What is your favorite non-native language word?

[Fornicator 106]

I am surprised there are so many search results on Google about a word, which is used mainly by Aussies and they spell it whingeing. Well, most of them do. So, stop your whingeing and whining.

 

Have you ever heard about the Rechtschreibreform, which came into effect on 1. August 1998? It was then agreed by Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, the German-speaking minorities of Belgium, Romania, Italy and Hungary to use the same written German. It was a huge undertaking by the best scholars from those countries and took many years to achieve. Do you think the English-speaking countries should do the same? I would be quite happy to use humor and meter, as long as you accept whingeing and footpath.

 

 

forgetaboutit

[MM 6,562]

I am surprised there are so many search results on Google about a word, which is used mainly by Aussies and they spell it whingeing. Well, most of them do. So, stop your whingeing and whining.

 

Have you ever heard about the Rechtschreibreform, which came into effect on 1. August 1998? It was then agreed by Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, the German-speaking minorities of Belgium, Romania, Italy and Hungary to use the same written German. It was a huge undertaking by the best scholars from those countries and took many years to achieve. Do you think the English-speaking countries should do the same? I would be quite happy to use humor and meter, as long as you accept whingeing and footpath.

 

See, that's your parochial attitude to language showing.

 

According to all sources I have checked, it's mainly used in the UK. Google it if you don't believe me, and show us where it's a primarily Aussie word.

 

Come on, you Brits, put this Aussie/Teuton in his place.

 

Gonzo, it seems every time I make a comment about the language we all share, in some ways, usually as an observer and commentator, you come out and make an argument about it.

 

What's up with that, dude?

 

Maybe you should smoke a fag, and relax.

[Tarl 1]

I wouldn't say we use the word whingeing more than other countries but we do spell it with an "e" - no idea why other than that is what is in our aussie dictionaries and when we were at school we would have got marked down on it if we didn't. We do use it a lot to precede the word pom especially so when the ashes tests are on

 

Australia is huge geographically so a lot of slang/local words and ways of speaking are very different depending where you are in australia. Where I grew up having a fag was a darb, shorts were daks, flip flops were thongs and an idiot was a dag. But I was a banana bender from North Queensland then. Two terms that may not be used outside australia are "arse over tit" for when they fall over and "cark it" for when they die - does anyone else use thes?

Edited August 13, 2010 by Tarl

[DP Gumbypgh 97]

I think that arse over tit is universal but never heard of cark it before.

Probably the correct usage for Whingeing Poms is Australian because they

cannot spell to save their lives. In Britain it would be Whinging as you

almost always drop the e when adding ing to a word.

[MM 6,562]

We say "ass over teakettle"...probably trying to clean it up.

[Tarl 1]

Probably the correct usage for Whingeing Poms is Australian because they

cannot spell to save their lives.

 

Now that is funny, numerous changes to spelling english words have come about as americans have trouble with the correct spelling

[Al_Davis 28]

Yes, it's good to see the Brits pronounce something the way's it's spelt - aluminium and also Wuhster.

 

.

Agree. Ask most 6 year olds in the USA to spell this word and most times it will look like this "cubbert" and not the correct way of Cupboard LOL! Also if a Brit pronounces "Wednesday" to America kids, they would probably never spell it as "Winsday".

Edited August 14, 2010 by Al_Davis

[joekicker 53]

Now that is funny, numerous changes to spelling english words have come about as americans have trouble with the correct spelling whistling

 

Yeah, they keep putting capitals on proper nouns and adjectives. And they keep using full-stops instead of commas. Idiots.

 

.

Edited August 14, 2010 by joekicker

[Gonzo 419]

forgetaboutit

Australia changed from the imperial system to the metric system in 1964, which was a good thing. Do you think America could do the same in the distant future, when its economic and financial crisis has improved?

[joekicker 53]

Australia changed from the imperial system to the metric system in 1964, which was a good thing. Do you think America could do the same in the distant future, when its economic and financial crisis has improved? clueless

 

Why?

 

.

[Gonzo 419]

See, that's your parochial attitude to language showing.

 

According to all sources I have checked, it's mainly used in the UK. Google it if you don't believe me, and show us where it's a primarily Aussie word.

 

Come on, you Brits, put this Aussie/Teuton in his place.

