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Peculiar English expressions from around the world
Learning of English is not full – fledged, if one does not know about idioms and unique expressions of English. Indeed, it’s an area of language where we come across the culture and profound knowledge of the speakers.
Learning of English is not full – fledged, if one does not know about idioms and unique expressions of English. Indeed, it's an area of language where we come across the culture and profound knowledge of the speakers. As English is spoken in many places around the world, it's no surprise that the language has a treasure of striking expressions and different slang. The following are a few peculiar English expressions from around the world to give you just an essence of this variety.
Unique English expressions from around the world:
1. An omnishambles (something that has been managed or has turned out badly in every possible way) UK. First they arranged the rooms in a hurry, then the local transport was taken care of, and when we finally got to the airport, they forgot to book the flight tickets; then we have to wait for a long time to reach the destination. The entire journey was an omnishambles!
2. Go off like a frog in a sock (go berserk, go crazy). AUSTRALIA. Mother – if she sees the mess you've made at home in her absence, she'll go off like a frog in a sock.
3. A Bronx cheer (a loud sound, like blowing a raspberry, that expresses derision or contempt). NEW YORK. The crowd let out a massive Bronx cheer when the batsman lost the ball a second time.
4. Catch no ball (I don't understand) SINGAPORE. Could you please tell me this concept again. I caught no ball.
5. Do the needful (do whatever you need to do to make it happen). INDIA. This little expression might come in handy if you ever need to deal with the system of government in India, where it's often used in formal emails, at the conclusion.
6. The whole nine yards (everything available, everything possible, the whole way). US. The scholarship covers course fees, accommodation, even some living expenses – honestly, the whole nine yards!
7. Donkeys' years (a very long time). LONDON I haven't seen my teacher donkeys' years. Although widely understood around the world, this expression really has nothing to do with the lifespan of donkeys at all.
8. I don't give rocks (I don't care at all). SOUTH AFRICA. Youth generally don't give rocks to others feelings! They do it anyway.
9. Pack a sad (throw a tantrum). NEW ZEALAND. Don't tease my child like that or he'll pack a sad. You know what he's like.
10. Put the heart crossways in someone (give someone a fright, a heart attack). IRELAND. Don't play practical jokes on me like that, will you? You put the heart crossways in me.
11. My teacher is sitting on my head (my teacher is putting pressure on me). INDIA. In super-multilingual India, it's natural for people to translate idioms from one language to another. This one originates from Hindi. My teacher's really sitting on my head. He's given us three assignments to write by tomorrow.
12. Go for/out for a rip (go out for a drive somewhere and have a great time, usually with beer involved) CANADA. A: Hey guys, wanna go for a rip? Just get the keys of my new car.
13. Out of whack (misaligned, wonky, broken, askew). US. Looks like you put those clothes in almairah in a hurry! They're a bit of whack. In the UK, skew-whiff has a similar meaning.
14. Lekker (cool, tasty, sexually attractive). SOUTH AFRICA. This word comes from Dutch via Afrikaans. A: Did you see that guy at the bar? B: I know, man – so lekker!
15. Get off the grass (an expression of surprise or disbelief). NEW ZEALAND. A: Rani got 1st rank in her semester exams. B: Get off the grass! I bet she would never get!
16. Go to see a man about a dog (go to the toilet). UK. Wait, Mr.Rao is just going to see a man about a dog. A good example of British reticence when it comes to talking directly about anything vaguely awkward. Which is in stark contrast to our next one.
17. Syphon the python (for men – pee). AUSTRALIA. I'd better go syphon the python before I have my dinner.
18. What's occurrin'? (How are you?) WALES. This is a typical way to welcome someone in the country, a little like What's up?
19. Bob's your uncle (that's all there is to it/that's all it takes) VARIOUS. It's really easy to use. Just plug it in, push this button and Bob's your uncle!
