Everybody may well use the same language on this forum, but I find it fascinating how the use of language differs, particularly when it come to the use of passive aggressive sarcasm by us Brits. I’m Scottish, which means I can go totally off the sarcasm scale if I’m not careful.
My own particular favourites are “I’m happy to be proved wrong on that” which translates into “you’re wrong” and “with respect” which is a great way having no respect whatsoever.
What’s your favourite bit of passive aggressive sarcasm?
As an American who has worked with brits for 10 years, I speak fluent passive aggression. This chart may be a useful translations for non-native speakers.
A few years back I horribly offended a British colleague when she had my partner and I over for dinner and I said the dinner was “Quite good.” To an American, that’s “very good”. She was deeply hurt and wanted to know what was wrong with it…
I find I use “I’m sure I’m just confused” or “it must have been my fault” in certain RL situations. I had to dispute a charge where they clearly made a mistake and would not have caught that I overpaid by nearly $300, and it was difficult not to say “ooooh, don’t double charge me for dat!”
@themagicspanner Go back and read my posts in a voice that sounds like Stephen Seiler. That’s what I sound like. I think I’ve even apologized a few times for being “too American” on what is clearly an international forum.
Also, what nationality is @Captain_Doughnutman? I totally get his humor but I’ve seen posts where it goes right past some ppl. Shame because he cracks me up.