I didn't catch you (again)

[Gelata]

Hi all! It's been a long time since I last posted here, so you have been enjoying long holidays!:biggrin2:

I've read this in a post by John: And Stephen King - Head and shoulders the greatest novelist in history IMO and also ...

and don't understand the expression 'head and shoulders'. I know the shampoo, and the child's song, but never seen it as an expression.
Could you explain that for me, please? Thank you so much!

[JohnDalglish]

Hola Gelata,

Nice to see you again, hope all is well in Espana for you and yours, I'll bet Spring is beautiful just now.

'Head and Shoulders' means to stand out in a crowd, to be above everything/everyone else, which is why the shampoo adopted it as a brand name.

As indeed Sai King does, both as a man and as a writer IMO.

Hasta luego!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Gelata]

Oh, thank you very much, John, for your good and complete explanation.

In Spain Spring is a little crazy this year... just like the whole world is, I guess.

[Gelata]

Well, one more question about the same matter- How do you use that expression in a sentence? Do you say 'He head and shoulders'? or 'He is head and shoulders'? Don't know, none of them sounds right to me...

Thanks again!

[mstay]

Hi Gelata!

You say 'He is head and shoulders above the rest."

[Sarah Smiles]

Hey Im New Here.

[Gelata]

Hi.
New question, please: there's a thread on the mb called 'How does your significant other drive you crazy?'. I understand the meaning, but I'd like to know if the expression significant other is normally used to refer to your husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend .

And how do you refer to the person you love and live with, when you are not married to him/her? Do you say 'my partner', or 'my boyfriend'...?

Thanks a lot!

[mstay]

Usually it is used if your talking to a group of people which may include people who have husbands or wives or boyfriends or girlfriends, so you can't be specific.

People refer to them differently when talking about their own relationship. I think it's personal preference.

I hope that helps a little.:biggrin2:

[Gelata]

Hi. I'm glad to be back.
My question this time is about this sentence I read on the Ka-tet Cantina thread: my ex-coworkers are throwing a dinner at me.
I understand that this person will be invited to dinner, right? But the question is, do you really use this expression, or is it a joke, a pun?
Thank you very much.

[mstay]

Hi. I'm glad to be back.
My question this time is about this sentence I read on the Ka-tet Cantina thread: my ex-coworkers are throwing a dinner at me.
I understand that this person will be invited to dinner, right? But the question is, do you really use this expression, or is it a joke, a pun?
Thank you very much.

:laugh: I read that too Gelata and I think it was a mistake. I usually say "they are throwing a dinner for me" or "throwing a party". It's just another way of saying "holding a party".

Glad you're back!:smile2:

[Gelata]

Thank you, mstay.
It was quite funny, because the person who posted that has a dog as an avatar...:biggrin2:, so it made some sense...:laugh:
Anyway, thank you for your reply and your explanations.

[Charms7]

I hope this is okay, because I'm just feeling very giddy today. Must be the heat. But you two have me ROFL with your discussion about throwing dinner! Thank you for cheering up this weary Tet-Mate.

[opeth]

I missed this board. Hope everyone had a good holiday.

[rose key]

I got a good chuckle out of throw a dinner at me, too.:biggrin2: I missed this thread, glad you brought it back, Gelata!

[Gelata]

In order to prove that I'm not the only one having problems with the language, here are some examples of mad use of English around the world:

Sign in a Japanese hotel: You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.

In a hotel in Moscow, near a Monastery: You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists and writers are buried daily except Thursdays.

In a tailor shop in Hong Kong: Ladies may have a fit upstairs.

Two signs in a Majorcan shop: English well talking. Here speeching American.

On the menu of a Swiss restaurant:Our wines leave you nothing to hope for.
:laugh:

[Gelata]

Can anyone tell the meaning of 'O RLY?'
It's probably pretty obvious but I can't think of any thing...:sad:
I've seen it in some of the animated gifs of that funny thread.
Thank you!

[Gelata]

I've got some more of those 'international signs': :biggrin2:


Advertisment for donkey rides in Thailand: Would you like to ride on your own ass?

At a Rhodes tailor shop: Order your summer suit. Because is big rush we will execute customers in strict rotation.

Advertisment by a Hong Kong dentist: Teeth extracted by the latest methodists.

In a Rome laundry: Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time.

[Spideyman]

Can anyone tell the meaning of 'O RLY?'
It's probably pretty obvious but I can't think of any thing...:sad:
I've seen it in some of the animated gifs of that funny thread.
Thank you!



Shortened form of Oh really

[Gelata]

New question, of course. This time is something rtj said in the thread Spidey opened for Jordan - But if we could have planned! a nice dOS or DDOS for him .
What do dos and ddos mean? :umm:
Thank you!

[Moderator]

They're computer terms. :smile2:
DOS stands for Disk Operating System. It's a term that was used mostly in the early days of computers before Windows and Mac OS software were used.
DDOS stands for distributed denial of service

[Moderator]

Ooops... in this case DOS was meant to be just denial of service not disk operating system.

