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  1. #1
    rrich Guest

    Default Our Language Is Odd

    Maybe this should be in the JOKES section.

    Such a simple expression, "the truck", can mean different things.

    In the US, the expression is more like (with emphasis) "THE TRUCK", in families with a pick up truck and another type of vehicle. THE TRUCK is usually the primary vehicle used by the family even when the other vehicles are newer or in better condition.

    THE TRUCK remains in this number one status until the youngest child has obtained their first driver license. Usually the youngest child would refuse to accept THE TRUCK as a personal vehicle when Dad gets a new truck. (No self respecting teenager would be seen THE TRUCK.) Dad usually sells THE TRUCK and then purchases a new pick up. This new pick up is immediately elevated in status to "THE TRUCK".

    As the children grow and move from the parental nest, the status of THE TRUCK changes. It is now, "Dad can I use THE TRUCK to move into my new apartment?"

    Even neighbors and friends refer to the vehicle as THE TRUCK, especially when they do not have a pick up of their own. There are requests by friends and neighbors to borrow THE TRUCK for small moving tasks. ("We just purchased ... and could we use THE TRUCK to bring it home?")

  2. #2
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    Default ahh

    americans and the rest of the english speaking world are the only groups speaking the same language yet separated by it
    Though a truck here is called a lorry in the UK,
    Mick

    avantguardian

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Default Flagpole

    For some strange reason, the swivel at the top of a hefty flagpole is also called a "truck." My dictionary doesn't contain that definition, but indicates "truck" itself as possibly a short form for "truckle." And "truckle" seems to be derived ultimately from Latin trochlea, system of pulleys. Go figure.

    IIRC, George Bernard Shaw is the source of "England and America are two countries separated by a common language."

    Cheers,
    Joe
    Of course truth is stranger than fiction.
    Fiction has to make sense. - Mark Twain

  4. #4
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    Default

    I would have posted a reference but didn't know it
    Mick

    avantguardian

  5. #5
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    Default

    I consider a truck something that resembles a truck...This does not include utes or things like F150/250/350, landcruisers, patrols, etc etc which are built more for comfort then carrying stuff..

  6. #6
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    Default

    trucks are also the device that you attach skateboard wheels to skateboards with.
    Mick

    avantguardian

  7. #7
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    Default

    And they're the things that keep railway carriages from falling off the rails.
    I may be weird, but I'm saving up to become eccentric.

    - Andy Mc

  8. #8
    acmegridley Guest

    Default

    The undercarriage of the 747 is referred to as the truck.

  9. #9
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    Default

    Keep on TRUCKin', I'm still trying to figure that one out .
    To grow old is inevitable.... To grow up is optional

    Confidence, the feeling you have before you fully understand the situation.

    What could possibly go wrong.

  10. #10
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Grumpy John View Post
    Keep on TRUCKin', I'm still trying to figure that one out .
    Wellllll, you could be run up a flagpole, run over by an 18 wheeler, hit by a lorry, derailed, doing a half wave or flying somewhere.

  11. #11
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    Exclamation

    Quote Originally Posted by View Post
    Wellllll, you could be run up a flagpole, run over by an 18 wheeler, hit by a lorry, derailed, doing a half wave or flying somewhere.
    Very Clever.


    I have no truck with...... Now where does a saying like that come from?


    OK all you dinkum types: How many meanings for the word "blue"???

  12. #12
    Join Date
    May 2006
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    Lake Macquarie NSW Australia
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    Default

    Blue is also

    Aussie for red/orange
    Sad
    Punch-up or fight
    Name for a dog
    Half of a bruise (blank and blue)
    Lack of oxygen (breathing problems)

  13. #13
    rrich Guest

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by .RC. View Post
    I consider a truck something that resembles a truck...This does not include utes or things like F150/250/350, landcruisers, patrols, etc etc which are built more for comfort then carrying stuff..
    Ah, another one that I love...

    "utes"

    It is PRONOUNCEABLE!!!

    Not like our term, SUV.

  14. #14
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Black Ned View Post
    Blue is also

    Aussie for red/orange
    Sad
    Punch-up or fight
    Name for a dog
    Half of a bruise (blank and blue)
    Lack of oxygen (breathing problems)
    People with white hair are normally called blue
    A cattle dog is a bluie
    Someone who arrives unexpectedly ,( just blue in )
    Ashore




    The trouble with life is there's no background music.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
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    Eastern Australia
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    Default

    No sorry Im not having any truck with this.

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