History of English

Brit Language: Ten tips to swear like a Brit

I am unfortunately aware that we have successfully exported chef Gordon Ramsay to you.  My sincere apologies.

Obviously, the man can cook (and play football) – I wouldn’t want to imply that he can’t.  in fact I truly admire his culinary skill.  But as an ambassador for the English language, he’s not really the best, is he?

It is a somewhat depressing fact of life that language on the streets of this fair isle is deteriorating most alarmingly.  And the “f” word is not the worst one I’ve come across whilst shopping in town with my impressionable toddler daughter (who can now repeat any word after just one hearing).

And yet, when I think about it, I only hear this language on the streets or on TV.  My friends, family and work colleagues are all much more ‘traditional English’ swearers.  So I thought it’s about time we re-introduced the art of using charmingly ‘inoffensive’ expletives to the streets of Blighty; maybe you’d like to join us?

So …

1. If something goes wrong and you need a handy profanity, try “oh blast it!”, “fiddlesticks”, or “bloody hell” instead of the predictable.
2. Mild vexation could call for “oh botheration”,  “bloomin’ heck”, “bottoms”, “pants” or “chuffing heck!”.
3. Stupid or annoying people become ‘nitwits’ or ‘nincompoops’ instead of a**holes.
4. If someone says something that’s bulls**t, then why not try the quaint English terms “codswallop” or “cobblers” instead?
5. If you are drunk, you are “tipsy”, “sloshed”, have had “one over the eight”, are “chateau’d” or “tired and emotional”.
6. If you screw something up, you have made a ‘hash’ of it, or a “right pig’s ear”.
7. If surprised, instead of “Jesus!”, try “Bloody Nora”, “Cor blimey” or “well, blow me” (yep, we really do say this, but you’ll be reassured to know it’s a short form of ‘blow me down’, similar to ‘you could knock me down with a feather’).
8. If you are pi**ed, you are “narked” and if you choose to verbally vent your spleen, you are said to be “throwing a wobbly”.
9. If the sh*t is about to hit the fan and you are tempted to say you are f***ed, then try a posh English accent with the words “gosh, we’re in a bit of a tight spot here” or a Scottish accent and “we’re doomed…dooooomed, I tell ye”.
10. And if words fail you and you are tempted to flick ‘the finger’, why not try the English version and use two fingers (like a “V” for victory, but with your palm towards yourself).  Preferably, this should be accompanied by the smug comment “Agincourt!” as you raise the fingers in the air.

So if Gordon Ramsay has left you believing there is only one profanity in the English language, take heart; even Shakespeare would be proud of our rich and varied selection of expletives.

Labour Day in Argentina

Like many other countries in the world, Argentina celebrates Labor Day on May 1. Known as Dia de los Trabajadores, Argentinians use their Labor Day to raise awareness of unfair work conditions and commemorate those who fought for their rights.

History

According to Argentina.ar, Labor Day has been celebrated in the country since the late 1800s. It was initially celebrated by labor movements headed by various immigrants.

Identification

Today, Labor Day is more a day of awareness than a celebration. Workers hold events and demonstrations to campaign for better rights and to honor those who died or fought in the past.

Function

Unemployment and worker's rights have been issues for Argentina throughout most of its modern history. Workers use Labor Day to raise awareness to the poor economy and also reduce the hours in the work day.