The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #105437   Message #2170747
Posted By: gnomad
14-Oct-07 - 04:57 AM
Thread Name: BS: Those handy UK expressions...
Subject: RE: BS: Those handy UK expressions...
I have come across "pig in a blanket" used in the LH way on occasion here in the UK, could be a regional thing. We also have dogs in blankets, which is a sort of sultana pastie, looks a bit like a dog product wrapped up, but tastes good.

Other ones that may not have skipped the pond might be "Jobsworth", "gormless", and "Twirly".

A Jobsworth would be a [generally] minor official hiding behind a probably foolish or imaginary regulation. Its characteristic refrain is "That's more than my job's worth."

To describe someone as gormless would be to say they lack drive, sense, and generally connectedness with what is happening around them. It is often applied to teenagers [see spotty 'erbert above, he is almost bound to be gormless].

Twirlies are those who turn up before an event opens, hoping to get in early and bag all the best bargains, seats etc, as appropriate. Also used of those with concessionary free passes on public transport which are restricted to use outside rush hours, but who hope to use them right at the busiest time. Both categories seem to be found mostly in pairs or threesomes, and are characterised by their twitter "Are we twirly?" [too early] knowing full well that they are, but hoping to get away with it. One seldom encounters a solitary twirly.