Wednesday, May 12, 2010

I say "eggplant"; you say "aubergine"

There is nothing more humbling than not being able to communicate with people who speak English.

Case in point, the following exchange with an Aussie salesguy at our local sporting goods store:

Me: "I'm looking for some tennis shoes."
The guy points me to a rack of white Reebok shoes.
Unimpressed I say, "I don't really like these."
Salesguy: "Well, those are the only tennis shoes we have."
Confused, looking at the rest of the racks filled with colorful Asics and New Balances I say, "What about those?"
Salesguy: "Those are trainers."

Tennis shoes = sneakers = trainers

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