Much like in the US, where people seem to constantly refer to each other either as 'Bro' or 'Dude', here in the UK it isn't uncommon for people to refer to each other as 'Mate'.
To say I dislike this is an understatement; I find it unnecessary and rude. Recently someone asked if I was "oar-rite mate"; of course I didn't reply. The least I expect of people is reasonably correct use of the language, and some respect. A simple "Good morning" is all that's required.
Correct use of 'English' is slowly eroding. It is not uncommon to hear people saying things like "Yeah like, y'knowatameen like". Dreadful. What sort of language is that!
It really makes one wonder what ENGLISH TEACHERS are doing in our schools! I quite understand that children no longer read books, and that 'public speaking' and 'debating societies' are seen as elitist; but could children not be taught how to speak 'reasonably' correctly? When they write essays, do they sprinkle their work with 'yeah, like, I mean, yeah like....'? And if so, is it ever corrected by their teacher?
How to speak, Basic maths, English history, and The preparation and cooking of Chicken, should be the basis of the 21st C school curriculum.
And no more of this "Oy, mate" business.
Before you ask, yes I AM suffering from a severe bout of perfectly understandable intolerance this morning!
28 comments:
This is not a particularly recent phenomenon - there was a fashion a while back for "estuary English" pronunciation, well educated media individuals seemed to think it "cool" to discard their expensively acquired good pronunciation.
But, I agree that the situation has deteriorated markedly over recent times. Could this be another unwanted side effect of social media spreading such behaviour like a virus?
Some people seem to take pride in speaking strangely. The idea of 'excellence' in all things has become a embarrassment to many. It's a bizarre phenomenon.
There also seems to be a habit of referring to a mixed group of male and female as " guys".
You would love watching some of the young travel bloggers' YouTube videos where the whole dialogue is so peppered with "Like, y'know"s that it becomes completely unintelligible and everything is described as "mental" or "insane".
Needless to say, if these pop up on my YouTube feed I don't watch these past the first few seconds.
Or 'chaps', especially to a group of women. They never seem to mind!
I suppose as long as they can understand each other, then it's OK. As long as they know how to speak correct English as well.
I hate 'love or duck' our written and spoken word has changed so much in recent years.
I've always enjoyed your blog but lately you are showing yourself up as a complete snob. You are very lucky to have had an expensive education. No shortage of money, two homes and the money to pay for a good education for your children, just be grateful that people are kind and friendly enough to call you mate and I expect would give you any help you needed even if they don't come up to your high standards.
I was an English teacher for thirty eight years but elocution was not part of my brief. However, I always put across the simple message that the whole point of language is to communicate with others and we show respect for the other party by making that communication clear and accurate. I also encouraged working class children to be as proud of their heritage and their regional accent as I am.
Quite right too. Regional accents are one of the UK's (and France's) delights.
One of the things that all who know me would tell you is that I AM NOT a snob, at all. Have a good day!
I'm still waiting for a 'fashion' where higher standards are encouraged. I think I shall be waiting a long time.
Languages change. I'd need a dictionary if I went back to NZ now.
Mate, bro, OJ for orange juice are just a few I've got used to.
The use of 'like' is what annoys me. It's every 2nd word in some people's conversations.
Yes, that use of the word 'like' all the time is infuriating. I just give-up listening.
my pet hate is people who say " of " instead of have ! ( e.g. " I could of done it.") Also " like ", every few words, grrr. I do address people as " duck" but I am Derbyshire born and bred.
I hate being called 'Love'. One photographer forgot himself and called to Princess Anne, 'Over here, love.' She barked back, 'I'm not your love I'm your Royal Highness'.
Many different 'greetings' are terms of endearment rather than insults. Dear, Duck, My love. etc, are all fine. But Mate is just sloppy.
I'm often called 'My love' by elderly check-out ladies in my supermarket, but I know they are well-meaning.
My english grandmother very kindly helped me with pronunciation; I was so lucky to have her in my life. Watching video of myself speaking, helped me to reduce my used of "like" and "Umm", the silence fillers, in spoken conversation.
"Upspeak" has become rampant here in the US, particularly with young women. They end each sentence not as a declaration, but as a question. Many years back it was considered a dense brain California Valley Girl affectation; Now it's everywhere. It makes me crazy and I end up switching radio stations or snap off the TV. If out in public I simply grit my teeth.
When my wife left her School in Washington DC, and went to a school in England, the first thing they did was give her elocution lessons. They refused to have her speak with an American accent! Ha ha!
That's how most people speak in Australia. Like you I find it very difficult to listen to, and 'turn off'.
Cro, I have to admit that when people say, "Love, Mate, Duck, etc." it sounds very British to me... and not at all bad. But I can understand how it might sound to you. Here in the U.S. people say Dude, Bro, Babe, etc and it irks me a bit... but not much. However, when someone says "Young Lady or Sweetheart" to me as an elderly person, I do find that a bit offensive (probably shouldn't... but cringe just the same).
Today, there are no standards. I've grown to expect anything. I don't believe this is good for anyone.
Talking about education, a local high school is currently focused on spending millions to build bathroom facilities outside the school as well as concession stands. This school has never produced NFL players, and the sport is not terribly popular with the latest findings on head and spine injuries. Priorities seem wrong.
There are different forms of address that annoy different people. My one happens to be 'Mate'. One has to be careful what one says. It's best to be correct at all times.
You are right, standards have really gone downhill. I was even accused (above) by 'Mags' of being a snob because I try to retain certain standards. Some, obviously, don't mind the decline.
I think my comments are now over, and I am pleased that only ONE person supports this lowering of standards. That gives me hope!
What matters is that generally (?) they are meaning well...
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