:blush:

[Spideyman]

New question, of course. This time is something rtj said in the thread Spidey opened for Jordan - But if we could have planned! a nice dOS or DDOS for him .
What do dos and ddos mean? :umm:
Thank you!

That's OK Gelata, I had to look it up too:oops:

[Gelata]

Hi :smile2:.

I read this in a post by John: I was a real PITA for a couple of years in my mid 40's

Any volunteer for the exact meaning of pita? I can't find it in the dictionary. Thank you so much.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi :smile2:.

I read this in a post by John: I was a real PITA for a couple of years in my mid 40's

Any volunteer for the exact meaning of pita? I can't find it in the dictionary. Thank you so much.

Hola Gelata,

PITA is an acronym for Pain In The A*s LOL

Hasta luego.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Gelata]

Hola Gelata,

PITA is an acronym for Pain In The A*s LOL

Hasta luego.

Long days and pleasant nights

Oh, dear! And I was trying to find it in the dictionary! :laugh:

[Gelata]

Another question, by the way. A mb member wrote "Way to go Jordan!" in the thread for Jordan, and I'm not sure of the meaning of that expression way to....

Oh, and do you write a mb member or an mb member?

Thank you as usual.

[Charms7]

Another question, by the way. A mb member wrote "Way to go Jordan!" in the thread for Jordan, and I'm not sure of the meaning of that expression way to....

Oh, and do you write a mb member or an mb member?

Thank you as usual.

"Way to go" means "you did a wonderful job" or "congratulations."

I say "an" mb member. Since the "m" is pronounced beginning with a vowel sound.

[mstay]

"Way to go" means "you did a wonderful job" or "congratulations."

I say "an" mb member. Since the "m" is pronounced beginning with a vowel sound.

Me too. I say "an" SK book too.

[Gelata]

Hi. New question (and a silly one, i'm afraid).

I thought that when you say guys, you refer to both boys and girls. But I have seen, in a couple of posts around the board, that you say Hi, guys and gals.
So, what's the correct use of it? And, in case you only refer to men when saying guys, how do you address to boys and girls at the same time?

Thankx!

[rose key]

I always just say "guys" when referring to both. The term "guys and gals" is a bit too cutesy for me. I don't know anyone who actually says "gals" when referring to girls. It's old-fashioned, I think.

[Todash]

Hi. New question (and a silly one, i'm afraid).

I thought that when you say guys, you refer to both boys and girls. But I have seen, in a couple of posts around the board, that you say Hi, guys and gals.
So, what's the correct use of it? And, in case you only refer to men when saying guys, how do you address to boys and girls at the same time?

Thankx!
You're slowly uncovering the holes in the English language. :biggrin2:

Many times, "guys" is used to refer to a group as a whole, although technically it does refer to males. Rarely a female will be offended when referred to as one of the guys. So technically, it does refer to men, but in practical usage, often it refers to the whole group.

If you want to use another term, you can use "everyone" or "all," as in "Hey, all, just thought you would like to see this" or "Hey, I thought you would all like to see this."

[mstay]

Hi Gelata!
I usually say 'you guys' to address everyone - boys and girls.:biggrin2:

[Gelata]

I always just say "guys" when referring to both. The term "guys and gals" is a bit too cutesy for me. I don't know anyone who actually says "gals" when referring to girls. It's old-fashioned, I think.


Thank you, Rose key.
So 'gals' is old-fashioned? That I didn't know (either), I thought it was just slang but used currently.

Oh my, I thought I knew some English, but it is know that I'm starting to learn :oops:

[PatInTheHat]

You're slowly uncovering the holes in the English language. :biggrin2:

Many times, "guys" is used to refer to a group as a whole, although technically it does refer to males. Rarely a female will be offended when referred to as one of the guys. So technically, it does refer to men, but in practical usage, often it refers to the whole group.

If you want to use another term, you can use "everyone" or "all," as in "Hey, all, just thought you would like to see this" or "Hey, I thought you would all like to see this."

Now don't go forgettin' "y'all"...y'all:wink2::biggrin2:.

[Gelata]

Hi. Well, I love jokes, but I hate not understanding them. Kim and John told some jokes at the Cantina and I'm afraid I'm missing the fun. I don't know if it's a problem of understanding the words -has 'drummer' another meaning apart from 'the person who plays the drums'?, or is it that I simply don't see the point? :umm:

Either way, it will be impossible for me to get to sleep until I find out what's so funny :biggrin2:

Thank you!

[mstay]

Hi Gelata!
Yes, the drummer is just the guy who plays the drums but the point of the jokes is that a drummer is dumb. (I think.:smile2:)

[Kim L.]

Hi. Well, I love jokes, but I hate not understanding them. Kim and John told some jokes at the Cantina and I'm afraid I'm missing the fun. I don't know if it's a problem of understanding the words -has 'drummer' another meaning apart from 'the person who plays the drums'?, or is it that I simply don't see the point? :umm:

Either way, it will be impossible for me to get to sleep until I find out what's so funny :biggrin2:

Thank you!

