What Americans Say vs. What They Mean
A language within a language!
Hello Everyone,
It’s been an absolute frigid week here in the Northeast! I’m talking an average of 15F/-9C degrees. While I don’t enjoy the cold, it does have its advantages. Being forced to spend more time indoors means more time to think about random things. 🤓
It’s no secret that I’m fascinated by the complexities of the English language within American culture. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things that drive me crazy about how we communicate. I spend a lot of time working with people who wish to improve their English for business and the workplace. The most difficult part about this is that Americans can be incredibly indirect. They say one thing, but mean something completely different!
It’s not uncommon for Americans who travel abroad to be stunned by the directness and brash nature of other cultures. If someone doesn’t want to accept an invitation, they simply say no instead of making up an excuse. If you ask if an outfit looks good on you, they don’t dance around what they think, they give their honest opinion. I find it refreshing and wish I could do the same in certain situations!
Anyway, here are five very common phrases Americans say that have a different meaning.
1. Saying: He/She/It is interesting.
Translation: He/She/It is strange.
This is a softer way of saying that someone or something is weird. If someone pauses when describing someone or something and then chooses the adjective ‘interesting’ they definitely think it's bizarre and peculiar.
Example: What did you think of the film?
It was…interesting.
2. Saying: It’s up to you.
Translation: I don’t want to decide, but I will still judge whatever you choose.
Even if you know what you would choose, nobody wants to be guilty of making a bad decision. This is a way to offload the responsibility to someone else!
Example: Where do you want to eat dinner tonight?
I don’t care, it’s up to you.
3. Saying: Good for you.
Translation: That’s not something I would do, but if you’re happy, OK!
Sometimes this is something someone will say when they don’t really have faith in a person but it would be rude not to offer some kind of congratulatory comment.
Example: I left my corporate job to pursue my dream of being a musician.
Wow, good for you!
4. Saying: I’ll give you a call/holler.
Translation: I will not be contacting you anytime soon.
This is a way to politely reject someone when you really have no intention of following up with them.
Example: If you know of anyone hiring, please let me know.
Of course, I’ll give you a holler.
And finally, the seemingly nicest, but biggest jab of all:
5. Saying: Bless your heart
Translation: Depending on the tone, it could mean anything from “You poor thing" to a polite way of saying, "Wow, that’s not very smart."
This saying is incredibly common in the South (I didn’t learn it until much later in life). People in the South often pride themselves on their warm hospitality and manners. This saying maintains a gentleness while still expressing pity or an insult.
Example: She thinks she’s ready for that big project? Bless her heart.
After writing this, I realize that I have much more to say about the indirectness and coded language in American English. Stay tuned for part 2!
Kendall
McGee Francis English