Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Equal opportunity obnoxiousness

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Is it really that time again? It’s only been a week, yet I’m expected to have learned something more? Okay, I’ll play. And to see what others have learned this week, check out Musings of a Housewife.

Let me start by saying that I do not have a gift for languages. I took French in junior high and Spanish in high school and I can’t say that either got me very far. What I remember of my French class was how to count to 10. Nope, I can’t count past that. I know one other French phrase, but I picked it up in college: Manger moi. Je suis le fromage. (Eat me. I am cheese.) Try to pull that one up in everyday conversation. I did a bit better with Spanish because I can now speak what I call “Restaurant Spanish.” Yup, I can order at a Mexican restaurant like a pro. Okay, maybe not a pro, but someone who might turn pro. Someday.

That being said, you might be surprised to find out what I collect. Some people collect stamps or coins, but not me. I collect a phrase in as many different languages as possible. “Hey baby, come here often?” Why would I collect such a phrase? Because I feel that it’s important to be obnoxious in as many cultures as possible. So far I can say it in sign language, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, and I learned it in Farsi, but for some reason I can’t remember it now. Drats. This week I learned to say it in French: “Hé le bébé, venir ici souvent?” So between that and “Manger moi. Je suis le fromage” I should get pretty far in France. Do you speak another language? If so, you can help add to my collection by giving me the phrase in the language you know. And tell me, baby, do you come here often?

Don’t forget to check out my blog carnival “Life is Funny” and feel free to join in! You know your life is funny, too.

20 comments:

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Too funny. The only other language I know is pig latin! LOL.
abybay,oday ouyay omecay erehay ftenoay?
Okay I admit I'm not sure how you say often in pig latin! I'm not even sure if that's right! LOL. But it sure would mess with someone!
Have a great week!
Kim

MoonGoddess said...

Well that is more French than I know! I did ok getting around Paris though when I went... I just butcher the language enough trying to get my point across until finally someone would offer to translate or admit they spoke english also!

jen@odbt said...

You never know when you'll need to use it. My phrase would be "where's the bathroom" or "beer?" LOL!

nicole said...

What a fun little collection. It is definitely unique, and probably a good conversation topic.

Anonymous said...

"Because I feel that it’s important to be obnoxious in as many cultures as possible."

I choked on my coffee reading the above line. You're too funny! I'm glad I found your blog!

Anonymous said...

I think you're one step of most of us. At least you have a goal!! Thanks for the laugh!

Anonymous said...

You are one freaky chick you know that? And I mean that in the best way possible of course. Baby. *wink*

I'm challenged in the foreign languages department. Jeff knows some Korean though. And I wouldn't be surprised if that phrase is included in his repertoire. I'll ask.

Jennifer said...

Too funny but very, very unique! I barely master English much less a foreign language and among teenagers...I am speaking a foreign language or maybe...they are :-)

Happy Tuesday!

Windy said...

That is soooo funny! I think that's an awesome thing to collect:) Unfortunately, I can't add to that to help you out, but wish I could!

Musings of a Housewife said...

Heh. Sorry. Wish I could add to your collection but I'm woefully inept in languages as well. :-)

Kristin said...

One of my friends went to Germany, and the only phrase she knew how to say was "Beer, please!"

Unknown said...

LOL!

Only french - sorry (but I can say it this a northern irish accent!)

Tassi said...

I just learned a new words for English phrases like umami and neologist. Does that count?

Au Revior! Bon Jour! (I hope that was right for good bye in French. It has been many years since French 2 in high school!)

Alison said...

You're sure to have a good time if you go to France!

Tiffany S said...

I took 3 years of Spanish in high school and 2 semesters in college, and I STILL can't speak the language. Go figure!

Carrie B said...

You are too funny. At least you're an "intelligent obnoxious"

Anonymous said...

"Because I feel that it’s important to be obnoxious in as many cultures as possible."

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!
Now THAT, my friend, is something to live by! Hilarious!

Terra said...

Oh I haven't been here but your post made me smile!

Stephanie Wetzel said...

Wow, I speak Spanish, but... I doubt my ability to truly capture the lotharioness of that phrase for all Hispanic cultures. I'll give it a try though. Let's see:

Ay Mami, vienes aqui a menudo?

Any native speakers want to correct me? When I traveled to Mexico at 21, I heard a LOT of variations on that line. I think I tried to block them out. ;)

Helen said...

Hé Baba! Ugye jöjjön ide gyakran?

I checked out a Hungarian online translator for that one. I don't actually speak Hungarian. My late father was Hungarian, so that is why I picked Hungarian.