Posted by John Nichols on May 22, 2003 at 19:05:41 from 165.91.199.202 user Mcneacail.
In Reply to: Re: British Monetary Nomenclature posted by David Chorley on May 22, 2003 at 16:10:12:
Well while I was away I got to blow an English hunting in the home of an American Ramsom.
I got to see my old home town and finish rereading WH.
I have just spent about an hour reading the old TARBOARD. Makes interesting reading at times.
In terms of the D&G - any ideas on her length and breadth so I can start the design drawings. As to why draw her? Why not?
My cousin who is an English whizz said of the Phrase - You did not do that half badly.
Dear Cousin,
Yes, the phrase is a gem of understated praise. Gramatically, it's quite sound, although (strictly speaking) it's also open to a range of interpretations (such as, "you do manage her three-quarters badly"). Idiomatically, however, the meaning is clear and I would urge you to continue using the expression.
Love,
M
She sent me a subsequent email as follows
I should also have mentioned that Americans tend not to respond well to understated praise, perhaps because (just between us) they have a tendency toward overstatement.
My cousin is one of the politest people you have ever met, she did not expect me to share the last one, but I couldnot resist. So please do not blame her for the comment, I accept full responsibility and the planking as required. (Walk one I mean)
So I am back, sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!
John
Galoot is an American expression in the mid west as is not half badly as I was told in Dayton Ohio last week.