Sorry about that, Gelata--yes, "drummer" means a person who plays the drums. The "getting the drummer off your the porch" joke means he can't make enough money drumming so he has to deliver pizza for a living and (he won't go away until you pay him). The "drummer's girlfriend broke up with him" joke means he doesn't make enough money drumming to afford his own place to live.

[JohnDalglish]

Hola Gelata,

No, you're not missing the point, although the jokes are musician's in-jokes and may not be funny to others, 'drummer' does indeed mean 'the person who plays the drums'.

You may sleep unhindered LOL

Hasta luego

Long days and pleasant nights

[Charms7]

Hi. Well, I love jokes, but I hate not understanding them. Kim and John told some jokes at the Cantina and I'm afraid I'm missing the fun. I don't know if it's a problem of understanding the words -has 'drummer' another meaning apart from 'the person who plays the drums'?, or is it that I simply don't see the point? :umm:

Either way, it will be impossible for me to get to sleep until I find out what's so funny :biggrin2:

Thank you!

I'm not 100% sure, but I think they were telling drummer jokes. Since it is difficult to find steady employment if that is all one does is play the drums. There is plenty of competition to be a drummer exclusively, at least there is in the United States. The answers are under the "spoiler" buttons. And I'll admit it, I don't get John's joke either. My apologies.

[JohnDalglish]

And I'll admit it, I don't get John's joke either. My apologies.

Hi,

Virtually all popular music is in what's called 'common' time, or 4/4, with four beats to the bar, therefore it's generally held that drummers can't count up to five.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Sundrop]

Hi,

Virtually all popular music is in what's called 'common' time, or 4/4, with four beats to the bar, therefore it's generally held that drummers can't count up to five.

Long days and pleasant nights


One of my oldest and dearest friends is a drummer.....and a natural blonde.....you can just imagine the fun I have with him! :laugh:

[Gelata]

Oh, thank you very much for all your explanations! And I'm very happy to know that I'm not the only one missing the point! Thank you, Charms, you've made may day!

The idea of drummers unable to count up to five is very funny, and it has reminded me of another joke: How many kinds of people there exist?
Three types- those who can count and those who can't :laugh:

[Gelata]

Hi.
I'm looking forward to having Under the Dome in my hands, but in the meantime, I'd like to know if the expression 'dome day' has any particular meaning, like 'the end of the world' or something.

Thank you!

[Moderator]

It will make sense once you've read the book. :smile2:

[rose key]

Hi.
I'm looking forward to having Under the Dome in my hands, but in the meantime, I'd like to know if the expression 'dome day' has any particular meaning, like 'the end of the world' or something.

Thank you!

Here I was thinking that "dome day" meant the day the book comes out! :biggrin2:

[JohnDalglish]

Here I was thinking that "dome day" meant the day the book comes out! :biggrin2:

Hi,

Dome Day do ron ron ron

Dome Day do ron ron?

Sorry, I'll see myself out LOL

Long days and pleasant nights

[Gelata]

Hi again. I've got what is probably the silliest question of all :oops:

I've seen in many of Spidey's posts the sentence '.... is in the house'. And I'm hearing the same expression (changing names, obviously) lately on a tv show. It's similar to American Idol, but for dancers instead of singers.
And now and then they say 'Hey, .....(whoever) is in the house!"
I'd like to know if that's an encouraging expression, or congratulating, or ...
Could you tell? Thank you!

And don't laugh too much! :mad:

[Spideyman]

Hi again. I've got what is probably the silliest question of all :oops:

I've seen in many of Spidey's posts the sentence '.... is in the house'. And I'm hearing the same expression (changing names, obviously) lately on a tv show. It's similar to American Idol, but for dancers instead of singers.
And now and then they say 'Hey, .....(whoever) is in the house!"
I'd like to know if that's an encouraging expression, or congratulating, or ...
Could you tell? Thank you!

And don't laugh too much! :mad:


Smiling:smile2:

It generally means that (name of person) is present, there in the building or audience.

When I use it for Buckwheat and Pyro on Thursday, I am warning everyone that they are IN the Cantina and to be careful if you are afraid of snakes:wink2:

[Gelata]

Hi. I haven't started reading UTD yet, but I've got a question already. It's something I've read in the simonandschuster site (great, btw). There's a paragraph about 'the usual talk' in the diner, and it says '... newly acquired cars and pickemups...' I guess it means 'pick them ups', right? But, what are those?

Thank you so much!

[mstay]

They are trucks. Around here we call them pick-ups or pick-up trucks.

[Kim L.]

They are trucks. Around here we call them pick-ups or pick-up trucks.

In the Midwest, they're called pickemup trucks too, but not out here in Cali, at least judging by the looks I get when I call them that.

[JimmySOZO]

Hola, Geleta. Me alegra ver que alguien más esté haciendo estas comparaciones del libro original en inglés al Castellano. Yo, también en estos últimos años, he estado haciendo lo mismo...y estoy de acuerdo que la traducción al Castellano es muy buena.

But there are a lot of things that don't translate all that well, and, for example in IT, whole paragraphs are omitted from the translation. Maybe because it was too complicated for it to make sense in another language.

