50 replies to this topic

[Hoot]

When you mention IRA in the States (providing you weren't lead by the first question to know the ETA was a terrorist group) the first thing that comes to mind is Individual Retirement Account

That's interesting, I thought the IRA would be fairly well known in the states since there are so many people there of Irish decent.

You're right, I didn't mean to imply that the IRA wasn't well known in the US - they are. Just the way he phrased the question 'who knows what IRA means?' Could give you a couple of different responses depending the context of discussion and where you are located.

[sgt694u]

Good points, here is a funny explanation of IRA from a bloke in North Carolina (International Rugby Association) I about fell of my bar stool we he join me and my friends conversation.

[Legend]

for the americans.
what exactly is "thanksgiving".?

[*rob*]

@ anthony

I guess many of none Brits are know this two guys. The leader of the Sinn Fein party and the Owner of Harrods... ;-))

How about Dirk Nowitzki? Or Claudia Schiffer ? I bet some of the americans didnt know they are Germans.

[dixon cox]

While we're on the subject of American/British English translations, can an American explain to me the connotation of the one word response to a statement with the word "whatever"?

I get the impression it indicates they didn't know and are pretending not to care, or they don't have an answer. Either way it appears to be a weak or uninformed response, confirm please.

[Rossco]

"Up to you" - Same same "whatever"...

[laptop]

Just look at Kathryn Tate's "Am i bovered" girl. Same same as this.

[dixon cox]

Just look at Kathryn Tate's "Am i bovered" girl. Same same as this.

Although I'd still like to hear an American person's take on the meaning I would think you're pretty close with that laptop. As it seems to have a "I don't care less" slant to it, with a hint of unable to answer with anything better, like an answer-all for dense people :|

It's not all a direct translation I'm after, also the kind of scenario or situation when it would used and why.

[sev7en]

Whatever is almost rude. Like " i don´t care".

[duke007]

none of the Germans I know have heard of John Craven's Newsround