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24 Jul 2015
Thoughts

Lost in Translation

Lost in Translation

It’s funny how we can all speak the same language, but yet not understand each other at times. When B and I first started messaging, he had a hard time understanding some of the words I used.  How many times did B say to me, “Speak American!!”  Haha And to be honest, it didn’t even occur to me that he wouldn’t understand.  I just assumed he would because it was never an issue with anyone else!  But since then, I’ve realized that my vocabulary  had organically changed and would vary depending on who I was interacting with.

When I first moved to London, I spoke American; from the slang I used to the words for every day objects.  I realize now that when I talk, I intersperse vocabulary from the States, the UK, Australia and to my horror, Singapore.  But really, you have to!  You don’t realize you’ve acquired all these new words until someone doesn’t understand.  And most of my friends, here and back in London, all do the same thing so there is no communication barrier per se.  But despite all my years in London, sadly I do not have an English accent; luckily I don’t have a Singlish accent either!  However, I don’t sound blatantly American anymore; I’ve muted my accent but it does become stronger when I’m talking with Americanos.

I’ve tried to be careful when I write here, I try to use terminology that everyone will understand but I’m sure I’ve slipped up every now and then! And you know what, because I’ve been out of the States for so long, I’m also picking up new words from reading your blogs..!

So here are some words you’ll hear me saying, if we were to meet:

  • arvo (Australian) = afternoon
  • pash (Australian) = snog (English) = make out
  • pash and dash (Australian) = when you make out with someone and run away afterwards
  • rubbish (English; I think the Aussies use it too) = garbage
  • brolly (English) = umbrella
  • bin (English) = garbage can
  • bogan (Australian) = chav (English) = redneck
  • pikey (English) = derogatory term for gypsies; but someone who pickpockets stuff from others or from friends
  • knackered/shattered (English) = exhausted
  • lie-in (English) = sleep in
  • innit (English) = isn’t it
  • taking the piss (English) = ribbing someone
  • pissed (English) = drunk
  • on the piss/lash (English) = boozing it way up
  • wanker/tosser (English) = prick
  • daft cow (English) = stupid/unintelligent girl
  • bird (English) = a girl/chick
  • tart/slapper (English) = a slut
  • dodgy (English) = shady
  • lah (Singapore) = used at the end of a sentence for emphasis, lah
  • so how? (Singapore) = so what’s going on? what’s happening?
  • cannot (Singapore) = instead of saying, “I can’t”, we just say “cannot”
  • can (Singapore) = yes, sure!
  • can can (Singapore) = can you? but really depends on the intonation.  you can have an entire conversation using this amazing word here! haha

Anywho, this is obviously not a comprehensive list and I guess maybe after reading this, you’ll think I’m some foul mouthed, drunk girl.  Hmm. Maybe I need to re-evaluate myself?! Just kidding 😉 But you get the gist…

Now, I need me a lesson in American! I feel so behind, what have I missed out on in the last few years?

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Author:
Julie

Always looking for the next adventure; the next thrill. One day she will find home, most likely where she started off. But even then that's a convoluted answer!

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Hi, I’m Julie

Hi, I’m Julie

Welcome to Jewels Wandering! I'm a serial expatter. Wait, is that even a word? I have been moving from one country to another since I was born, having most recently moved back to New York City from Singapore. We all have a story to tell and mine has definitely been an unconventional one. Let's be friends!

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Peace out, 2021! 

It wasn’t the greatest year, but it also wasn’t the worst. But I’m glad for this year and it was the year I needed to get back into my own skin and rise! 

Tell me what the best part of 2021 was for you! 

Happy New Years! May 2022 bring you all the love, success and good health! 🤍✨🤍✨
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Peace out, 2021!

It wasn’t the greatest year, but it also wasn’t the worst. But I’m glad for this year and it was the year I needed to get back into my own skin and rise!

Tell me what the best part of 2021 was for you!

Happy New Years! May 2022 bring you all the love, success and good health! 🤍✨🤍✨

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5 days ago
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Peace out, 2021! 

It wasn’t the greatest year, but it also wasn’t the worst. But I’m glad for this year and it was the year I needed to get back into my own skin and rise! 

Tell me what the best part of 2021 was for you! 

Happy New Years! May 2022 bring you all the love, success and good health! 🤍✨🤍✨
jewels_wandering
jewels_wandering
•
Follow

Peace out, 2021!

It wasn’t the greatest year, but it also wasn’t the worst. But I’m glad for this year and it was the year I needed to get back into my own skin and rise!

Tell me what the best part of 2021 was for you!

Happy New Years! May 2022 bring you all the love, success and good health! 🤍✨🤍✨

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Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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Follow

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1 year ago
View on Instagram |
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It’s Christmas week! What is everyone up to? I’ll be staying put in NYC with some very low key celebrations. In all honesty, I haven’t really gotten into the festive spirit this year. Do you go all out for the holidays?
jewels_wandering
jewels_wandering
•
Follow

It’s Christmas week! What is everyone up to? I’ll be staying put in NYC with some very low key celebrations. In all honesty, I haven’t really gotten into the festive spirit this year. Do you go all out for the holidays?

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1 year ago
View on Instagram |
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Happy December from Key West! It’s been a minute but as the darkness envelopes us earlier in the day, it’s easy to feel out of sync. I must admit, it’s thrown me off and I’m ready to sleep come 7pm but it’s dinner time! So if you’re in Key West, I’d tell you to go have dinner at Blue Heaven which is just off Duval Street. You’ll love it! And if you don’t, then next dinner on me 😉
jewels_wandering
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•
Follow

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