More Translations

Immediately after I typed up my first list, I started another list. I don't want to forget any of these things when we move so I need to document them for olde tyme's sake.

crisps = potato chips; my nemesis
chips = french fries
tea = evening meal/dinner AND a cup of tea, hunh
dinner = midday meal/lunch
queue = line to wait in, I need to blog about queuing one day
till = cash register
swipe & sign = a US credit card
chip & pin = a UK credit/debit card, they have a computer chip embedded into them & you don't need to sign which they say is more secure, but I am not convinced since when I pay the cashier checks my signature with a vengeance every time
fit = in good physical shape, attractive
kit = gear needed for an activity, clothing, shoes, accessories as in PE kit, football kit, running kit & even for running many people wear full matching kit, not just a ratty t-shirt & shorts
Brit kit = tweed clothing for walking & walking sticks (we made this one up, but it probably is used)
bits = litruhlee "things", applies to any parts especially parts that are small, including "manly bits", "dangly bits", a general descriptor of amount
(That's) lovely = nice, pretty, beautiful - as a description
(That would be) lovely = fine, OK, great, yes - response in agreement to a question
brilliant = great, awesome
ta, luv = thanks, hon
to come up in = born, raised, "I've come up in Maryland."
I'm sat here = I am waiting (LOVE!)
you all right? = how are you? in greeting or can I help you? in a shop; the first few times someone asked me this, I thought they thought I looked like I was not feeling well or angry or something
rubbish = trash
to be rubbish at something = to stink or to be really bad at something
dustbin men = garbage men
wheelie bin = garbage can
ill = sick
sick = disgusting, gross, perverted
grotty pronounced "grah-tee" with a distinct /t/ = gross, dirty (like, "grody to the max" for all of you Valley Girls)
mad = crazy, insane
barmy = eccentric, daft
daft = touched in the head, I've actually heard people (including my kids) say, "Are ye daft, man?" (LOVE!)
horrid = horrible, not well-behaved
garden snatching = building in-fill houses in people's backyards
pocket money = allowance
High St = main shopping district which is along the street & outdoors, Main St; pretty much every substantial town has a High St and most are called High St even if they have another street name too
pot = small container, usually plastic with or without a lid, like a yogurt container or snack container
jug = pitcher
speak to you soon = see you later
mobile = cell phone
hiya = hi (I think this is more local though)
chucking buckets = pouring rain

My favoUrite custom is by far the fact that in parting or ending a phone conversation, women are required to say the following: "Speak to you soon" followed by "Bye" repeated about three times and the pitch of your voice must rise higher each time you say "bye". I guess it means you really ARE leaving. I do love it immensely.

My least favoUrite custom is the whole kissy cheek thing. It confuses me in that:
a) on which side do you start;
b) how many times do you switch sides; and
c) are you really supposed to make contact or just air kiss?
I'd rather hug someone. Shrug.