I've always read SK since I was 12, and since I grew up in New York, all in english. But my girlfriend is Hispanic, so she reads them in spanish. And lately I've developed this habit of having both versions in front of me and seeing the differences.

Y cualquier cosa que quisieras saber, solo pregunta. No puedo hablar Castellano, but sí el Español "vulgar" de Latinoamerica. Pero creo que está bien (ojalá).:cool2:

[Gelata]

They are trucks. Around here we call them pick-ups or pick-up trucks.

Thank you so much, mstay.
Now I would like to know if they use that term also in UK, or only in the States.
I know I'm a pain. Excuse me.:sad:

[Gelata]

Thank you, Jimmy. I'm afraid I can't compare the original UTD in English with the Spanish one, at least not so far. In Spain it's not available yet.
I started reading SK also when I was 11 or 12 -Spanish translations. But I prefer the original. I like reading the books just as they were written. The problem is sometimes I don't understand words or expressions that are colloquial or 'creative'.
That's why I started this thread. I love English and I try to learn as much as possible, and the mb mates are great at that!

And you shouldn't say that you ''don't speak castellano but the vulgar Spanish of Latin America''. Spanish and Castellano are the same. Two different names for the same language, though 'español' (Spanish) is mostly used and preferred. The Spanish they speak in Latin America is as good as the Spanish spoken in Spain.

[JimmySOZO]

Thank you, Jimmy. I'm afraid I can't compare the original UTD in English with the Spanish one, at least not so far. In Spain it's not available yet.
I started reading SK also when I was 11 or 12 -Spanish translations. But I prefer the original. I like reading the books just as they were written. The problem is sometimes I don't understand words or expressions that are colloquial or 'creative'.
That's why I started this thread. I love English and I try to learn as much as possible, and the mb mates are great at that!

And you shouldn't say that you ''don't speak castellano but the vulgar Spanish of Latin America''. Spanish and Castellano are the same. Two different names for the same language, though 'español' (Spanish) is mostly used and preferred. The Spanish they speak in Latin America is as good as the Spanish spoken in Spain.


Thanks Geleta for saying that. :love: A few Spanish visitors (profesionales) that come to my University to give a lecture on any topic actually try to teach us Latinos how to pronounce correctamente the "z", and the "c". And to use "os". Which of course makes us feel like a bunch of ignorantes that we are not speaking el Español apropiado. I'm so glad you think diferente. Thank you again.

On another note. When mi novia is reading about certain "gringo" products (or TV shows) mentioned in a SK novel, I have to take the time and explain them to her, even go on line to help her out. It's great, and she learns mucho.

One last thing. ¿As leido toda la serie de La Torre Oscura? Aquí en El Salvador, solo he comprado para mi novia todas menos Mago y Cristal. Is the spanish translation availabe yet for Mago y Cristal, do you know? I know that the first place that they are available is in Spain. :smile2:

[Gelata]

Hi. Yes, Jimmy, Mago y Cristal is available in Spanish. Edited by Plaza y Janés, as usual. So you can buy it online if you can't find it in El Salvador.

Those who try to 'teach you to pronounce' are probably very cultured people, but quite unpolite, from my point of view. It is mistake to write 'sapato' instead of 'zapato', 'cosina' instead of 'cocina', etc, but the peculiarities of pronunciation in diferent countries or areas in the same country are not mistakes. As far as I know, this is a linguistic principle, not just my opinion.:smile2:

[elevelyn]

Now I would like to know if they use that term also in UK, or only in the States.
I know I'm a pain. Excuse me.:sad:

I have just discovered this thread and its lovely :smile2::smile2:

I live in Ireland and we just call them trucks and as far as i know the UK just call them trucks too.

[Gelata]

I have just discovered this thread and its lovely :smile2::smile2:

I live in Ireland and we just call them trucks and as far as i know the UK just call them trucks too.

Thank you very much for your answer, elevelyn.
And I'm glad you like this thread. Hope you keep posting here.

[Mookie]

I have just discovered this thread and its lovely :smile2::smile2:

I live in Ireland and we just call them trucks and as far as i know the UK just call them trucks too.

I think it depends on what state you are in in the U.S. as to what we call them. I am from the Midwest and we call them just simply trucks. But I have lived in Southern U.S. states where they do call them pick-up trucks. So, either term would be correct.

[rose key]

I've never called these things trucks. To me, trucks have a box-shaped cargo area. These are pick-ups. (OKAY, they are pick-up trucks!)

http://www.nicholssales.com/photos/pickup.jpg

[Gelata]

Hi, good morning all.
Me and my questions are back :wink2:
I've tried several dictionaries but can't find the meaning of "cold-eyed".
It's on page 66 (USA edition) of UTD: "It made him look like a cold-eyed Jack Benny".
Thank you so much!

[Spideyman]

cold-eyed adjective
/ˌkəʊldˈaɪd//ˌkoʊld-/ adj
unfriendly or not showing emotion
She gave him a cold-eyed stare.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

I've always thought that it referred to a lack of human warmth and compassion in the individual described, vis a cold blooded killer may be described as 'cold-eyed', but that's just my own interpretation.

