Many years ago when we were in Italy, we went to a restaurant and were seated with a couple from England. As we conversed, we talked about some differences in each of our country's English. The man commented that we have a common language separated by an ocean of differences.
In the Scottish blog that I read every morning, Angus and his wife shared their story of a construction project on their cottage by the North Sea. The workers placed a portaloo on the property for their use.
At the farm, we have a porta potty.
Portaloo, porta potty. Same thing, different sides of the Atlantic.
The other day, nature called, and I told my co-worker that I was going to use the portaloo. She gave me the most quizzical look. I explained that's what people in the UK call a porta potty and I just liked the sound of it.
Every so often, customers ask if we have a bathroom, typically for a child to use. We tell them about the porta potty. One time a customer gave a look that said, "Really?" My response was that she could take her child out to the cornfield. The porta potty won out.
Next time someone asks, I will direct them to the portaloo down the lane.
One advantage of being well read, is understanding English, across the pond.
ReplyDeleteYes, and we learn from our travels, too.
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