Lost In Translation

[Hotter Otter 1,211]

I hate sweater instead of jumper.

I agree on swearing, I've made Americans laugh with "a right bollocking" and many variations.

[shippingforecast 126]

I hate sweater instead of jumper.

I agree on swearing, I've made Americans laugh with "a right bollocking" and many variations.

The sweater/jumper debacle... Long have we playfully squabbled over what the correct terminology for anything with long sleeves is.

[rjm_cmyk 75]

I'm not sure there is the nuance in American swearing that there is in English. I was asked by some High Schoolers last week about the various , let's call them uncouth, terms used in The Inbetweeners.

I was asked about someone being called a "w**ker". I tried to explain that this could used as almost a term of endearment as well as an outright insult - context is all. Same goes for "#######". The word shite mentioned earlier is to me a different word completely to it's obvious origin.

I did once try explaining how Brits can use our super word "really" to mean just about anything from the excited right through to complete sarcasm - all in the same sentence :-)

[Hotter Otter 1,211]

Has anyone been to an MLS game? I would like to go to one but I worry that my behaviour will be unseemly lol. I like to call the referee choice names and join in the terrace banter in the UK and I dread the looks I'd get if I shouted W***er at the referee or something. Or maybe if I don't care about either team it won't matter so I'll sit there and behave? Who knows!

I was sat in a bar in the US back in 2012 watching a game on TV and the ref missed a blatant sending off and I shouted something like "my f***ing 82 year old grandma could have seen that and she's got cataracts"! Every one in the place turned and looked lol.

[ChicagoSarah 127]

Has anyone been to an MLS game? I would like to go to one but I worry that my behaviour will be unseemly lol. I like to call the referee choice names and join in the terrace banter in the UK and I dread the looks I'd get if I shouted W***er at the referee or something. Or maybe if I don't care about either team it won't matter so I'll sit there and behave? Who knows!

I was sat in a bar in the US back in 2012 watching a game on TV and the ref missed a blatant sending off and I shouted something like "my f***ing 82 year old grandma could have seen that and she's got cataracts"! Every one in the place turned and looked lol.

You should check out hockey. It's a bit less civilized. Or at least football. Baseball is lovely, but nothing like football back in England! I was amazed at some of the chants (although quick to join in)...some of those chants would certainly not pass over here! Too many people would be up in arms!

[Novembro 1,763]

The Husband just ran downstairs (after I'd been hearing a lot of commotion up there) and exclaimed:

"The dog has gone PROPER mental!"

So cute.

[shippingforecast 126]

Has anyone been to an MLS game? I would like to go to one but I worry that my behaviour will be unseemly lol. I like to call the referee choice names and join in the terrace banter in the UK and I dread the looks I'd get if I shouted W***er at the referee or something. Or maybe if I don't care about either team it won't matter so I'll sit there and behave? Who knows!

I was sat in a bar in the US back in 2012 watching a game on TV and the ref missed a blatant sending off and I shouted something like "my f***ing 82 year old grandma could have seen that and she's got cataracts"! Every one in the place turned and looked lol.

You should check out hockey. It's a bit less civilized. Or at least football. Baseball is lovely, but nothing like football back in England! I was amazed at some of the chants (although quick to join in)...some of those chants would certainly not pass over here! Too many people would be up in arms!

I'm looking forward to checking out some MLS when I get there - more than likely I'll be catching some Houston Dynamo games (despite the fact that, whenever I check the score they're losing or have lost). I used to play ice hockey a long time ago, so I'm bummed that there's not a NHL level team based in Houston. That said I'm a Colorado Avalanche fan.

I don't think the atmosphere of a MLS game will come anywhere to near to what I'm used to - after you've been to a few Old Firm (Rangers/Celtic) games EVERYTHING is tame by comparison.

Edited June 3, 2014 by shippingforecast

[Hotter Otter 1,211]

Ice hockey is definitely on my list, people kept mentioning about watching the Red Sox but I don't fancy baseball or basketball either. I'm going to go and watch New England Revolution, am not expecting it to be like football in the UK but at least it's football.

[PBJ 60]

Ice hockey is great fun if you like shouting and fighting, and sometimes shouting and fighting at the same time.

Baseball is fun so long as you take enough cash for the bar.

Basketball is amazing from the first 50 rows, but increasingly unimpressive the further back you go in the seats.

For me, the NFL is the real jewel as a fan experience, from the pre-game tailgate parties right through to rocking crowd noise... its a genuine American spectacle. Of course, it does help if you understand the game, although its nowhere near as confusing as people make out.

MLS has a way to go yet, but I agree that some football is better than no football. Just ask Scotland.

[MacUK 983]

No sporting event for any sport, anywhere in the world can rival the annual Army vs Navy rugby match at Twickenham for crowd lunacy.

For years I've wanted to invite some old friends from the US over to witness it/be traumatised by it.

[k.dlg 297]

Has anyone been to an MLS game? I would like to go to one but I worry that my behaviour will be unseemly lol. I like to call the referee choice names and join in the terrace banter in the UK and I dread the looks I'd get if I shouted W***er at the referee or something. Or maybe if I don't care about either team it won't matter so I'll sit there and behave? Who knows!

I was sat in a bar in the US back in 2012 watching a game on TV and the ref missed a blatant sending off and I shouted something like "my f***ing 82 year old grandma could have seen that and she's got cataracts"! Every one in the place turned and looked lol.

