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My brother works at an amusement park and one day he said there were these british ppl there and they came to his game thing(its to hard to explain exactly what he does) and he was explaining how the game works and one of them were like 'righto!' after he was done. I understand this term, but i think its ironic how some british ppl get mad at madonna,(see thread about british vs. american) and perhaps me, for using a word thats not exactly a word, when they, the "correct" speaking ppl, use a word thats not exactly a word either.

Why is that? Are all americans considered dumb using slangish(another word that i think isnt a word) terms?

David · Accepted Answer

Used in England for years. Remember this is where English came from. THe word is slang not slangish. Have a good day.

Guest · Answer

We also say 'righty-oh!'

Its just a jolly way of agreeing with something. Sometimes used ironically.

There is nothing wrong with using slang, language is a living evolving process, not something set in stone (or set in a grammar book). Diectionaries reflect the language, they do not proscribe it.

David · Answer

Slang is used but most people here want to improve their English.

Cloud · Answer

thanks for ur comment guest, it was really nice. and thanks david for ur...um.. insight

Guest · Answer

I don't think it helps to get snooty about language.

What is 'correct' is always a matter of debate anyway. The language we speak now is different to the language spoken by our grandparents in their youth, which was different to their grandparents, and so on and on...

It is hard to define exactly which words are slang and which are not, and in any case, slang words either become fully accepted 'correct' words in the end, or they just die out. If you want to learn British English as a native speaker would use it, I think you have to use some elements of slang/informal language. The only danger there is that you might continue to use a word that has died out in Britain.

Lots of people learning English seem to speak it more formally - 'better' - than us natives, which is good in one sense, but can make you come across as rather stuffy and formal, and it is easy to lose the sense of natural speech rhythms.

My partner has English as a second language but speaks it beautifully, in a formal way, and is now desperately trying to pick up all the slang and colloquialisms that will allow him to understand British conversations!

David · Answer

You are entitled to your opinion but most want to speak a language well before resorting to slang. English is used in many parts of the world and we all want to understand each other.
That is what the forums are about. I would not say that speaking the language well is speaking the language formally but merely in a way for all to understand. Where being snooty comes into it is beyond me. Language is to communicate with everyone and not a limited few. British slang is used and understood by a minority. British English however is spoken by many all over the world. People in one part of England have difficulty in understanding those from another part. I pity the poor foreigner who is asked to understand the different accents and dialects used in Britain.

Cloud · Answer

I agree with your whole post. It only makes since for someone from a country near England (who doesnt speak english) to learn british-english, for locational purposes. So with North America(maybe South) those who dont speak english will learn american-english, for locational purposes. After all the debate with british and american english, im starting to wish that people will forget about the whole idea with a british or american way of speaking, and realize that we just speak english!  someday it'll happen

Guest · Answer

OK I can see your point David.

Cloud, it would certainly make things simpler if everyone spoke the same version of English, or if we eventually combine all forms of English into one. However, I think the diversity of different forms of English (and there are many more than just British or American) make it interesting and it is adapted to suit local conditions and needs.

Many of those who have learnt English have learnt a local form, even if they think it is 'pure' British or American, and why not? Basically we can all understand each other. Back to my partner, he is African, and he and all the others in the African community believed they were learning British English, but their version differs a lot in pronounciation and a few other ways. He said it was a shock to come to Britain and not understand people and embarrassing not to be fully understood, so he has worked hard to develop a more 'British' way of speaking. However, I really like the West African accent they all have, and I don't often misunderstand them, but understand why he wants to do this. English spelling and pronounciation drives him mad as it is so illogical!

I just think it would be a shame to homogonise the world when with a bit of patience and tolerance all English speakers can get by.

David · Answer

Guest you're spot on that is exactly what will and must happen. Let us all speak a form of English which makes communication easier. Whether one likes it or not it has replaced French as the international language.

Anonymous · Answer

CloudMy brother works at an amusement park and one day he said there were these british ppl there and they came to his game thing(its to hard to explain exactly what he does) and he was explaining how the game works and one of them were like 'righto!' after he was done. I understand this term, but i think its ironic how some british ppl get mad at madonna,(see thread about british vs. american) and perhaps me, for using a word thats not exactly a word, when they, the "correct" speaking ppl, use a word thats not exactly a word either.

Why is that? Are all americans considered dumb using slangish(another word that i think isnt a word) terms?

Because british ppl r weird

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