From: MOBTOTRM@vaxc.cc.monash.edu.au
Date: Sat 23 Apr 1994 - 07:10:53 EEST
[Much debate on how to pronounce this most descriptive phrase]
Here in Australia it's "arse" - the "a" sound at the beginning like when you say "Ah" for the doctor.
A Brit writes:
>Persons saying "asshole" in this sceptred isle are subject to detention
>without trial under the Prevention of Americanism Act, while it's
>investigated whether they patronise Macdonalds, watch NFL games, or
>make loud whooping noises while in t.v. studio audiences. [*]
Same down here. However, I break this rule in an oblique sort of way when I say to the kids in my class, "Move your donkeys" or "Sit on your donkeys". It takes 'em a while, but they eventually figure out what I'm getting at... It's also a good way for them to go home and shock their parents without saying a naughty word!
And, while not entirely straying from the topic of arses, John Hughes informs:
>UNUSUAL BRITONIC FORMS OF MASSED CHORAL ENTERTAINMENT
>Yes MOB, I believe it is historical - I certainly didn't make it up!
>Surprisingly though, it doesn't crop up in too many sources
>(wonder why?). I came across it in a novel by the historian (and
>Merlin freak) Nikolai Tolstoy. The novel - The Coming Of the King
>.... [stuff deleted] ....
>The err, entertainment is described on pp 99-100 of
>the Corgi paperback edition for those desperate enough to seek it
>out.
I want this book!
Cheers
MOB
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.7 : Fri 10 Oct 2003 - 01:33:52 EEST