 

Gonzo, it seems every time I make a comment about the language we all share, in some ways, usually as an observer and commentator, you come out and make an argument about it.

 

What's up with that, dude?

 

Maybe you should smoke a fag, and relax.

 

MM, I have always tried to keep this conversation at a lighthearted level. What I say is often tongue-in cheek. There is no need for you to get nasty or play the race card.

 

[atlas2 4,329]

Yeah, they keep putting capitals on proper nouns and adjectives. And they keep using full-stops instead of commas. Idiots.

 

.

 

As I said, somewhere........an 'idiot' originally meant a 'layman' or just a 'unit of population'........If language hadn't changed through usage it would still mean just that.......... and we'd all be speaking Greek.

 

'English' is a rich language with probably the largest vocabulary. Indo-European, through German...........enriched by Greek,Latin, the Romance languages and on 'thru' again thanks to Aussies,Kiwis,Yanks, Canucks,Rock-spiders,Salt-peels et al .....not to mention the Scots,Irish,Welsh and the unfortunate people of Birmingham.........Order a 'Cup of tea' there and they'll sell you a 'Kipper tie'

 

All Indo-European languages trace back about 6000 yrs. Though they share a common root...... to most of us, Indian languages are unrecognisable gibberish.......(Especially those bloody call centres we're put through to).

 

Languages are dying out at the rate of 1000's a year. That's a shame and the dominance of 'English' is a large factor in those other languages decline.

 

However, we should celebrate in our language's usage...............Sure makes life easier round the world.......'Cept in Birmingham.

Edited August 14, 2010 by atlas2

[joekicker 53]

Languages are dying out at the rate of 1000's a year. That's a shame and the dominance of 'English' is a large factor in those other languages decline.

 

I've never heard what I think is a good argument on this except bleeding-heart. Convince me why it's bad that tiny languages are dying. I understand that keeping culture may be good (or not), but it doesn't depend much on a total language. You can toss the caber or do a rain dance or spear-hunt lions in English or Mandarin or Arabic as easily as Gaelic or Manchu or Tsuu T'ina. Why do we care if no one speaks any of those?

 

.

[samfreeland 64]

I've never heard what I think is a good argument on this except bleeding-heart. Convince me why it's bad that tiny languages are dying. I understand that keeping culture may be good (or not), but it doesn't depend much on a total language. You can toss the caber or do a rain dance or spear-hunt lions in English or Mandarin or Arabic as easily as Gaelic or Manchu or Tsuu T'ina. Why do we care if no one speaks any of those?

 

.

because it adds to the diversity of the planet. and English is boring.

[Tarl 1]

Languages are dying out at the rate of 1000's a year. That's a shame and the dominance of 'English' is a large factor in those other languages decline.

 

Not sure that is true, national geographic had a paper on this and dominance of a language like english wasn't a major factor was it?

[atlas2 4,329]

I've never heard what I think is a good argument on this except bleeding-heart. Convince me why it's bad that tiny languages are dying. I understand that keeping culture may be good (or not), but it doesn't depend much on a total language. You can toss the caber or do a rain dance or spear-hunt lions in English or Mandarin or Arabic as easily as Gaelic or Manchu or Tsuu T'ina. Why do we care if no one speaks any of those?

 

.

 

 

We've documented only about 20% of the word's languages. Every language contains the stories the myths the achievements and the knowledge of it's native speakers. On a practical level we've also only documented about 80% of the world's flora and fauna. Many species are unknown, or hardly known to us, but to the people that live alongside them the interconnections and uses may well be stored in their language. When it dies out so does forever all the history and learning of those peoples.

 

Actually it would be more than a shame.

Edited August 14, 2010 by atlas2

[Gonzo 419]

Why?

Actually, it was on 14 February 1966 when Australia changed to the metric system.

 

I let a copy and paste from Google answer your question.

 

Metric vs. Imperial or Will the USA ever go metric?

70

rate or flag this pageTweet this

 

By Gregorious

 

Metric vs. Imperial

Metric vs. Imperial

 

Fact: The United States is the only industrialized country in the world that doesn't use the metric system as its predominant system of weights and measures. Today only the USA, Liberia and Myanmar still use the old English Imperial system. The rest of the world is metric.

 

Here is a funny fight between Metric and Imperial System. And the winner is...

