Ask the English

[Sandra Craft]

I read a number of books by English writers and sometimes I come across things I just don't understand, even considering the context.

For instance: I'm reading "Excellent Women" by Barbara Pym and came across the use of "distemper" in reference to painting a room.  I'm only used to seeing this word in reference to a dog needing a vet.

What does distemper have to do with room painting?  Is it like priming?

[Tom62]

GIYF. Distemper: A kind of paint using glue or size instead of an oil base, for use on walls or for scene-painting.

[OldGit]

Yes, it's what they used years ago, before we had vinyl paints.

[hismikeness]

Question: My wife just returned from a trip to the British Isles, and she said that "fanny" means vagina...? Is that right?

Puts a new twist on the fanny pack, no?

[Ali]

Question: My wife just returned from a trip to the British Isles, and she said that "fanny" means vagina...? Is that right?

Puts a new twist on the fanny pack, no?

Hahahaha.  A decade ago I rode on the back of a motorcycle all the way from Denver to Sturgis SD and back in a weekend.  I made an Irish gentleman friend of mine laugh and laugh by reporting that "My fanny feels like roast beef."  I, of course, was referring to my rear end. 

[OldGit]

It's true, although the word is now pretty old-fashioned.

[Crow]

Puts a new twist on the fanny pack, no?

We say bum-bag.

[hismikeness]

We say bum-bag.

I like it!

[Sandra Craft]

GIYF. Distemper: A kind of paint using glue or size instead of an oil base, for use on walls or for scene-painting.

Yes, it's what they used years ago, before we had vinyl paints.

That makes sense, the story is set just after WWII.  Thanks!

[TheWalkingContradiction]

"Knock me up" also has very, very different meanings on both sides of the Atlantic...

[OldGit]

True    Not to mention 'fag'.

[Sandra Craft]

I have another one from the same book:  Anglo-Catholic.  When I read this I assumed it referred to someone from Britian who was Catholic (i.e., Roman Catholic, which is the same thing on this side of the pond).  Then later in the book the narrator was asked about a Catholic church and she described her own church, which I thought was C of E, what with the vicar being engaged to be married and all.  The people she was talking to were confused as well until it was sorted out that she was talking about Anglo-Catholic, and they meant Roman Catholic.  So just to confirm, Anglo-Catholic is the same as C of E?  Or is this another religious group entirely?

[Siz]

I have another one from the same book:  Anglo-Catholic.  When I read this I assumed it referred to someone from Britian who was Catholic (i.e., Roman Catholic, which is the same thing on this side of the pond).  Then later in the book the narrator was asked about a Catholic church and she described her own church, which I thought was C of E, what with the vicar being engaged to be married and all.  The people she was talking to were confused as well until it was sorted out that she was talking about Anglo-Catholic, and they meant Roman Catholic.  So just to confirm, Anglo-Catholic is the same as C of E?  Or is this another religious group entirely?

Certainly not CofE. Something to do with Anglicans and Catholics wanking each other off I think.

[Sandra Craft]

Something to do with Anglicans and Catholics wanking each other off I think.

Still confused, is that what goes on at jumble sales?  It sounds awfully jumbled.

[En_Route]

I have another one from the same book:  Anglo-Catholic.  When I read this I assumed it referred to someone from Britian who was Catholic (i.e., Roman Catholic, which is the same thing on this side of the pond).  Then later in the book the narrator was asked about a Catholic church and she described her own church, which I thought was C of E, what with the vicar being engaged to be married and all.  The people she was talking to were confused as well until it was sorted out that she was talking about Anglo-Catholic, and they meant Roman Catholic.  So just to confirm, Anglo-Catholic is the same as C of E?  Or is this another religious group entirely?

It's a movement within the Anglican Church  which more or less embraces the Catholic model of doctrine and worship but still wants to retain the separate identity of the former. They like to dress up more ornately and put on a bit of a show unlike their dourer colleagues.