Hope that helps, enjoy the rest of UtD, Gelata (you will!).

Long days and pleasant nights

[Gelata]

Thank you Spidey and John, always so helpful.
And, yes, I'm enjoying UTD so much, and I'm only on page 74. I'm sure things will get more and more interesting. And funny.
For me, as a non-native speaker of English, SK's books have double interest- the story itself, and the use of language, because I find many peculiar and surprising ways of using words, and it's fascinating for me.
For instance, I'm finding some verbs quite peculiar to me. I would like to know if Mr. King made them up or if they are used normally by speakers. I will ask about them when I have collected some, and hope you will be as kind as usual :love:

[Gelata]

I could not let the year end without asking some questions, and hope you have some time to have a look and give a hand.
As I said in my previous post, I have found some verbal forms that really surprise me: (page 27) "Police Do Not Cross tape Xed both ends..." Xed! Do you really use it? Spanish language doesn't allow such kind of construction or word formation, and it catches my attenton greatly.
Another one: (page 77) "The crowd aaahed." Can't believe it.
And one more: (page 81) "...where Route 117 T'd into 119..." Simply great. But... can you pronounce it?

And still in page 81, I read "It's perfectly unpossible" . I thought you say impossible...
And then, "...(with the windows open, which was SOP)..." Can you tell the meaning of SOP?

I love the use of language in Sai King's books, but sometimes it is unpossible for me to know if he is making up words (I think he's great at that) or using colloquial forms, used in general by people.

But, fortunatly I can count on you, mb mates! Thank you so much!

[Gelata]

Hi. I've got some new questions about UTD and hope you can help me, as usual.

On page 123: ..."you left the lids on a great many cans of worms." I understand the words, but can't get the sense of the sentence, the real meaning.

On page 125: "Your side of 119 is totally FUBAR". Then the characters explain the meaning of the expression, but I'd like to know what does FUBAR stands for.

One more -enough is enough: On page 127 I read "He was beat". Shouldn't it be "he was beaten"? :umm:

Thank you so much!

[Charms7]

On page 123: ..."you left the lids on a great many cans of worms." I understand the words, but can't get the sense of the sentence, the real meaning. I take this to mean there are many subjects that are not easily discussed and in attempting to discuss said subjects, there may well be more questions than answers as a result. Things will likely get complicated. A can of worms is something best left untouched.

On page 125: "Your side of 119 is totally FUBAR". Then the characters explain the meaning of the expression, but I'd like to know what does FUBAR stands for. FUBAR is Messed Up Beyond All Recognition, only the first word isn't "messed" exactly. But it does mean in a state of disrepair or chaos. :blush:

One more -enough is enough: On page 127 I read "He was beat". Shouldn't it be "he was beaten"? When a person is described as "beat" it means they are tired or exhausted, not physically abused.

[Bryan James]

Instead of "cold-eyed" I'd have gone "entropian." But then I'm fairly FUBAR.

FUBAR= Fark.com Up Beyond All Recognition

~BJS

[Gelata]

Thank you so much, Charms.
The difference between beat and beaten is particularly useful to know. If I ever had used it I would have made a real mistake!

[Gelata]

Hi, after long. I've got a question about the use of Spanish words in UTD.
I've seen for example nada (page 104- "Zip. Nada";
vino (page187- "beer and vino");
medico (though we write médico; page 132);
padre (page 311- "and hunt up the padre and tell...)...

I'd like to know if you use them normally around the States. I guess that in the Southern States like Texas they must be more likely used.

I'm also taking notes of sentences that I consider particularly interesting, because they are funny or intelligent...wathever. I understand them, no problem. It's simply that I like them much and I would like to share them with you.
But that will be another day.

Thank you! http://www.graphicsgrotto.com/nextgensmileys/emotions/images/smemotions55.gif (http://www.graphicsgrotto.com)

[Kim L.]

People do drop in Spanish phrases or words, especially in the Southwest (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona) and California. Sometimes we call it Spanglish

[Spideyman]

My state, Florida, is a southern state and these terms are often heard. I have lived in New York and New Jersey and again those words were also used. I think vino for wine, and padre are the most common.

[JohnDalglish]

Hola Gelata,

In Scotland (the Scots tend to visit Soqain a lot, due to blizzard effin' climate) we use 'nada' and 'de nada' quite a bit, also 'vino'. but I've never heard 'medico' used and 'padre' is only used by ex-mliitary.

I've always wondered how the Spanglish of Duma Key translated for the Spanish edition?

Hasta luego!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Gelata]

Hola Gelata,

I've always wondered how the Spanglish of Duma Key translated for the Spanish edition?

Hasta luego!

Long days and pleasant nights

Hi, John,

I always wonder the same, but I don't have the Spanish editions of the last books by SK. And none of my friends are fans (they miss it!), so, I don't know.
But I also wonder how they translate many of the sentences and expressions used by SK, because I think some of them are really difficult or even impossible to translate keeping the intention, or the joke, or the cultural reference, etc.
I sometimes translate some paragraphs, just for fun, as an exercise of knowledge of both languages. I love it; it is very difficult, but I love it.

