The "Ask a European" thread.

These questions pertain, mostly, to the U.K. bunch.
[list]
[*]Why do some people from Europe call Americans "yanks"? Does it stem back to the Revolutionary War? Or is it just some kind of slur?
[*]What would the American equivelant of "wanker" be? Is that calling someone an @$$hole?
[*]What does "bollocks" mean, exactly? Is it an adjective? Noun? Verb?
[*]What is Spotted Dick? And why, for the love of Mike, is it named that? 😛
[*]So, if cops in England dont carry firearms, what do they do if the shit really hits the fan? What if someone else had a gun?
[/list]

Do you have a question for your European friend? Beit from the England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Belgium, wherever....Ask away! (I searched for a similar thread, but wasn't yielded any results. Sorry if it's been done before.)

Originally posted by Impediment
Why do some people from Europe call Americans "yanks"? Does it stem back to the Revolutionary War? Or is it just some kind of slur?

I haven't the foggiest idea to be honest. Maybe something to do with New York. I mean you have a team called the Yankee's. It's just in the same way you might call us Brits.

Originally posted by Impediment
What would the American equivilant of "wanker" be? Is that calling someone an @$$hole?

Not sure, Wanker is just a term for someone who's a bit annoying. your @$$hole is the equivalent of our Arsehole.

Originally posted by Impediment

[What does "bollocks" mean, exactly? Is it an adjective? Noun? Verb?

Bollocks refer to testicles... or manhood. Having bollocks can mean that you are gutsy... Or it can also be said when you disagree with something.. "Bollocks!"

Originally posted by Impediment
What is Spotted Dick? And why, for the love of Mike, is it named that? 😛

It's a pudding/desert. Probably becuase it's spotted and some guy named Dick may have invented it.

Originally posted by Impediment
So, if cops in England dont carry firearms, what do they do if the shit really hits the fan? What if someone else had a gun?

Nonlethal munitions, pepper spray/mace, blunt weapon or ribber bullets in a gun.

Originally posted by Impediment
These questions pertain, mostly, to the U.K. bunch.
[list][*]So, if cops in England dont carry firearms, what do they do if the shit really hits the fan? What if someone else had a gun?
[/list]

They have the deadliest weapon of all, a tea session...

What are those red two deck buses called? How do they not tip over when turning?

Originally posted by §P0oONY
Nonlethal munitions, pepper spray/mace, blunt weapon or ribber bullets in a gun.

But they do have weapons, right? Or will thay have to call in the military if they need weapons?

Originally posted by Impediment
What are those red two deck buses called? How do they not tip over when turning?

Double Deckered Buses... Because they are driven slowly, as they are driven around London which is too busy to travel at any pace anyway.

Originally posted by Impediment
But they do have weapons, right? Or will thay have to call in the military if they need weapons?

Yeah, they have lethal arms if they're needed.

Originally posted by §P0oONY
Double Deckered Buses... Because they are driven slowly, as they are driven around London which is too busy to travel at any pace anyway.

I have bad memories of trying to take the tube around London in the afternoon.

Originally posted by Lana
I have bad memories of trying to take the tube around London in the afternoon.

Yeah, I've not been to London in years but I recall it being a bit of a trial.

I made this thread because I may plan my next vacation for England, and I'm asking loads of questions. I always wanted to go to England when I was stationed in Germany, but I never went because of procrastination. I did go to other countries, like Spain, France, Hungary, and Holland.

Is England as busy and fast paced as they say it is?

Originally posted by Impediment
I made this thread because I may plan my next vacation for England, and I'm asking loads of questions. I always wanted to go to England when I was stationed in Germany, but I never went because of procrastination. I did go to other countries, like Spain, France, Hungary, and Holland.

Is England as busy and fast paced as they say it is?

I don't know how fast they say it is but it's not that fast paced... Maybe in London but in other major cities it's pretty relaxed. Unless around Christmas.

Originally posted by Impediment
What are those red two deck buses called? How do they not tip over when turning?

Double deckers...

Originally posted by §P0oONY
Yeah, I've not been to London in years but I recall it being a bit of a trial.

I went there when I was in England this summer, and it was really hot out and I don't do well in heat, so I got ill and we had to leave. And trying to get on a train at 5pm on a weekday sucks ass. Never going to try that one again.

Originally posted by Lana
I went there when I was in England this summer, and it was really hot out and I don't do well in heat, so I got ill and we had to leave. And trying to get on a train at 5pm on a weekday sucks ass. Never going to try that one again.

Ugh, that sucks. The heat this year was unbearable. I was down in Southampton (Not too far out of London) and the heat was devilish and I burn easily.

Why are there so many Soccer Riots? Or is that an unsubstantiated stereotype?

Originally posted by Impediment
Why are there so many Soccer Riots? Or is that an unsubstantiated stereotype?

There aren't... They happen once in a blue moon, they only happen if 2 teams that there is a big rivalry between them face. It happens because our football fans are lightweights so get pissed and rowdy.

There are more riots in this country than any other... Simply because we are more obsessed with binge drinking and football.

What is the national anthem of England?

A Scotland question:

What the hell is Haggis?

We sort of have 3.

"God Save the Queen", is our main one.

"Land of Hope and Glory" & "Jerusalem" are used at some sporting events as our anthem.

Originally posted by §P0oONY
Ugh, that sucks. The heat this year was unbearable. I was down in Southampton (Not too far out of London) and the heat was devilish and I burn easily.

I burn very easily and get heatsick very quickly.

My friends here at home won't let me live down the fact I got sunburned in London 😛