![]() Meanwhile, the research also found that saying goodbye with a cheery 'pip pip' might gain you bemused stares from 70 per cent of Brits under the age of fifty. If the captain decided to fight on this was marked by hoisting the colours on the remnants of the ship's rigging, that is, by 'nailing his colours to the mast'. If all of a ship's masts were broken the captain usually had no alternative but to surrender. It was also the custom in naval warfare to direct one's cannon fire at the opponent's ship's mast, thus disabling it. The study found the majority (71 per cent) of modern Brits have never used the saying, 'nailing your colours to the mast' to mean, declaring their beliefs openly, a phrase which dates back to the 17th century, when nautical battle colours - or flags - were lowered as a mark of submission. 'Mad as a hatter' is also on the list, and though popularised through the Mad Hatter character in Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, the origin of the phrase pre-dates it The phrase went on to be repeated by some of the most renowned British writers including Shakespeare and Dickens. That verse reads: 'Geve not that which is holy to dogges nether cast ye youre pearles before swyne lest they treade them vnder their fete and ye other tourne agayne and all to rent you.' It originates from the sixth verse of the seventh chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the bible, as translated by William Tyndale in 1526. Top of the list came the term casting 'pearls before swine' - meaning you are wasting your time by offering something that is helpful or valuable to someone who does not appreciate it - with 78 per cent of people saying they never use it in conversation. The national research, carried out among 2,000 adults found the top 50 expressions most at risk of never being uttered again. Nobody actually says that here, just a little American humor.Some of the English language's most traditional old sayings and phrases are falling out of use, with many Britons now no longer using or even understanding then, according to a survey. Calling the underground subway the “Tube” Referring to a metro card as an Oyster CardĢ. Here is a list of things that will take some time getting used to:ġ. This is something I will definitely have to get used to in addition to the fact that Professors prefer to be called by their first names. Rather than the student’s final grade be a compilation of homework, tests, projects, participation and quizzes throughout the term, there is only two grades a midterm and final that account for 20% and 80% of you final grade/mark respectively. I am so excited to immerse myself in the culture and live as the British do, I fully intend to participate in tea time which to my surprise is actually a thing here! For a tea lover like myself I have no complaints.Īside from cultural differences the outline of their classes or “modules” here is entirely different than the American University system. However I’m sure I will be able to train my ear soon enough to pick up on the accents and different vernacular that is commonly used here. The accents and different jargon can make it difficult at times to keep up in conversation. ![]() There are so many different dialects and accents here as a result of the diverse cultures and backgrounds people come from. Although the primary language is English there is still some degree of a language barrier. However, I have experienced more culture shock here than I originally imagined I would. ![]() When preparing for any study abroad experience culture shock is often mentioned. Clearly from the moment we open our mouths it is easy to detect that we are foreigners here, our excuse for many things quickly became “Sorry! We don’t know how to do this we are American!” This phrase is typically followed by laughs and understanding smiles from our British peers. I can honestly say majority of the people on campus are extremely friendly, welcoming and very excited about After an exhausting first day of traveling and settling in I was finally able to explore the campus, the city and meet a few natives. After preparing myself emotionally, financially and physiologically for months the long wait was finally over. After eight and a half long hours on a chilly plane, two hours in the international students line at the airport and a 2 hour Uber ride, after missing the free shuttle sent by Queen Mary University of London I was finally ready to call Queen Mary University of London home for the next three months of my life. ![]()
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