[celia]

I got that book (Dume Key) for my birthday, but still didn´t have time to read it yet, but i promise to do it when I finish "Four after midnight" (that is gonna be really soon ;)). So, as my edition is in Spanish, I´ll let u know how is the translation in a short time!

Gelata, nice to know another spanish member, do u still live in Spain? Besitos.

[Gelata]

I got that book (Dume Key) for my birthday, but still didn´t have time to read it yet, but i promise to do it when I finish "Four after midnight" (that is gonna be really soon ;)). So, as my edition is in Spanish, I´ll let u know how is the translation in a short time!

Gelata, nice to know another spanish member, do u still live in Spain? Besitos.

Hi, Celia. I'm sorry I haven't seen your post till now, but I haven't been around very often lately.
It could be interesting if you let us now how they translated some expressions from Duma Key.
Oh, yes, I live in Spain.
Besitos to you too.

[Gelata]

Hi again.

Though I finished UTD time ago, there are some expressions I didn't understand, and I still want to know about them. So I hope you give me a hand, as ususal.
For instance, on page 326, Andrea says: "Yes, but if you think about going cold turkey, don't". What does "going cold turkey" mean? I tried to get the meaning from the context but I'm afraid I'm not so smart.:sad:

And on page 304, Frankie, examining the confiscated dope, says: "...there is hardly any seeds in this. This is ****ing primo".
Well, primo is a Spanish word which means 'cousin', but also 'dupe'. But none of those meanings fits here, right?

Thank you so much!

[JohnDalglish]

Hola Gelata,

'Going cold turkey' means stopping abruptly, especially addictive drugs, with no tapering off on dosage or additional help (see Trainspotting).

And I guess 'primo' is usually accepted as 'first class', I ass-u-me it's a case of Spanglish obtained by just adding on 'o' to 'prime'.

Hasta luego

Long days and pleasant nights

[PatInTheHat]

And I guess 'primo' is usually accepted as 'first class', I ass-u-me it's a case of Spanglish obtained by just adding on 'o' to 'prime'.


Got it one John, it's the top 'o the line, also, 'round here anyways, it's often know as That's The Primo Sh*# Man/Son/Dude, obtained by just adding on the, well, you know:biggrin2:.

Might be that's known as Spanghillbillish:umm:..hmm?
I really haven't a clue, as I've heard it from coast to coast, from north to south..then again, we's hillbilly's do tend to get around some:laugh:.
:laugh:

[GNTLGNT]

Primo=top shelf, the good stuff, flat out wonderful etc, etc. etc...:smile2:

[catnoel]

You are right ditto means " I agree" and how kiddo was used as a play on works . Kiddo is kind of like an endearment like "dear, sweetie, pal, dude" etc.

[Agincourt Concierge]

Hola Gelata ....

Nice to see you !!

[Gelata]

Might be that's known as Spanghillbillish..hmm?

Yesss, I love it when I ask a question and your answers rise new questions.
I have heard the word hillbillie now and then, but I have never known the meaning.
So thank you all so much for your answers, but, please, help me again.

And, please, could you pretend you want to know something of Spanish? So I can answer just for once, ok? It will make me feel good:biggrin2:

[JohnDalglish]

Hola Gelata,

I take 'hillbilly' to mean a person from the Southern States, around the Appalachian Mountains, usually of Scots and/or Irish descent, but I'll leave it to our hillbilly friends to elaborate LOL.

Could you please tell me the Spanish equivalent of 'Spanglish', the bastard mix of Spanish and English?

Hasta luego.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Gelata]

[
QUOTE=JohnDalglish;377421]Hola Gelata,

Could you please tell me the Spanish equivalent of 'Spanglish', the bastard mix of Spanish and English?

Hasta luego.

Hi, John, and thank you for your polite question :wink2:. The answer is simple - we also use the term Spanglish to refer to that mix of languages. Some times there has been an attempt to change it as "espanglés" (español+ inglés) but with no success. Everybody says Spanglish.

And referring again to the "cold turkey" expression, there is a famous and prestigious Spanish make of luncheon meat called Pavofrío, which means literally 'coldturkey'... :eyebrow:

[Gelata]

Hi,

Can anyone tell the meaning of two abbreviations, please? They are from UTD-

-on page 745, "Lunch. For my cook. Two toasted BLTs". Reading on, I learnt that it refers to a sandwich, but, what do BLT stand for?
-and on page 761, "He was dressed in plain khaki BDUs." :umm:

Thank you!

[Moderator]

BLT = Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato
BDU = Battle Dress Uniform

[Gelata]

Thank you, Ms Mod.

But, do you use it in everyday life? I mean, if you go to a diner, do you order 'a BLT, please' ?

Thank you!

[mstay]

Thank you, Ms Mod.

But, do you use it in everyday life? I mean, if you go to a diner, do you order 'a BLT, please' ?

Thank you!

Yes, we do! It's a yummy sandwich!

