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The Mullet or Hockeyfrilla
Yesterday one of my classes involved describing from memory and one of the words that came up was ‘hockeyfrillan’, which in English is known as a ‘mullet’. It has been worn by Bono, George Michael,...
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Pants (UK), pants (US), pants (mathematical) and a pile of pants
Another potential for embarrassment between US and UK English In the US pants are worn outside your underwear: In many parts in the UK pants ARE your underwear: So, it may be inadvisable to say ‘ooh...
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Scones
The word scone derives from sgonn, which is Gaelic for ‘a large mouthful. Made from fine white flour, sour milk (or buttermilk), and a raising agent, scones are baked on a griddle or in the oven....
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Planes with no Row 13 and hotels with no Floor 13
Planes AirFrance, Iberia, Ryanair, AirTran, Continental, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, and Alaska Airlines (but only on their Boeing 737-800′s) do not have a row 13. I first spoke with Jennifer Janzen,...
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Top 10 childhood treats adults still enjoy
TOP 10 CHILDHOOD TREATS ADULTS STILL LOVE 1.) Popping bubble wrap 2.) Trampling through snow 3.) Watching children’s movies 4.) Kicking piles of leaves 5.) Licking the cake mix bowl 6.) Building a...
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FAQs from this week
These are questions which have come up this week: 1. What does FAQ stand for? Frequently Asked Questions 2- What does T & C stand for? Terms and Conditions (usually abbreviated on discussion...
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Jantelagen
One of the things that is deeply and firmly entrenched in Sweden is Jantelagen. Even if people don’t realise it, it affects them in many ways, particularly in the workplace. The best definition I have...
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The cultural aspect of international communication – timekeeping
When we communicate across cultures, more than just language defines us. The parts of our own culture we bring with us to an international meeting can surprise, shock and even offend people from other...
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Longman’s Dictionary of English Language and Culture
I love Longman dictionaries – in my opinion they are the best out there. The one above is my favourite because: it has words from every country where English is spoken it has slang, idioms, cultural...
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Why is a beanie hat called that?
The cloth covered button on the crown is about the size of a bean seed and may be the origin of the term “beanie” Some academics believe that the term is instead derived from a type of headgear worn...
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Periods
Was trying to think of a discreet title for this post but I think there are enough euphemisms out there already. I saw a question on Yahoo today which read: I am reading this book in social studies...
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Where are these medical products today?
Yep, I am giving my age away on this one! My mom didn’t have much tolerance for illness – if you were sick or hurt yourself she would whip out the mercurochrome, gentian violet (which went onto mouth...
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Friday’s 60s and 70s Nostalgia – how many do you recognize?
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How the supermarket tricks you into spending more
There’s a reason your mother told you to make a grocery list and stick to it.Every part of the supermarket from parking lot to checkout counter is designed to make you spend more money and buy more...
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Brand names which have become names
Xerox BandAid Hoover Post It Notes Scotch Tape Tippex Prestick Pritt Kleenex Rollerblades Tampax Coke Frisbee Speedo Tupperware Ziploc Bags Walkman Frisbee Jockey shorts Filofax Kibble
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Viral photograph
This is the only time I have ever actually seen something go viral. On the day that Hurricane Sandy was approaching New York City, this photograph was posted on Facebook. People began to share it....
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David Bowie @ the V and A
I was so glad to be in London before the V and A ‘Bowie is’ exhibition closed on the 11th August. I have always loved David Bowie. I saw him for the first time when I was about 11 on the South African...
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Swedish sex and sin
The photograph with the more personal bit obscured Lars Ohly, the former leader of the Swedish Left Party, posted a photograph of his new tattoo – the Liverpool FC bird – on Instagram recently. What he...
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