Knickers in a Twist

Knickers in a Twist

Author: Jonathan Bernstein

Publisher: Canongate Books

Published: 2012-07-30

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 0857869450

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Brits and Americans dress the same, eat at the same chain restaurants and pass music back and forth across the Atlantic. But the second we Brits open our mouths, all bets are off. The aim of these unscholarly pages is to guide you through the jungle of British slang, uncovering the etymology but also illuminating the correct usage. And if it doesn't accomplish that, at least you'll be aware that when a British citizen describes you as a "wally," a "herbert," a "spanner," or a "bampot," he's not showering you with compliments. Knickers in a Twist is as indispensable as a London city guide, as spot-on funny as an episode of The Office, and as edifying as Eats, Shoots & Leaves. Screenwriter Jonathan Bernstein's collection of Cockney rhyming slang, insults culled from British television shows of yore, and regional and "high British" favourites provides hours of educational, enlightening, even lifesaving hilarity. PIG'S EAR Incompetent execution of a relatively simple task; also a delicious repast. BETTER THAN A POKE IN THE EYE WITH A SHARP STICK Another way of reminding an ungrateful recipient that the paltry amount he is receiving for, say, compiling a list of British slang is better than nothing at all. SICK AS A PARROT Horribly disappointed; most frequently employed by heartbroken UK football fans after their hopes of international glory are once again dashed. FANCY THE PANTS OFF To sexually desire someone so intensely that their clothes spontaneously disappear. Only the first four words of the previous sentence are technically accurate.


Jackspeak

Jackspeak

Author: Rick Jolly

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-01-16

Total Pages: 507

ISBN-13: 1844861627

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Jackspeak is a comprehensive reference guide to the humorous and colourful slang of the Senior Service, explaining in layman's termsthe otherwise cryptic everyday language of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and the Fleet Air Arm. Featuring more than 4,000 alphabetical entries, it was compiled by an ex-RM surgeon who spent 24 years in theservice. With useful cross-references and examples of common usagethroughout, along with excellent illustrations by Tugg, the cartoonistfrom service newspaper Navy News, it is the essential book forcurrent and ex-Navy personnel and their families, or anyone interested in the modern armed forces. Conway is proud to present a revised and updated edition of this classic volume, which is already acknowledged as the standard reference for every Jack, Jenny and Royal joining the Andrew, or for any civvy who wants a real insight into the unique culture of the Navy.


NTC's Super-Mini British Slang Dictionary

NTC's Super-Mini British Slang Dictionary

Author: Richard Spears

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Published: 2000-01-01

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13: 9780844201115

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Learning everyday expressions is now more convenient for non-native speakers of English thanks to these pocket-size dictionaries. Each is a compact, yet complete and up-to-date, reprint of one of NTC's top-selling ESL titles.This includes rhyming slang (bees and honey for "money"), back slang (eefink for "knife"), and everyday slang expressions such as bangers and mash for "sausages and mashed potatoes", plus nearly 2,000 other uniquely British expressions, with definitions and example sentences provided for each.


The Ridiculously Comprehensive Dictionary of British Slang

The Ridiculously Comprehensive Dictionary of British Slang

Author: Ian Hall

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2016-03-25

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 9781532949555

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Slang has been in use for as long as men have used a spoken language. In using slang, Britain is no different, but perhaps the isolation of our Island Fortress has allowed us to accumulate more than its fair share. So... ...whether you are researching a novel ...or perhaps just want to understand British television better ...or maybe you're just a trivia junkie The source of your motivation doesn't matter... this book is for you! English slang, Scottish slang, Regional slang, Cockney Rhyming slang. We've got it all covered. And no useless filler either! With almost 200 pages of definitions we get straight to the point... slang. So don't be a plonker, stop fannying around, and get yourself a copy.


How to Speak Brit

How to Speak Brit

Author: Christopher J. Moore

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2014-09-11

Total Pages: 129

ISBN-13: 1592408982

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The quintessential A to Z guide to British English—perfect for every egghead and bluestocking looking to conquer the language barrier Oscar Wilde once said the Brits have "everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language." Any visitor to Old Blighty can sympathize with Mr. Wilde. After all, even fluent English speakers can be at sixes and sevens when told to pick up the "dog and bone" or "head to the loo," so they can "spend a penny." Wherever did these peculiar expressions come from? British author Christopher J. Moore made a name for himself on this side of the pond with the sleeper success of his previous book, In Other Words. Now, Moore draws on history, literature, pop culture, and his own heritage to explore the phrases that most embody the British character. He traces the linguistic influence of writers from Chaucer to Shakespeare and Dickens to Wodehouse, and unravels the complexity Brits manage to imbue in seemingly innocuous phrases like "All right." Along the way, Moore reveals the uniquely British origins of some of the English language’s more curious sayings. For example: Who is Bob and how did he become your uncle? Why do we refer to powerless politicians as “lame ducks”? How did “posh” become such a stylish word? Part language guide, part cultural study, How to Speak Brit is the perfect addition to every Anglophile’s library and an entertaining primer that will charm the linguistic-minded legions.


Passing English of the Victorian Era

Passing English of the Victorian Era

Author: J Redding Ware

Publisher:

Published: 2020-06-20

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 9789354029905

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This book has been considered by academicians and scholars of great significance and value to literature. This forms a part of the knowledge base for future generations. So that the book is never forgotten we have represented this book in a print format as the same form as it was originally first published. Hence any marks or annotations seen are left intentionally to preserve its true nature.


Slang Rules!

Slang Rules!

Author: Orin Hargraves

Publisher:

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780877796824

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A learner's guide to American English slang and its usage when speaking and writing in informal contexts. Noted ESL and EFL teacher Orin Hargraves explains which rules of grammar change (and are sometimes ignored), which words and phrases may be considered inappropriate or offensive, and common ways American pronunciation changes when slang is used. Provides invaluable assistance in identifying slang and how Americans use it.