Pardon?
I first came to the UK in 1990 for a study abroad programme in Bath. I was a journalism student and had never been outside the US except for a trip to Niagara Falls when I was a kid and the obligatory Tijuana bar hopping over the border in college. I thought living in the UK would be an adventure.
I was placed with a family with two girls; an 18-month-old named Marie and a four-year-old named Emma.
Immediately I was fascinated with the language differences. I was quickly comparing the American version of British words with Emma – jumpers are sweaters, trousers are pants, pants are knickers. Hee hee hee, isn’t this fun.
At dinner, we continued the conversation, she thought it was hilarious. I was about to tell her about jello, which is jelly, and that Americans love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I thought she would find this particularly amusing.
“What?” she asked innocently.
Her mother quickly interjected: “Don’t say what, say pardon”.
I was horrified to realise Emma was reprimanded by her mum because of me. I say “what” all the time. Not wanting to get my little protégé in trouble again, I adopted the custom of saying “pardon” when I couldn’t hear or understand someone.
It got Emma off the hook, but it’s a habit that has stuck with me.
Most of my daughters have been programmed to say “pardon”, but every once in a while a “what” slips in the conversation. This is usually when they spend time with American friends and family.
However, my middle daughter is hopeless. When she can’t hear someone, she responds with a hearty “what” no matter how many times she is corrected.
Maybe it is genetic.
PollyBurns2 | 29th Nov 11
I was bought up to say pardon, but find myself saying what a lot. I do find it odd coming from the small man though, so I try to teach him to say pardon. Definitely a case of do as I say not as I do, although I try to set a good example! I’m fascinated by the differences between UK English and US English. There are two examples which spring immediately to mind, both a bit rude so won’t post them here. Language can get you into all sorts of bother!
Debbie | 21st Nov 11
Just came across your blog and it made me laugh, we have had au pairs from all over the world and have always had to correct them on the “What” issue. Funnily enough until now i had never really thought of it being an “English” thing, but I guess it must be. As a mother of two the thought of me yelling at them to get ready for school ( a tedious task at the best of times) and them replying with a simple “What” would send me into early morning melt down.
However, there are so many differences in cultures and customs ..I remember my Polish au pair answering the phone with a simple “yeah” and then “what” which used to drive me mad…..
Honest Mum | 21st Nov 11
How lovely. I was taught to say pardon but increasingly say what. Will implement this right now so my son grows up to a polite young man. Thank you!
AHLondon | 20th Nov 11
I hung with a crew that definitely did not say pardon. I have a vague recollection that it is some class, Upper class and non-U issue, but I can’t recall.
Metropolitan Mum | 19th Nov 11
What about ‘What was that?’ Or is that wrong too? Feeling very foreign and a little lost all of a sudden.
Might as well be the hangover 🙂
Iota | 23rd Oct 08
I don’t think this is one on which British people agree. We were brought up to avoid pardon; my husband was brought up to use it. We were brought up to say “what did you say?”; my husband was brought up that that was rude.
“Excuse me?”, which we think of (maybe correctly?) as American seems to be the accepted way forward. “I’m sorry?”, or just “sorry?” are good alternatives, but sound a little odd coming from a child.
karyn | 3rd Oct 08
Hello,
just came across your blog while doing a search and have to mention something about the “what” issue. Im from the UK and have also been brought up to NEVER say “what”. I lived in NY for 6 years waiting tables and I have to say it took a long time to get used to hearing that word which I did a lot as no one understood my accent. It is so strange to hear people saying it especially the elderly as over here they would be the first to give you a thick ear for saying it in the first place!
karyn | 3rd Oct 08
Hello,
just came across your blog while doing a search and have to mention something about the “what” issue. Im from the UK and have also been brought up to NEVER say “what”. I lived in NY for 6 years waiting tables and I have to say it took a long time to get used to hearing that word which I did a lot as no one understood my accent. It is so strange to hear people saying it especially the elderly as over here they would be the first to give you a thick ear for saying it in the first place!