Lois & Clark Forums Forums General Discussion Off Topic UK English Question

Okay, as some of you know, I'm working as an English Assistant in France right now. Which basically means I help out teachers with their English classes. In France, the standard English taught is UK English, but when I speak with the kids, I use American English, because, well, that's what I speak. :p

Anyway, sometimes teachers will ask me to clarify things in texts -- to make sure they've understood it right. And there was a short story by Roald Dahl (who was English) that introduced a characater as "a big, vigorous woman with a wet mouth." And now *two* teachers have asked me what "a wet mouth" means.

I said that I've never heard it as an expression, so I'd take it literally -- she's got lots of spit in her mouth. (Which is a rather...gross way to introduce a character, but that is neither here nor there.)

So, I'm wondering -- is this a UK expression that I'm unfamiliar with? Or is it just a really bizarre way of describing a character who turns out to be rather odious anyway, so let's get that impression out there right off the bat?

Thanks!

Bethy

Well, I know that my web browser flags the result of Googling "wet mouth" as inappropriate content.... Seems unlikely that's the point M. Dahl is trying to make, however. Does she lick her lips a lot or something?

But then, I'd probably be more use to you on the French side than the UK English side -- while my accent is supposedly tinged with a little bit of the British (in addition to my Southern 'twang), my knowledge of their argot is limited.

While it's not an expression I recognise as being in general use round where I live <g>, I do immediately know what is meant.

Not entirely sure I can explain it though. About the best I can do is say this is someone who would descend on a kid like an elderly aunt and give him very sloppy, slobbery kisses.

And now that I've further confused the issue, I'll toddle off to bed...

LabRat

Did you never read Roald Dahl as a kid!

Jeez a wet mouth (and BTW have to either agree with Labrat or imagine someone with a bit of a drool problem - some not unfamiliar with the remark say it dont't sparay it) has to be one of his nicer descriptions. Check "The Twits", "the witches", "Georges Marvelous medicine" etc for further colourful descriptions. They used to make me giggle!

Jupiter

OK now I think about it maybe british kids are weird...or just the ones I grew up with

I loved Roald Dahl as a kid. I have a wicked sense of humour, and I've always atributed it to beign "currupted" by Roald Dahl works.

His "The Landlady" is one of my favourite short stories, because it's a horror story, yet it has a very calm breezy feel to it. It's only at the end, when the story ends and the lady is smiling and Billy is still conversing with her, then you'd be like "Wait a minute here....."

And his "Lamb to the Slaughter". Talk about the perfect crime, complete with an edible murder weapon. How cool is that?

metwin1

Yes, I'd agree with Labrat - it's not a colloquial expression in common use, it's just Roald Dahl being creative with words.

Yvonne

Hadn't read "The Landlady" before -- here's a quick summary of my reaction:
:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

And "Lamb to the Slaughter" I hadn't read in a while.... Mmhmm, good story. :-)