I happens as a Brit too. Recently I casually used the phrase “use your loaf” around some North Americans. I then had to explain that loaf = loaf of bread = head. They were like “why” and then I had to try to explain the concept of Cockney Rhyming Slang, and then there was a barrage of questions about the origin of Cockney Rhyming Slang and all the other examples. I don’t know, I’m not even Cockney!
When I worked in the states, my team bought me a superman flag so I could wave the S-flag whenever I was being sarcastic. Because otherwise they wouldn’t spot it.
I happens as a Brit too. Recently I casually used the phrase “use your loaf” around some North Americans. I then had to explain that loaf = loaf of bread = head. They were like “why” and then I had to try to explain the concept of Cockney Rhyming Slang, and then there was a barrage of questions about the origin of Cockney Rhyming Slang and all the other examples. I don’t know, I’m not even Cockney!
When I worked in the states, my team bought me a superman flag so I could wave the S-flag whenever I was being sarcastic. Because otherwise they wouldn’t spot it.
I once used the phrase “put some mustard on their custard” and got some pretty strange looks
The only thing we do with a loaf is pinch it. And I don’t mean steal…
As for rhyming slang, just… how? Lots of things rhyme with so many other things and syllables apparently don’t even matter (see apples and pears).
Wait until they learn the origin of “seppo”
What is the origin of seppo?
Seppo -> septic tank -> yank
Amazing. Love it.