In many countries language use can differ from one region to another...
Use of the same language can vary between countries that supposedly
speak the same language... Also, languages taught in classes tend
to be "classic" versions which often do not reflect actual "street"
usage that the student will encounter during their travels...
Success in foriegn language communication depends upon the listener
developing an "ear" for the language... Not as easy as it seems...
When I listen to someone speaking Spanish very rapidly, it sounds the
same as if I spoke English like, "SureIcanspeakEngishveryquicklyindeed!".
All of the words run together... And, I figure out what they've said too
late to answer them!
If you are planning to visit Atlanta, or somewhere else in the United
States, I hope these explanations will be of help to you.
This listing is by no means complete and your suggestions are welcome!
Ways that Americans say "Hello"...
Hi! (sounds like "high")
Lo! (short for "hello")
Hey there!
Howdy! (short for "how are you" western US)
Hi You'all! (sounds like "hi yawl" southern US)
Sup? (short for "what's up" or "whats happening")
What's happening?
Ways that Americans say "Goodbye"...
Bye! (sounds like "buy")
Later! (short for "see you later")
Nignt! (short for "good night")
See ya! ("ya" is you)
I'm outta here! ("I'm out of here" leaving)
Ways that Americans say "Thank you"...
Thanks!
Thanks a lot!
Thank you very much!
I appreciate it!
Preshadit! ("I appreciate it" - southern US)
That's swell of you! ("swell" means "really nice")
Thanks a million! (A million thanks.)
OK! (sounds like "o-kay" - said with very appreciative tone)
Ways Americans Refer to Money...
Names for the Americam Dollar...
Buck ( as in "10 bucks")
Smacker (not often used)
Greenback (old - seldom used)
George Washington (his picture is on the bill)
Names for Coins...
Half (Half Dollar - 50 cents)
Quarter (Quarter - 25 cents)
Two Bits (Quarter - 25 cents)
Dime (Dime - 10 cents)
Nickel (Nickel - 5 cents)
Cent (as in "10 cents" Penny - 1 cent)
American Expressions...
There you go!
"There you go!" means "Here you are!"
Example: Suppose you ordered a chicken salad sandwich at a restaurant...
When the waitress brings you your order and says, "There you go!", she
actually means, "Here is your sandwich!".
OK! (sounds like "o-kay")
OK can mean several things including "Good", "I agree", "I'm satisfied",
and "I like it!" depending on the situation and how "OK" is said.
The southern use of "Fixin to"
"Fixin to" is a way of saying "fixing to".
It means the person is either planning to do something, or,
they are preparing or "getting ready" to do whatever
follows "fixin to" in the spoken sentence.
"What time it is"...
"He doesn't know what time it is!" means,
He doesn't know what is really happening around him.
The southern use of "You'all"...
"You'all" is both singular and plural.
"Welcome You'all!" is used when talking to one or many people.
"Yawl's" is possessive.
I'm coming to yawl's house. -or- "I like yawl's car!"
The northern use of "Youse"...
Used for plural of "You". Pronounced "yews".
UK English versus American English...
"Lift" is "elevator" in the US.
"Tram" is "train" in the US.
"Pram" is "baby carraige" in the US.
"Cinema" is "movie" or "flik" in the US.
"I'll knock you up" means "I'll make you pregnant" in the US.
This page is always under construction...
Your questions and suggestions are welcome.