[Gelata]

Hi. I've just read John's story about the trip to Scotland, and I have found a couple of things that let me a bit:confused:
The first thing is he says "On the monday", "On the Tuesday", and so on. I have always learnt that you say On Monday, on Tuesday, etc, never using the . In fact, this is the first time I see it. So, the question is if it is a Scottish way of saying or if you use that form normally.

And the second question is about the sentence I was to be hospitalized on the morrow. I assume it means 'in the morning', but again, do you use it normally or Scottishly?

Thank you!

[Suzana]

Hi. I've just read John's story about the trip to Scotland, and I have found a couple of things that let me a bit:confused:
The first thing is he says "On the monday", "On the Tuesday", and so on. I have always learnt that you say On Monday, on Tuesday, etc, never using the . In fact, this is the first time I see it. So, the question is if it is a Scottish way of saying or if you use that form normally.

And the second question is about the sentence I was to be hospitalized on the morrow. I assume it means 'in the morning', but again, do you use it normally or Scottishly?

Thank you!

That's a good question, I have learned (and taught) the same.

[Spideyman]

Agree Gelata- I was taught not to use "the" before the proper noun of days of the week.

"on the morrow" means the following day.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi. I've just read John's story about the trip to Scotland, and I have found a couple of things that let me a bit:confused:
The first thing is he says "On the monday", "On the Tuesday", and so on. I have always learnt that you say On Monday, on Tuesday, etc, never using the . In fact, this is the first time I see it. So, the question is if it is a Scottish way of saying or if you use that form normally.

And the second question is about the sentence I was to be hospitalized on the morrow. I assume it means 'in the morning', but again, do you use it normally or Scottishly?

Thank you!

Hi, (y hola Gelata),

Aye, archaic Scottishisms.

Scottish English is actually much older (and richer and more eclectic) than English English, hell, we were speaking English when the English were speaking French! LOL

Hasta luego

Long days and pleasant nights

[Suzana]

hi, (y hola gelata),

aye, archaic scottishisms.

Scottish english is actually much older (and richer and more eclectic) than english english, hell, we were speaking english when the english were speaking french! Lol

hasta luego

long days and pleasant nights

lol

[Gelata]

Hi!
I've just got Blockade Billy. I haven't started reading it yet, but I have already a doubt (can you believe it? Yes, of course you can. Me too!) http://www.graphicsgrotto.com/nextgensmileys/comments/images/smcomments8.gif (http://www.graphicsgrotto.com)

The book opens with a dedication: "This is for every guy (and gal) who ever put on the gear".
As many other times, I know the meaning of the words but don't understand the meaning of the sentence. Has it got something to do with drugs?
http://www.graphicsgrotto.com/nextgensmileys/comments/images/smcomments30.gif (http://www.graphicsgrotto.com)

[mstay]

Hi!
I've just got Blockade Billy. I haven't started reading it yet, but I have already a doubt (can you believe it? Yes, of course you can. Me too!) http://www.graphicsgrotto.com/nextgensmileys/comments/images/smcomments8.gif (http://www.graphicsgrotto.com)

The book opens with a dedication: "This is for every guy (and gal) who ever put on the gear".
As many other times, I know the meaning of the words but don't understand the meaning of the sentence. Has it got something to do with drugs?
http://www.graphicsgrotto.com/nextgensmileys/comments/images/smcomments30.gif (http://www.graphicsgrotto.com)

I think it means baseball gear.

[Moderator]

That would be the uniform, the baseball glove, shoes (cleats), etc.

[Gelata]

Oh, my, I've been evil-minded. Sorry :down:

[Gelata]

Hi,

Last week I read Blockade Billy, which I enjoyed a lot, and I've got a couple of questions.
-On page 18 (I've got the regular edition): "He's probably just a cup of coffee, but he's got something..."
What does it mean, someone is "a cup of coffee"?
-On page 41: "Doo's been here five years and I know his MO"
What does 'MO' stands for?

Thank you so much!

[Moderator]

The way I took the cup of coffee expression was that it meant that he might turn out to be nothing out of the ordinary.

MO = modus operandi or method of operation; a way of doing something that is characteristic or well-established

[Gelata]

Hi,

There's something that is driving me mad, and hope you have the solution.
I have always studied that the verbs 'like', 'love', 'hate' and 'dislike' in the simple present tense are always followed by a -ing infinitive: I like reading; I don't like studying, I love dancing, etc.
But lately I always find 'I like to read', 'Do you like to dance?', etc.
Some days ago I was listening to the radio, and two women were talking. One of them said, "So you like to read", and the other said, "Yes I love reading".
So, can I use either, or is there any rule that escapes me?:umm:

Thank you!

[JohnDalglish]

Hola Gelata,

If there's a rule it escapes me too, yes, you can use either, perhaps Spidey can elucidate?

Hasta luego!

Long days and pleasant nights

[fushingfeef]

Adding "ing" to the end of a verb makes it a a gerund. Verbs that come right after prepositions (for, at, etc.) must become gerunds:
He is good at playing cards.
She was punished for stealing.

