UK English Question - 01/11/05 08:17 AM
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
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