My roommate detests people with accents. British, Southern, Irish...doesn't matter. I never understood her intolerance until a recent experience of my own. While I still do not share her strong feelings, I definitely can see where the language disconnect stems from.
When out with friends a few weeks ago, I met a few guys from across the pond (England). Although we were technically both speaking the same language, I had a lot of trouble understanding them due to their thick accents (and the noise at the bar).
I had a series of exchanges with one of the Brits, which left me confused and very much offended.
British phrases:
1) "Sorry, I'm knackered"
2) "I'm just taking the piss"
3) "Would you like to meet for a cheeky one?"
I figured this guy was drunk (knackered), needed to use the bathroom (taking the piss) and wanted to have a quickie (cheeky one). He explained that this was not the case, and properly interpreted the phrases for me.
Translation:
1) "I'm really tired"
2) "I'm just kidding"
3) "Want to get a beer?"
I couldn't believe that the Atlantic Ocean could create such a divide in communication. I suppose the Declaration of Independence really did its job; 250 years later, we Americans still have an independent vernacular. Turns out, I didn't have to worry about these miscommunications for much longer (he returned to the UK), but it's good to know that if I ever go abroad, I'll have some idea what the natives are saying to me (and if I should actually be offended or not).
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Addendum: I recently received a cell phone bill with international charges. I'm fighting Verizon on my obligation to pay him, citing "taxation without representation."
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