There is some further discussion at this site regarding the usage of "to" before a verb as opposed to using a gerund, but it gets a little confusing.
http://www.ltn.lv/~markir/accademicwriting/l2ger.html

[Spideyman]

This is a tuffy:wink2: Gerund- a verb form ING which acts as a noun. Can be subject, object of verb, object of a preposition.
Although they are not, strictly speaking, verbs, infinitives and gerunds carry within them the idea of action. Combined with auxiliary verb forms, like verbs, they also express various shades of time.
Actual and Potential Meanings

Although a gerund and an infinitive will often have practically the same meaning ("Running in the park after dark can be dangerous" and "To run in the park after dark can be dangerous"), there can be a difference in meaning. Gerunds are used to describe an "actual, vivid, or fulfilled action" whereas infinitives are better used to describe "potential, hypothetical, or future events" (Frodesen & Eyring 297).

In that case- the sentence" so you like to read" would be potential/ whereas the sentence " Yes, I love reading" is the actual.
I'll PM you a link with more information.

[mstay]

Wow, you guys are smart! :biggrin2:

[Gelata]

Wow, you guys are smart! :biggrin2:

Yes, they are, indeed!

[Bryan James]

To use the preposition "to" to start an exclamatory sentence is to exercise bad sentence structure.

To do that never hesitates to chap my ass.

Arc sodium!!!

[~Ally~]

To continually stumble across arc sodiums in stories can be slightly distracting, but luckily my ass remains chap free!!!
Must be all the oil I use.

[Gelata]

Oh, my God.
I thank you for posting here, but when your posts rise new doubts, I feel like I know less and less English everyday.

I don't understand Bryan James when he says
To do that never hesitates to chap my ass. Arc sodium!!! :sad:

And of course, I need to understand that to understand Ally's subsequent post.
:down:

[Gelata]

I think 1922 is one of the most dramatic, terrifying, sad but also tender and romantic stories I have ever read.
Apart from this, there’s something that caught my attention while reading this story. I found two different expressions including the word Dutch. And I also know another expression with this word –to go Dutch. I know the meaning of this one, but the others, I’m not sure if I get the right meaning.
They are:

-“Now that hundred acres just sits there sprouting weeds, and I’m in Dutch” (page 65, UK edition);

-“…so I’m going to talk to you like a Dutch uncle.” (p. 76);


I’m curious about finding so many dutches in the language. Why is this so? Do you know?


And what about grippe (page 23)? I understand it means flu, because in Spanish we call it gripe. Do you usually use the word grippe? It’s the first time I’ve found it.

Thank you!

[Spideyman]

I think 1922 is one of the most dramatic, terrifying, sad but also tender and romantic stories I have ever read.
Apart from this, there’s something that caught my attention while reading this story. I found two different expressions including the word Dutch. And I also know another expression with this word –to go Dutch. I know the meaning of this one, but the others, I’m not sure if I get the right meaning.
They are:

-“Now that hundred acres just sits there sprouting weeds, and I’m in Dutch” (page 65, UK edition);

-“…so I’m going to talk to you like a Dutch uncle.” (p. 76);


I’m curious about finding so many dutches in the language. Why is this so? Do you know?


And what about grippe (page 23)? I understand it means flu, because in Spanish we call it gripe. Do you usually use the word grippe? It’s the first time I’ve found it.

Thank you!


Dutch has many uses- it is often what we refer to as slang, or urban use of words.

1. of or pertaining to the Netherlands.

2. a blunt made by rolling weed in a cigar wrapper

3. "to get in Dutch" - to get in trouble;

4. "Dutch treat"; an invitation where the invitee is expected to pay his/her own way.

5. "Dutch date"; a date where each person agrees to pick up their own tab.

6. "Dutch uncle": a stern disciplinarian;

7. "Dutch courage"; courage derived from drinking alcohol

And grippe can mean a bad cold/ viral illness or the flu.

[Gelata]

Thank you so much, Spidey... or should I call you Spideypedia? :wink2:

[Gelata]

This is an anouncement I saw in two different buildings in London. Isn't it a weird sentence? It's a double negative as I understand it. I would have expected "unauthorised entry to public" or "non authorised". What do you think? I'm I making I mess with my English? :dunno:
Thank you!
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6184974946_f6ce45c998.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22042818@N05/6184974946/)
In a building in The City (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22042818@N05/6184974946/) por asarames (http://www.flickr.com/people/22042818@N05/), en Flickr

[Spideyman]

This is an anouncement I saw in two different buildings in London. Isn't it a weird sentence? It's a double negative as I understand it. I would have expected "unauthorised entry to public" or "non authorised". What do you think? I'm I making I mess with my English? :dunno:
Thank you!
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6184974946_f6ce45c998.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22042818@N05/6184974946/)
In a building in The City (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22042818@N05/6184974946/) por asarames (http://www.flickr.com/people/22042818@N05/), en Flickr


It basically means that if you do not have a permit/ badge/proper identification you are not allowed to go past that sign. The use of the word NO is a reminder of not being allowed.

unauthorized:
without authorization, not authorized, unlicensed, forbidden, unlawful (also unauthorised)