Sometimes I forget that not everyone has as rich and colorful language skills as myself. But then, something always happens to bring me up short and make me painfully aware that language can often be very confusing.
I have an associate who is from another country. This associate speaks lovely English which he taught to himself by listening to American music. Impressed? I certainly am. However, listening to our music doesn’t educate one in the slang and local expressions we all have at our finger tips. Most of you share my knowledge of “cold as a ___________” or “hot as a __________” etc. etc. etc.
Because I am really drawn to teaching someone, I have made it my mission in life to help my associate be familiar with expressions he might hear that confuse him. And then……he usually breaks me up with the result.
My first attempt at his edification was the day he inquired “Lavetta, is it supposed to rain today?” My response? “Honey, from what I hear we can expect a turd floater.” This required a bit of question and answer and I felt he was adequately equipped in that personal favorite of mine. However, I learned soon after in speaking with his father in law on the phone (who is still out of country) he informed him “the turds are floating today.” Hmmmmm
Then….this week…..I skyped him and asked “did you do the backup on my computer over the weekend?” He responded…….”are you ready for a wipe?” Now given the fact I have been working with a non-dominate hand for 2 weeks……this question caused me to baptize my monitor with coffee. Sadly, he had no idea the depravity of my thinking skills and where my mind went immediately, but he soon caught on and then was most amused at himself.
Gotta say…..I adore him………he always always always makes me laugh and there are days when that is most needed and needs no translation at all.
1 comment:
That made me LOL!
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