Great Phrases Of Great Britain.

[Zoso6980]

Some posts from across the pond got me thinking about what I really miss about good old G to the B. Fish n Chips? Yeah. Premier League? Yeah. Better TV? Yeah. But what I really seem to missing recently is the power of language and the turn of a phrase. Alot of people mention the difference in words between US and UK--Australia included, but thats not what I miss. Not the words--but the arrangement of words. Turns of phrase that prove more explanatory, empathetic, evocative, and modest. Ones that evoke irony and wit moreso than their American counterparts.

"Taking the ****." aka "Busting your balls."
In GB it becomes a matter of keeping you honest, removing the bs--the **** from ones outlook. In the US it becomes an act of aggression it conveys no peripheral benefit, just punishment. Who wants they're balls busted? However who doesn't need they're **** taken on occasion?

"Fancy" vs "Would you care for"
Same sentiment. 1/4 the size. Informal yet considerate.

"Snog" vs" Kiss", "Makeout".
Informal, fun. "Kiss" can be to formal and "Make Out" can be juvenile and another example of too long.

"Fucked up good and proper" Vs a sarcastic "Well done"

"Spot of bother"

And my personal fave. Via Australia.

"Having a Perv" vs "Oogling", "Gawking"
Definately a light hearted way of expressing a favorite pastime.

-Z.

Did I miss any good ones?