 

Metric vs. Imperial

 

or Will the USA ever go metric?

 

Ladies and gentlemen, we are here today to determine the United States measurement challenge once and for all.

 

In the blue corner we have our current US champion for many years, weighing in at 220.4623 pounds, our hero: Igor Imperial.

 

In the red corner we have, weighing in at 100kg all the way from France, and currently storming the world wherever he goes, our challenger: Mean Mr Metric.

 

It will be a great fight today and one that may change the course of history. Can Mean Mr Metric defeat Igor Imperial and change US life forever, or will Igor outwit the classy opponent and maintain his place in history.

 

We are about to find out.

 

Gentlemen, I want a clean fight. Shake hands and come out fighting on the bell.

 

Round 1: "DONG"

 

They both approach each other and meet in the middle of the ring. Metric has trained well and opens with the first punch:

 

How many feet in a mile?

 

Imperial answers after a moments hesitation with:

 

5280

 

"Good exchange there Bob, hasn't worried either of them."

 

"No Bill, it's still neck and neck, although Imperial took a fraction of a second to divert that question."

 

Imperial decides to attack with a similar strategy: How many metres in a kilometre?

 

Instantly, Metric flashes back with: 1000

 

"Wasn't that a great counter by Metric eh Bob - so quick. He's looking good tonight"

 

"Sure is Bill"

 

Imperial goes on the attack again with a curly one: How much does a litre of water weigh?

 

Metric comes back quickly with: 1 kilogram

 

"Great offense from Imperial there Bob. Combining both measurement of mass and volume - well thought out."

 

"Sure thing Bill, but I think he may have left himself a bit vulnerable here. If I can guess, Metric should follow up with..."

 

How much does a pint of water weigh?

 

Imperial reels back with such a tough one. He hesitates.

 

"Thought he'd do that Bill, he's looking shaky. I wonder how he's trained for this?"

 

Suddenly, Imperial's eyes light up and he comes back with:

 

1.0431758 pounds

 

"Well Bob, our champ got out of that one but it was a bit messy eh?"

 

"It was Bill. I think he was lucky there. Metric should come back with a tough one here if he's got it in him."

 

As Metric prepares for an offense, the champ Imperial slips in a sneaky one:

 

If 1mm of rain falls on 1 square metre of roof, how much water is collected?

 

"What a shot Bob! That'll hurt him."

 

Metric defends without a flinch:

 

1 litre

 

"No Bill, Metric has trained too well and has got too much ability. That reply was instananeous. You know, I think he should follow the same strategy as before and follow up with..."

 

If 1 point of rain falls on 1 square foot of roof, how much water is collected?

 

"Imperial is down!"

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7...

 

7.97922 fl oz

 

"What an answer! Our boy's still got guts!"

 

"DONG"

 

End of Round 1.

 

"Bill, that bell came just at the right time. This fight shouldn't last the next round."

 

"You're right Bob, but that guy from France is just too good.

 

Round 2: "DONG"

 

Imperial comes out and slips in a gentle offense:

 

How many grams in a kilogram?

 

Metric defends:

 

1000

 

"Playground stuff there Bob."

 

"Yeah Bill"

 

Metric goes for the kill:

 

How many grains in an ounce?

 

"Uh oh. I think this is it Bob."

 

Imperial stutters:

 

uuuhhhhmmmmmmm. Which system?

 

"Oh Bill, he's answered with a question. That's not following the spirit of the game!"

 

Metric replies:

 

All three.

 

"Curtains Bill. I'm sure."

 

Imperial responds:

 

Well in Avoirdupois its 437.5, in Apothecary its 480 and the other one is... What other one?

 

Metric jabs:

 

You tell me.

 

Imperial falls to the floor.

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

 

"Knocked out Bob!"

 

"Yeah Bill. I guess we have to get used to the idea of a new system here in the US of A. This guy is a mean lean measuring machine."

 

"Just let me interrupt you Bob, our man Leroy is down in the ring talking with Mean Mr Metric."

 

"Mean Mr Metric that was an incredible last blow there. Tell me what is that other system"

 

Tell you the truth, Leroy, I don't know nor care. I just know there are three and they are all stupid.

 

"Interesting response there from Mean Mr Metric, Back to you Bill"

 

"We've just got word that the judges are going to make an announcement..."

