abbreviations, word cuts ....

[hakl]

Sorry about this posting, but maybe it could be accepted anyway...

I know that i am not able to spell words always correct in English and get the right syntax in my postings,
which i also do not mind/expect from other members too.

But i suffer from abbreviations and "slang" words, which seems to be usual for native English speaking members,
but "we", the others, are not familiar with and we will not find in any dictionary.
Sometimes i have the feeling, those contain important information, but i can not get the context or it is ambiguous for me.

I would also ask especially not to use abbreviation for some technical features, as we have different systems out there and so we are not familiar with always.

I hope this petition will not be misunderstood ...

[KevinMorin]

Klaus,
I understand the request to keep slang terms to a minimum and its not in any way unreasonable to me. I am always impressed that members/posters for whom English is a second language are able to participate here: I cannot read or understand a single word of others' sites unless they're in English and admire very much your extensive education and mental discipline to join here.

If you have any specific terms in mind that you'd care to post I'm sure we can attempt to clarify that term by giving another word in its place and perhaps explaining the background of the term's use or origin which may help give a more clear picture of the discussion in which a slang or [United States] welding trade term is used? IF you'd prefer to PM or email me to ask, I'd be happy to give my understanding there, however, I don't believe anyone would have the slightest offense if you ask in this topic/thread.

I probably use slang or "trade-speak" as much as anyone, especially if I'm replying to a poster that I know is from the US. I'll try to use less slang content in my remarks, but please don't hesitate to ask if a given term's proper synonym isn't clear.

The slang words I enjoy the most are those of the English and the Australians who seem to choose the most colorful and interesting 'slang' terms. When sailing, 'foul' weather is describing raining with wind blowing; so a sailor wears a rain suit or rubberized coat and pants to stay as dry as one may. But to the sailors of the former British Empire - these water proof garments are 'foulies'. Likewise, thin sheet metal is often generalized by one of the original metals used in canned food containers- tin. Therefore the welded aluminum boat is a 'tinny' after the comparison to a 'tin can' even if the boat is made of aluminum not tin.

An alternative slang term they use is 'ally' for their tendency to add the "ie" or a "y" to the end of the name as a form of naming an object or person in the diminutive or younger state. The man's name Bill [a shortened from of William] is further changed into the diminutive or younger state by adding 'ie' or 'y' therefore Billie, or Billy is the example of the pattern followed in the term 'ally' instead of alloy as a description of the welded aluminum alloy boat.

I enjoy these slang terms quite a bit but I have found them confusing sometimes as well, and I'm supposed to be speaking the same language!

sorry got off the point!

[hakl]

Kevin,
i like dialect very much, anyway, in German or in English, because it's increasing my understanding of any language's anticipation in any area.
Any word not spelled the right way, if the sound will be OK for me (e.g. through or thru)....
Will try to ask directly for words, no problem.
So one example: what are gems?

[KevinMorin]

Klaus,
gem is short for gemstone, gems would be the plural of the contraction gem; a valuable stone usually made by cutting and polishing into a jewelery item.

I think Norm's use of the term was another way of saying the idea or method, he was remarking about was worthwhile and valuable so he compared the idea or method to a gemstone by using the contracted form 'gem'- then, since he was advocating a collection of good ideas in one location he used the plural spelling of the shortened word as 'gems'.

[nofacey]

LOL - and here I was thinking it was the Aussies that would have to do all the explaining.....
Ask anytime Klaus, some items are so embedded that I at least don't even recognize it as slang - 'gems' is a perfect example.

[Ovenden]

Hi,

Posting as a uni-lingual North American, I am always impressed with other people's knowledge of second and third languages. This is especially impressive while communicating about technical issues, I have a hard time dealing with the "English" nautical terms once in a while.

This sounds like an excellent opportunity for a resource on the MBB - we have members all over the globe, I would expect our combined knowledge of odd phrases and terms would be an asset to everybody. I suspect the toughest part is to make sure that no member feels like they are posting a silly question.

Cheers,
Mark