Literature The British English vs American English thread!

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Postlord. That tickled me like you wouldn't believe.

I have a question inspired by the confessions thread... is the past tense of **** in america ****? or ****?
 
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I have a question inspired by the confessions thread... is the past tense of **** in america ****? or ****?

**** is definitely acceptable as the past tense of **** in the US.

Main Entry: 1shat

past of ****

Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary

****
past and past participle of ****

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/****


However, I think (but am not 100 percent sure) that **** is also acceptable as the past tense of ****.
 
This may not be an example of British English, but only the unusual use of a word.

On an episode of the TV program Doc Martin, he was testing the hearing of young students (with a tuning fork).

He commented that one of the students seemed a bit deaf in one ear.

"A grommet will sort her out."

I had never heard nor read grommet used in that way.
 
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I don't know if he was joking about the animated dog, but here is the word in a medical use:

The two main treatment options for glue ear are hearing aids and grommets (a grommet is a very small tube that is inserted into your child's ear during surgery).
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/glue-ear/Pages/treatment.aspx

so maybe he meant that.

Myringotomy and grommet insertion is the common operation. (See diagram below.) Myringotomy is a tiny cut (about 2-3 mm) made in the eardrum. The fluid is drained and a grommet (ventilation tube) is often inserted. A grommet is like a tiny pipe that is put across the eardrum. The grommet lets air to get into the middle ear. Hearing improves immediately.
http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Glue-Ear-Grommets-and-Other-Operations.htm
 
No I think he meant the medical word - a grommet is something to improve your hearing. I've heard the word used quite a bit, but then I know people with/who've had hearing problem.
 
a grommet is also the rubber ring you get in kitchen cabinets that pipes pass through between panels(I think).....I guess that it is generally a thing that is part of a hole through something.
durable-rubber-grommet.jpg
 
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In the first episode of Downtown Abbey, Season 4, they use the word craic [or craich].

Webster's Unabridged only has the word craich, which it defines as a variant of creagh.

Creagh in turn is defined as:

chiefly Scotland: PLUNDER, BOOTY.

Alternately, if the word is craic then it

is a term for news, gossip, fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation, particularly prominent in Ireland.[1][2][3] It is often used with the definite articlethe craic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craic
 
I read the following on the website Not Always Right, and I'm a little confused as to what is going on. I don't know what "taking orders for special collections" means and I don't know what it means to get something "uplifted". Can anyone help?

Body Of Lies
Government | Scotland, UK | Bizarre, Crazy Requests, Themed Giveaway
(I work in the ‘special collections’ department for the local authority. My job is to cover the reception area and take any orders for special collections over the counter. Usually people come in to get things such as TVs, furniture, and such uplifted.)

Customer: “Hi. Is this the right office for booking a collection?”

Me: “Yes. How many items do you need uplifted?”

Customer: “Just one.”

Me: “Okay, no problem. Is this for a business a personal residence?”

Customer: “Personal Residence.” *leans closer to me over the counter in a creepy manner* “Is there any way this can be done discreetly?”

Me: “What do you mean?”

Customer: “I mean, can you not record my details. Can I just have the uplift, and pay extra to not have my details logged?”

Me: “Um… No, not really. That’s not how we do it. We have to record your details. Now, what do you need uplifted?”

Customer: “A dead body.”

(We stare at each other in silence whilst I have the biggest mental panic attack ever. A few seconds pass before the customer bursts out laughing.)

Customer: “I am so sorry. I’m just messing with you. You’re face was priceless! I have ALWAYS wanted to do that!”

(The customer left, still laughing, while I stood there with my mouth hanging open in complete shock and amusement.)
 
I would guess that it means to get the council to collect something that the person doesn't want any more, like an old settee, or TV......stuff that's too big for the rubbish collection...
 
I read the following on the website Not Always Right, and I'm a little confused as to what is going on. I don't know what "taking orders for special collections" means and I don't know what it means to get something "uplifted". Can anyone help?

Note that the text you refer to references "Scotland, UK."

The Collins English Dictionary offers the following definition of "uplift" as a verb:

(Scottish & New Zealand) to collect (a passenger, parcel, etc); pick up

The following usage example is included:

She agreed to let me store an earthmover on the property, but set the date and exact time it had to be uplifted. New Zealand Herald (2003)

http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/uplifted
 
What is a flapjack? I've always heard it used as another word for pancake.
Someone posted this picture (spoilered for size).
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It says flapjack on it, but looks like a granola bar.