Brown Girl in London

Slang bits

Cheers darling - Usually used after a transaction of some sort when things are exchanged. I always hear it from the guy at the corner store called Rose Red (the store, not the guy). I think Nella would think he's cute whereas HD is adamant that she would not find him cute. Therefore, Nella, please get your butt down here asap so that we can test my hypothesis and see who's right.

Babes - HD's new word that she got from Big Brother. Singular and not to be used romantically. Usage: to address a friend, or someone who might be your friend but also might stab you in the back at any moment, as per Big Brother. So, you could say, "Babes, I didn't mean to eat your dinner! Babes I'm sorry!" or "Babes, why would I give you a dirty look? I love you babes, I do. I think you’re the dogs." (The dogs will follow.) These are quotes loosely taken from Big Brother, which I've tried to avoid but due to HD's usurption of the TV at 9pm every night, I now am semi-hooked on it. Plus, with only 4 other channels to choose from BB is high art.

The dogs - another term learned from BB. I have no idea what it means but they all say everyone's the dogs and it's always meant to be positive. Kind of like: you guys are great! But instead: you're the dogs!

Ta - this is easy. It means thanks. And it's cute and compact and when the British say it it sounds cool and hip. But try saying it in a Canadian accent and it sounds wicked strange. Ta - like my tongue suddenly went numb.

Smashing, Brilliant, Fabulous - all standard British filler. Always heard used on the phone, sometimes for no apparent reason other than finishing the sentence.
Brill - when you hear something wonderful and that saying "that's so wonderful" isn't enough, or you've run out of time, you just have to say "brill!"

There'll be more. Bye babes'! (see it doesn't work in plural!)

posted by RC @ 9:32 AM