Here are a few gems I have run across in this beautiful country of strange phrases:
Categorically clear: as in "Let me make it categorically clear." I am not sure to which category we are referring. This is a favorite of my principal and the other teachers find it very funny to mock him in front of me because I cannot refrain from giggling, or full out fall on the floor laughing, at this phrase.
Mingling someone: as in "Are you mingling Johanna?" Besides the fact that mingling was not the word they wanted to use to describe the occurrence, this just sounds dirty (it was not meant to be).
"Good morning." or "Hello." answered with "Fine.": This used to confuse me to no end but makes sense with the understanding that in their language this is the translation of the greeting they use.
"Can you borrow me a...?": without the 'a' this is funny. The opposite of "Can I borrow you?"
Not a word, but they keep writing me birthday cards as greetings. I am not sure why, and may never know. But it is charming in its own way. At least they are writing me some sort of card.
Just thought I'd get in some short notes before bed. As I type it is raining on my clothes. Luckily I probably did not rinse out all the soap so they are just getting better washed. I would bring them in except I'm not sure where they would go.
Peace, love and giraffes,
Jenn
17 years ago