British Slang

The way the Brit's communicate sometimes is so "radio rental"...which is Cockney rhyming slang for mental (crazy).

Originally a form of covert communication between criminals in East London, Cockney rhyming slang has come to be used in almost every household, school, pub (especially), and store in the UK. For example, the other day I was walking home from class and a "fit bird" (pretty girl) told me she liked my "Steve's"...I answered with "thanks, but my name is Ross, not Steve...". She looked at me a little funny. After consulting a native Britain, I was told that Steve's are slang for jeans...as in Steve McQueen's. Another time I was slightly confused was when a mate at a "rub-a-dub" (pub) asked me if I preferred "Calvin" (wine...rhymes with Klein) or "Britney's" (beers..rhymes with spears). This of course, was right after he went for a "jimmy riddle" (urinate...from piddle). I guess I am still trying to learn the language and am a bit of an ignorant "septic tank" (American...rhymes with yank).

Right then, I am off to cook some shepherds pie because I am "Lee Marvin"(starvin') like you wouldn't "Adam and Eve" (believe), and then it is off to bed because I am "cream-crackered"(tired..rhymes with knackered).

Cheeeeeerio,

British Biest

Matriculation

Matriculation

Last weekend was matriculation. At Oxford, matriculation means getting into a dark suit accompanied by a white bow-tie and "sub fusc" academic dress attire (black cape). On Matriculation day, all of the new students to the University march down in their sub fusc to the University Examination Schools and are read the contract of the University by a faculty member in Latin. Following the ceremony, a few mates and I bought up some Pimms (british liquor) and mixed it with ginger ale, apple slices, and cucumbers. We then proceeded to play a few games of croquet in the University Gardens. You must always remember to obey the "Country Code" which basically means don't leave gates unlatched and don't chase livestock. After an exhausting day of croquet, I joined a group for a "bop" (themed party) at Linacre College where the theme was "sexy sub-fusc". It was a night to remember.

Cheers,

British Biest

First Post

Ladies and Gents,

Having been in merry old England for over a month now, I figure it is time to share with you some of my experiences from across the pond.

My time here thus far has been absolutley fantastic! I was invited to train with the Oxford Blues rugby squad and have made some great new mates (friends). I am living with fellow Californian, Will Johnson, at St. Anne's College in a great little cottage (apartment). On the rugby team, we are affectionatley referred to as "Team America." The team is currently undefeated and last week's game against Brooke's (UK's equivalent of U$C - University of Spoiled Children) was won in the ast seconds of the game when our flyhalf Dr. Jules hit a 30 meter drop goal to put us ahead by 2 points. It was by far the most exciting game I have ever played in. In addition to footy (rugby) at Oxford, I had the opportunity to get back on the gridiron with a helmet for the Oxford Cavaliers American football team. Playing football in England is like saying you play nordic ski jumping in California, therefore making the standard of play a bit JV and foreign. However, it is fun to put the pads back on nonetheless!

On the academic front, I am studying management at Oxford's Said Business School along with two fellow ruggers from South Africa.

Promise to have more to come!

Cheers,

British Biest