Why do Americans say they 'could care less'

[zelda_pinwheel]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

In my experience, people who say "I'm sorry, but..." aren't in the least bit sorry - although they generally should be .

yes, i've noticed the same thing about expressions such as "with all due respect," "i don't want to be rude (but...)" etc.

the french equivalent of "aye, right" is "c'est cela, oui !" (litterally : "that's it, yes") said in a sarcastic tone. for extra effect you can put on a sort of snobbish upper class tone and draw out the words a bit.

[Wetdogeared]

Originally Posted by zelda_pinwheel

yes, i've noticed the same thing about expressions such as "with all due respect," "i don't want to be rude (but...)" etc.

the french equivalent of "aye, right" is "c'est cela, oui !" (litterally : "that's it, yes") said in a sarcastic tone. for extra effect you can put on a sort of snobbish upper class tone and draw out the words a bit.

And where did this one come from?

Excuse my French, but WTF?

WDE. (Do the French swear more than others?)

[zelda_pinwheel]

Originally Posted by Wetdogeared

And where did this one come from?

Excuse my French, but WTF?

i think originally it's from a movie, "Le père noël est une ordure".


relevant quotation at 1:00.

WDE. (Do the French swear more than others?)

i can't speak for everyone, but i enjoy a good round of expletives when things are going badly, personally... i find it cathartic.

[kazbates]

Originally Posted by zelda_pinwheel

yes, i've noticed the same thing about expressions such as "with all due respect," "i don't want to be rude (but...)" etc.

the french equivalent of "aye, right" is "c'est cela, oui !" (litterally : "that's it, yes") said in a sarcastic tone. for extra effect you can put on a sort of snobbish upper class tone and draw out the words a bit.

I thought about starting a new thread about my next comments, but since I've already started one this month, I think my courage is exhausted!

I am always amazed at how similar phrases with the same general meaning appear across cultures, not to mention countries! One of the things I like most about the US is the great many different cultures that you can experience in one city. Growing up in Chicago, there were (and still are) all kinds of ethnic neighborhoods where you can learn about and enjoy the differences that make us all so diverse. Whether it was the Irish, Polish, Italian, etc., each had festivals where they shared their uniqueness with the rest of us. It was wonderful! Even living near Washington, D.C., our nation's capitol, that mix of cultures is apparent. One of the things I worry about with all the talk of Globalization is that the different cultures of the world will get smoothed over into one big conglomeration. It would make the world too boring, I think.

Kaz

[zelda_pinwheel]

Originally Posted by kazbates

I thought about starting a new thread about my next comments, but since I've already started one this month, I think my courage is exhausted!

just keep training, and work up to it gradually. pretty soon you might find yourself starting a new thread every day !

I am always amazed at how similar phrases with the same general meaning appear across cultures, not to mention countries! One of the things I like most about the US is the great many different cultures that you can experience in one city. Growing up in Chicago, there were (and still are) all kinds of ethnic neighborhoods where you can learn about and enjoy the differences that make us all so diverse. Whether it was the Irish, Polish, Italian, etc., each had festivals where they shared their uniqueness with the rest of us. It was wonderful! Even living near Washington, D.C., our nation's capitol, that mix of cultures is apparent. One of the things I worry about with all the talk of Globalization is that the different cultures of the world will get smoothed over into one big conglomeration. It would make the world too boring, I think.

Kaz

i agree ! it's fascinating to see the differences and also the similaries from one culture to another. paris is very culturally diverse as well and it's one of the most interesting things about living here. and it's something i particularly appreciate here, where we have members from all over the world. i find it amazing to have convsersations with people in england UK, canada, the US, italy, germany, and even those crazy australians (among others) all in the same thread. i also want cultures to preserve their individuality but at the same time i'm really grateful for technology which allows us to gain so much more understanding of others by allowing us to interact on a human level. i know it's a cliché but i think it makes the world smaller ; australia is so far away, but it feels like we are neighbors.

[GeoffC]

Originally Posted by zelda_pinwheel

i agree ! it's fascinating to see the differences and also the similaries from one culture to another. paris is very culturally diverse as well and it's one of the most interesting things about living here. and it's something i particularly appreciate here, where we have members from all over the world. i find it amazing to have convsersations with people in england, canada, the US, italy, germany, and even those crazy australians (among others) all in the same thread. i also want cultures to preserve their individuality but at the same time i'm really grateful for technology which allows us to gain so much more understanding of others but allowing us to interact on a human level. i know it's a cliché but i think it makes the world smaller ; australia is so far away, but it feels like we are neighbors.

coughs politely ...


edit : aw shucks, Zee has found her caps lock key !!!!

[Peverel]

Originally Posted by GeoffC

coughs politely ...

You should get something from the chemist for that

[Sparrow]

Originally Posted by Peverel

You should get something from the chemist for that

Yes, definitely need something to scotch the cough.

[zelda_pinwheel]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

Yes, definitely need something to scotch the cough.

all right, all right... it was just a random sample, like i have the time to list ALL the countries...

Originally Posted by zelda_pinwheel

(...) people in england UK, canada, the US, italy, germany, and even those crazy australians (among others) all in the same thread.

happy now ?

[GeoffC]

Originally Posted by zelda_pinwheel

all right, all right... it was just a random sample, like i have the time to list ALL the countries...


happy now ?

merci beaucoup (add own accents si'l vous plait)

[badgoodDeb]

Originally Posted by Peverel

You should get something from the chemist for that

Hey --- *nice* safety pin, Peverel!!

[nekokami]

Originally Posted by zelda_pinwheel

yes, i've noticed the same thing about expressions such as "with all due respect," "i don't want to be rude (but...)" etc.

Similarly, "just kidding" right after something one shouldn't have said in the first place does not make it ok.

[mjh215]

Originally Posted by nekokami

Similarly, "just kidding" right after something one shouldn't have said in the first place does not make it ok.

Like, ever since I split up with my last g/f I've had this rash that I can't seem to get rid of... Just kidding...

-MJ

[jinlo]

Originally Posted by mjh215

Like, ever since I split up with my last g/f I've had this rash that I can't seem to get rid of... Just kidding...

-MJ

Have you tried Gold Bond Foot Powder? (you are a sock after all)