The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #160925   Message #3820095
Posted By: McGrath of Harlow
12-Nov-16 - 08:20 AM
Thread Name: BS: So!
Subject: RE: BS: So!
So "irrits" is OK, but "absy" is not, Jennie?...

It's all pretty arbitrary - while I'm fine with the kind of extra words we've been talking about, the abbreviations like that, for example "uni" for university, do jar my sensibilities. It's not so much different levels of irritability, it's different triggers.

One thing about "yes" and "no" is that their absence in Irish seems to have carried over into English speaking Irish. It seems far more natural to say "It is" or "I do" in answer to a question where others might say "Yes". This can give an impression of being a bit evasive.

There's a game where a questioner tries to get the other person to say "Yes" or "No" in response to a series of quick questions. If you're Irish, or from an Irish background, the chances are you'll win it every time.
......
The difference of many spellings in the US and the UK (and most English speaking countries) is quite useful on the Cat - it helps give a clue as to where we are, which sometimes can be relevant.