They

[lsanderson]

They also serve, who only stand and whinge.

Posted via LiveJournal app for Android.

Comments

[artkouros.livejournal.com]

How did I manage to make it 55 years without ever seeing the word "whinge" , as opposed to "whine", and now it's everywhere?

See Pond,

[lsanderson.livejournal.com]

Across. It's British English. (Only fair whilst ripping off Milton.)

[akirlu.livejournal.com]

Yes, but *what* do they serve?

Re: See Pond,

[carbonel]

It's the same way that "pear-shaped" made it over the pond in the past few years. And "sorted."

Haven't seen "big girl's blouse" used on this side yet, though. (It seems to be used the same way we'd use "crybaby.")

I'm an early adopter on these because I published fan fiction based on a UK TV show, and I tried to Get It Right. As a result, I have been my boss's Speaker to Brits on occasion.

[lsanderson.livejournal.com]

Good question. I got no answer, but a good question.

Re: See Pond,

[akirlu.livejournal.com]

Another Brit usage that seems to be everywhere over here now is "ginger" for redhead.

Re: See Pond,

[lsanderson.livejournal.com]

That one I think falls on Catherine Tate, although I could be wrong. Her ginger skits are good.