There were tons of really clever local sayings/phrases to choose from! The challenge began with this post where I asked everyone to send me phrases they find odd, fascinating, or, well, disturbing. My followers from ‘across the pond’ sent in some of the best but my American neighbors didn’t disappoint either.
In the end, I had to choose only a handful and here they are. Enjoy!
@stuartkenyon81 : In Manchester, UK: Mint = good, Bobbins = bad, Cock = term of endearment, Minging = horrible
@JennaKernan : “How you fixed for spit?” My father’s favorite used after a person has asked repeatedly for things that they themselves should provide. For example: “Can I borrow a saw?” “Do you have a piece of wood?” “Can I use that pencil?” “How you fixed for spit?” would be the appropriate reply.
@duanenicol : There are a few idiomatic expressions that always leave me wondering (not to mention uncomfortable):
1. There’s more than one way to skin a cat…(why is there even ONE way?)
2. Kill two birds with one stone…
3. You could swing a dead cat (rat) in here without hitting…..
4. I don’t want to beat a dead horse here, but… (then don’t!!)
And there are so many more like this. I’m sure there are other ways to express these ideas without this morbid obsession with dead animals.
Okay, this was my favorite. It sounds so wrong but is totally innocent. I really think I might start using the phrase. 😉
mjwrightnz.wordpress.com : Some of my favourite idiomatic phrases, here in New Zealand, reflect local subculture – and ‘sucked the big kumara’ has to be one of the best. It has nothing to do with sweet potatoes and actually means ‘that rather complex thing you tried to do just failed’.
Thank you to all my awesome followers who participated. Your submissions were truly entertaining!
Unique phrases rock! Share any you thought of in the comments below.
E.A. Henson Books 