Double Bass Puh-lease!

[Steve Killingsworth]

This thread reminds me that while I am priviledged to live in America, I don't necessarily relish the thought of being categorized as an "American" insomuch as that would lump me in with all the characters who practice these colloquialisms.

Isn't this whole issue one of the great things about America? We are a diverse group who have adapted (and occasionally perverted) the language to suit our regional situations. I enjoy hearing someone from Massachusetts, or North Dakota, or south Louisiana, or even New York. Does the fact that some of us use odd little sayings necessarily make us inferior, uneducated, or buffoonish? Would the United States be a better place or would we be better people if we all spoke with the same bland tone, perfect diction, and nondescript accent? I don't see any superiority in a place where everyone speaks like a newscaster.

Now, if you'll excuse me I am fixin' to go practice.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Now, if you'll excuse me I am fixin' to go practice.

You mean yer practicin' needs done?

Agreed about the rest - it's one of the beautiful things about this country. We have a senior from Germany here at the U. who has a charming accent. But you ought to hear her go off about how funny "The Austrians" talk...what a hoot.
I, of course, can't tell a damn bit of difference between an Austrian accent and a German one. But I know North Carolina when I hear it!

 

[Damon Rondeau]

This thread reminds me that while I am priviledged to live in America, I don't necessarily relish the thought of being categorized as an "American" insomuch as that would lump me in with all the characters who practice these colloquialisms. Any ferners out there witnessing this buffoonery?

Anywhere ya got English ya got English-speaking buffoons. T'ain't an American thang.

Personally, I love a good honest colloquialism. The more local and the more weird, the better.

 

[anonymous0726]

But I know North Carolina when I hear it!

Dat's NORFFF Carolina -- wif tree FFF's (although mebbe I'm more exaggerating the Newoahlins accent)

Ordinally yours,
Ray

 

[anonymous0726]

Slight clarification....countable things are integral ...

Thank you for the clarification. I'm glad that you irradiated that point, as I can see clearly now where I was wrong!

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Don't mind me folks - just sweeping up a bit.

 

[Doug Ring]

We were trying to think of an alternative to the maudlin "Flower of Scotland" as the unofficial Scottish National Anthem. Someone, no doubt thinking of the independent nature of Scots, suggested Sinatra's "I Did it My Way". This was quickly corrected to "I DONE it My Way..."

 

[Tom Baldwin]

Sorry for the detour. Happy Valentimes, everybody!

 

[anonymous0726]

Sorry for the detour.

No issue here

...Valentimes..

Another old fave of mine.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Sorry for the detour. Happy Valentimes, everybody!

I get all my Valentimes at Wal-Mart's. Every once in a while, I'll get 'em over to the Drug Euporium, but most times I use Wal Mart's.

 

[ee-san]

The Valentimes at Drug Euphorium are much stronger...

 

[anonymous0726]

That's where my granny got her faltz teeth. She later got killed as she walked acrossed the street.

 

[Mike Crumpton]

You mean yer practicin' needs done?

Agreed about the rest - it's one of the beautiful things about this country. We have a senior from Germany here at the U. who has a charming accent. But you ought to hear her go off about how funny "The Austrians" talk...what a hoot.
I, of course, can't tell a damn bit of difference between an Austrian accent and a German one. But I know North Carolina when I hear it!

Marlene Dietrich was German and had talent and charm and Arnold the Austrian is govenor of California.

 

[Chasarms]

I get all my Valentimes at Wal-Mart's. Every once in a while, I'll get 'em over to the Drug Euporium, but most times I use Wal Mart's.

Yea, my dawter ask-ed if'un iz goin' ta town today, if I'd carry her over to the walmarts soes she cun git 'er boyfriend one em-er valentimes.

I tolt 'er we'd go dreckly. I reckon we orta go 'for dark.

BTW: I speak this language quite well. Give me two days back home with the folks and my wife can't understand anything I say.

One of my favorite games to play with my city friends is "Fact or Foxworthy." The idea is am I quoting a Jeff Foxworthy joke or a real-life experience?

Here's one for the TB landers:

"If the highlight of your party is gatherin' up to listen to the new mufflers on your cousin's truck, you might be a . . . "

Fact? Or Foxworthy?

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Foxworthy?

When I saw this at first, I had no idea that it was the name of a comedian. Instead, I thought it meant, "Worthy to be on the FOX network", which to me meant, "dumbed down to the point where even a total moron could understand it". If nothing else, this word perversion is certainly worthy of this thread.

 

[godoze]

Marlene Dietrich.....mmmmmm She Rocked...

 

[Tom Baldwin]

That's where my granny got her faltz teeth. She later got killed as she walked acrossed the street.

That s*** crack me up. Hey lemme axe you a question. You ever get chicken pops?

 

[anonymous0726]

Dammit, T, I just spit on my screen (LOL) with that one.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Dammit, T, I just spit on my screen (LOL) with that one.

Yeah, them Worshington boys gets in a good 'un ever now 'n again.

 

[Bruce Lindfield]

We have a senior from Germany here at the U. who has a charming accent. But you ought to hear her go off about how funny "The Austrians" talk...what a hoot.
I, of course, can't tell a damn bit of difference between an Austrian accent and a German one. But I know North Carolina when I hear it!

My partner is the same - her mother was German and she spent a long time there when she was young - when we go on holiday around the Mediterranean, we often meet Germans and she chats away to them like a native - but occasionally we have met Austrians and she complains about how their accents make them both incomprehensible and amusing!

Although, like you, I can't hear any difference!