Thread: Pronunciation of "Wallan"

True variation: Around Christmas time several years ago, my brother and I were driving somewhere in Pennsylvania, not minding the map much. Lots of holiday traffic, and 'twas a dark and stormy night. We stopped for a meal at Denny's (Murrican chain of restaurants). After the meal, I asked the cashier. "Where are we?" He responded, "Denny's." My brother said, "Ah; been a long night, hasn't it?

Joe

I've got to tell you that my first visit to the USA and not conversant with the lingo, I said to a waitress who had a very badly bruised face, "you've been in a right bang, haven't you".

I got a very peculiar look.

It was not until some years later on another visit and staying with American friends that I used a similar expression and had the error of my ways pointed out.

I recall when I was in a German bike shop buying a Schmitt Dynamo hub and I asked "What's the damage on that?"
The German shop keeper's reply was, "No sir, the product comes fully functional and in very good condition!"

Of course any Australian knows I meant "What's the price?"