 

After final discussion, the judges have decided to declare the fight null and void due to the fact that the win by Mean Mr Metric would mean that some politicians might lose the next election.

[jasonbalmer 2]

Actually, it was on 14 February 1966 when Australia changed to the metric system.

....

 

Fact: The United States is the only industrialized country in the world that doesn't use the metric system as its predominant system of weights and measures. Today only the USA, Liberia and Myanmar still use the old English Imperial system. The rest of the world is metric.

.....

 

A few posts ago folks were lamenting the deaths of various languages and the associated contraction of diversity And now were suggesting killing off an entire measurement system, a system steeped in rich tradition and noted for its endearing foibles and individuality, unlike that cold, sterile other system.

Edited August 14, 2010 by jasonbalmer

[MM 6,562]

MM, I have always tried to keep this conversation at a lighthearted level. What I say is often tongue-in cheek. There is no need for you to get nasty or play the race card.

 

Damn! I watched the whole thing. Now I am depressed.

[Tarl 1]

Geez mate, Looks like it will cark it

[joekicker 53]

I let a copy and paste from Google answer your question. rolleyes

 

Next time do it yourself and avoid stupidity. Weights in international boxing are measured in pounds.

 

The Olympics use kilos of course, but that's because they're amateurs.

 

.

[atlas2 4,329]

We've documented only about 20% of the word's languages. Every language contains the stories the myths the achievements and the knowledge of it's native speakers. On a practical level we've also only documented about 80% of the world's flora and fauna. Many species are unknown, or hardly known to us, but to the people that live alongside them the interconnections and uses may well be stored in their language. When it dies out so does forever all the history and learning of those peoples.

 

Actually it would be more than a shame.

 

 

I was thinking about this today and I recalled the use of American Indians in WW11...... having absolutely NO connection to any Indo-European language the Nazis were completely f**ked.

 

I understand languages have a 'life' and some will die out. It's the natural way of things,but I repeat it's more than a shame if they disappear without us learning anything about them or the knowledge the speakers hold.

 

The Eskimo has 99 words for different types of ice. I know, vital if you want to mix a good Martini! But all knowledge can be unexpectedly useful......... and we can expect the unexpected!

[samfreeland 64]

I was thinking about this today and I recalled the use of American Indians in WW11...... having absolutely NO connection to any Indo-European language the Nazis were completely f**ked.

 

I understand languages have a 'life' and some will die out. It's the natural way of things,but I repeat it's more than a shame if they disappear without us learning anything about them or the knowledge the speakers hold.

 

The Eskimo has 99 words for different types of ice. I know, vital if you want to mix a good Martini! But all knowledge can be unexpectedly useful......... and we can expect the unexpected!

i agree the Maori language was used in the same way.and its much more descriptive than English..

[harro1 256]

As I said, somewhere........an 'idiot' originally meant a 'layman' or just a 'unit of population'........If language hadn't changed through usage it would still mean just that.......... and we'd all be speaking Greek.

 

The term idiot was formerly used to describe a person whose intelligence was too low to function without constant supervision. The term was not applied to toddlers or babies.

 

Higher up the intelligence scale were imbeciles, then morons. Imbeciles could be trusted for short periods without supervision, but could not lead independent lives. Morons could support themselves and live independently.

 

IQ scale:

 

idiot - 25 and below

imbecile - 25 to 50

moron - 50 to 80

Note that advocates have registered strong objections to the use of these terms and that IQ testers stopped using them in the late 20th century. Individuals with such intellectual disabilities are now diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe mental retardation.

quote; conserapedia.com

[samfreeland 64]

The term idiot was formerly used to describe a person whose intelligence was too low to function without constant supervision. The term was not applied to toddlers or babies.

 

Higher up the intelligence scale were imbeciles, then morons. Imbeciles could be trusted for short periods without supervision, but could not lead independent lives. Morons could support themselves and live independently.

 

IQ scale:

 

idiot - 25 and below

imbecile - 25 to 50

moron - 50 to 80

Note that advocates have registered strong objections to the use of these terms and that IQ testers stopped using them in the late 20th century. Individuals with such intellectual disabilities are now diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe mental retardation.

quote; conserapedia.com

yet compared to Einstein were all fckn idiots...