Seeing that the Brits and Aussies started this slang business to discuss various imperfections in authority figures without said figures figuring out what was being said about them (may be another “urban myth”), it would seem that the intents of these kinds of “insults” are good natured, versus those that we throw at each other here in the States. Us Yanks like to pride ourselves on assuring the recipient is fully aware that they HAVE BEEN INSULTED! Also, since we’re always doing things in a hurry we don’t have time to be subtle and we can’t wait for the other person to “think about it”. It’s a very efficient usages of time to 1) honk horn; 2) receive the standard “F*** you!”; 3) reply with “A$$hole!”; 4) continue our journey of taking the kids to soccer practice.

It may save time, but that's not the point.

Its not speed that we are after Rick, its effectiveness! In the long run, it is far better to insult somebody comprehensively rather than a brief superficial "outburst" that can be easily dismissed! To do this needs not only a good command of the language, but a degree of wit!

I imagine there is a puzzled US citizen wondering what a "numpity" is whereas he would have comprehended your type of insult instantly.

Paul

OK, but another advantage to US’s insults is that one need not be an expert in reading lips to tell what the person said. “F*** you” and “A$$hole” are easily recognizable, where as few people (none in the States) would know “numpty”.



I may be off on this, but I think Camera and I are arguing over whether the U.S. or the U.K. is best at insulting someone. As if that’s not bad enough, we’re both of the opinion that our own country is best. Do we both want to win this argument?

You're probably right Rick!

Bet our local beaches are less crowded than yours!


Paul

Someone has to provide all those U.S. oncologists some melanomas to supplement their income.


Questions:
1) Are there any ROADS to your beaches?
2) Does the sun ever shine?
3) Aren’t the Brits to modest to show much flesh?
4) Don’t Brits spend all their free time sipping tea?
5) It’s my understand that when a Brit sees the ocean, they’re compelled to join the navy and are incapable of just sitting around looking at it?

quote:

Originally posted by region2:
I was once called a 'tube' - apparently this is quite rude if you're a habitual wearer of kilts!

R2

I have never worn a kilt!!!!

Not the kilt wearing that’s a concern, but the lack of bulge accommodating pantyhose. That, and acclimating to a more modest method of leg-crossing when seated.

quote:

Originally posted by Camera:
You're probably right Rick!

Bet our local beaches are less crowded than yours!




Paul

Uh, Camera, about that beach...There are no PALM TREES!!!

quote:

Originally posted by region2:
I've clicked on 'RICK' and then chosen "Add Rick to my Ignore List" - works a treat.

It's been over 3 months! Doesn't seem that long. My - my, how time flies when you (me) are having fun.

quote:

Originally posted by region2:
I've clicked on 'RICK' and then chosen "Add Rick to my Ignore List" - works a treat.

Nostalgic.