hilarious!:D
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[Ramagna]

HEy, DGoeij !
You happen to know the ultimate answer!

You know, the Guide is the only book I ever laught out loud, it's a masterpiece. and goes along just on the same level as Tolkiens works, only another genre, I would say... :)

[Thorin]

Originally posted by Ramagna
You happen to know the ultimate answer!

Everyone knows the answer! It's....12!

"Are there oceans?"
"Oh, yes! Great, big blue oceans!"
"I hate oceans"

Man it has been so long since I read that book. I can't even remember half of it anymore. My friend was into it big time about 17 years ago and spoke little quips all the time.

[Ramagna]

Isn't it fun, that after all, we're declared 'Mostly Harmless'? ;)
Could please someone tell Mr. Bush and Saddam that they're moslty harmless?

[menchu]

There is this expression going on and on at the forum, you find it everywhere. Wonko, what does that 'thwack-ing/ed/etc' mean? I have wondered if it could be cousins with 'thwart' or an extended version of it... I missed some posts, didn't I?

[Legolam]

"To Thwack" - to hit someone

I think of it as the sound of a big stick hitting someone's thick head :D

[Rangerdave]

The words Thwack, thwacks, thwacked and thwacking are all examples of onomatopoeia.
Onomatopoeia: (noun) The formation or use of words such as buzz or murmur that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.

since the sound would be either Tha-Wak or Thuh-Wak, this brings to mind the sound of someone or something being struck by something wet and viscous, for example a wet rag, a piece of raw liver or perhaps even a large mouth bass.

I hope this helps

RD

[DGoeij]

Like 'banging' into a wall?

P.S. RD, I'm glad the person on your latest avatar is smiling, else it would be a very scary one.

[menchu]

Thank you!
Comics language is taking the world, at last! It's a pity we perceive crashes and punches differently... Now I understand Legolam's picturing mind.
I'll be back for more!

P.S. DG, you're getting scarier too... AAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!

[DGoeij]

Originally posted by menchu
P.S. DG, you're getting scarier too... AAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!

An honest:confused:

[menchu]

Oh, it was just that drugs post, a bit scary... Your avatar could become a strange kid, you know.

Question! What does the expression 'take out the mike of someone' mean? Is it 'mocking' someone?

[Aulë]

I think you meant to say "take the mickey out of someone"
And yes, it does mean to mock someone.

[menchu]

Thanks.
(you know, I wanted to restrain from posting just that word, but, hehehe)

[ms Greenleaf]

You knwo Ragmana I have this whold love hate relationship with guys (people) from warm countries

Love there accents there tans

Hate they are warm and I am freezing way up north in Canada ps how old are you all?????? Just wondering... and what is the description of this place... and ZThorin the Newfies are Great and crazy... they actually burned down the white house in 1812,,, heeheehee

[menchu]

Since I have no clue at all about the following words/expressions I am going to type, I please plead you not to treat me bad... (I have this feeling the people from whom I heard tell these were not using formal terms) Heh-heh! There you have:

Toker
wackey bakkie
ickle bumps
shroom
around my handbag (aparently it's common in Essex)