For adults only . . .

These articles are not going to be obscene but they are going to look at what can happen when you get the cultural contexts of words wrong. I have already discussed this but I will be specifically looking at how an innocent term in one context can be slightly naughty in others. To avoid making a tit of yourself I suggest you read on.

Speaking of tits, in England there are birds that are referred to as tits; blue tits, great tits, etc. Now for bird watchers, or if said in the right context, this is not a problem. But what if you weren’t in this context or from say America or Canada, and someone pointed out a magnificent bird in a tree by saying “ look at those amazing tits!”, you can imagine the snorts of laughter and the giggles that would ensue. This would not be such a great opener if you were meeting someone for the first time or on a wonderfully romantic first date, the other person may take it the wrong way.

Another English, English word that can cause a problem is fag. Now in England if one wants a cigarette then you can go up to someone and ask to “bum a fag”. If you are English and reading this you may not see the issue. However if you are from the lands beyond the sea you may identify the problem with this remark. To an American you have just asked him to have anal sex with someone who is gay. Depending upon your orientation or the context of the encounter, you might not want to express this.
Pants, although not an offensive word, it can sometimes cause a slight problem: in England, pants or knickers are your underwear, whereas in America your pants are your trousers. Many a funny situation can ensue if you use the wrong one.

To be continued . . .