Hubs is a Gooner, and he's been to at least 4 or 5 Houston Dynamo games now (one included seeing the infamous Thierry Henry for the Red Bulls!). You can definitely yell and shout as most of the people in attendance are season ticket holders and passionate about the team. I'm sure "W***er" will be fine and perhaps "B*****ks" as well since they're not well known curses, but I'd avoid "C U Next Tuesday" and "F***in 'ell!". lol

There's a music section with live drums and trumpets, and a poor guy who waves a giant flag the ENTIRE game - they call themselves the Texian Army. The pre-game tailgating is also a lot of fun and unusual for the sport since it's mainly associated with NFL games.

______

I like to poke fun at my hubby for saying "Haich" (H) instead of "aich". Especially when he suggests going to Haich-E-B. lol

Edited June 3, 2014 by k.dlg

[k.dlg 297]

I'm looking forward to checking out some MLS when I get there - more than likely I'll be catching some Houston Dynamo games (despite the fact that, whenever I check the score they're losing or have lost). I used to play ice hockey a long time ago, so I'm bummed that there's not a NHL level team based in Houston. That said I'm a Colorado Avalanche fan.

I don't think the atmosphere of a MLS game will come anywhere to near to what I'm used to - after you've been to a few Old Firm (Rangers/Celtic) games EVERYTHING is tame by comparison.

Ha! Maybe we'll see you there. We've been pretty consistent over the last few years with being MLS cup contenders. We USED to have a hockey team and a damn good one at that - the Houston Aeros. They got sold and transferred, last year? Went to a game with a friend ... not my cuppa.

Edited June 3, 2014 by k.dlg

[Mbrennan 15]

I've been to quite a few sporting events in Chicago during time visiting my fiancé, so here's my summary...

Chicago Fire (MLS): went with some friends, and they tailgate too like the 'real' football, 3 hours prior to kick off your allowed in. BBQ is lit, drinks are drank, bags (corn holes) are thrown, ball is kicked, and everyone has a good time. Then you go into the game and watch a pretty terrible atmosphere of a game (Chicago I believe have their own 'ultra' section, which are one of the vociferous in the MLS. Problem is, for all they try, they don't carry it round the stadium in the way Celtic and the European's ultras do...& trust me, this season you need some distraction from the actual game itself at Celtic)

In summary, lots of alcohol is drank, seats are very cheap, football is not good. 1 game I went to was against Aston Villa two summers ago. I almost fell asleep. Swearing is allowed though, or I was just past the point of caring by then.

Chicago Cubs (MLB) Much like going to Boston to see the Red Sox, a visit to Chicago is bit complete without going to see the Cubs...sadly the Cubs know this too, so prices are not cheap (for cheaper seats you can go to the White Sox, or drive to Milwaukee for a very cool experience)

I enjoy watching baseball, and enjoy the atmosphere at Wrigleyville. It's pretty special. That said, drinks are dear ($8) and be prepared to drink a few. Plus the Cubs suck, so be prepared to drink a few more...I took my parents to Wrigley last summer, and let's just say they weren't too impressed.

Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) as a massive hockey fan, me and my fiancé decided to celebrate our engagement at Christmas by going to a Hawks game. I have never been to a more incredible atmosphere out with an old firm game than that night. The place was buzzing. Sadly though, as the Hawks won the Stanley Cup last year, prices have rocketed, and $70 got us two standing room only tickets up in the heavens. Definitely worth it though. I've also been to the 'minors' the AHL which is also a very high level and would definitely go back.

There's my take on American sports. I haven't been to a basketball game because simply it doesn't interest me. It all seems too easy (I know it's not but you know the other person is scoring 99% of the time they have the ball) and nor have I been to Soldier Field, but that'll change very quickly (if I'm allowed...)

[rjm_cmyk 75]

Motorsport - that's what I'm looking forward to. And hopefully not at F1 prices too ...

I'm a fan of European sports cars and F1 but anything with gas-o-leeeen and fast cars is a good enough substitute. First off bring-yer-own drag racing at the local Infinion Speedway. Might take the wife's Chevy Tahoe :-)

[ChicagoSarah 127]

I've been to quite a few sporting events in Chicago during time visiting my fiancé, so here's my summary...

Chicago Fire (MLS): went with some friends, and they tailgate too like the 'real' football, 3 hours prior to kick off your allowed in. BBQ is lit, drinks are drank, bags (corn holes) are thrown, ball is kicked, and everyone has a good time. Then you go into the game and watch a pretty terrible atmosphere of a game (Chicago I believe have their own 'ultra' section, which are one of the vociferous in the MLS. Problem is, for all they try, they don't carry it round the stadium in the way Celtic and the European's ultras do...& trust me, this season you need some distraction from the actual game itself at Celtic)

In summary, lots of alcohol is drank, seats are very cheap, football is not good. 1 game I went to was against Aston Villa two summers ago. I almost fell asleep. Swearing is allowed though, or I was just past the point of caring by then.

Chicago Cubs (MLB) Much like going to Boston to see the Red Sox, a visit to Chicago is bit complete without going to see the Cubs...sadly the Cubs know this too, so prices are not cheap (for cheaper seats you can go to the White Sox, or drive to Milwaukee for a very cool experience)

I enjoy watching baseball, and enjoy the atmosphere at Wrigleyville. It's pretty special. That said, drinks are dear ($8) and be prepared to drink a few. Plus the Cubs suck, so be prepared to drink a few more...I took my parents to Wrigley last summer, and let's just say they weren't too impressed.

Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) as a massive hockey fan, me and my fiancé decided to celebrate our engagement at Christmas by going to a Hawks game. I have never been to a more incredible atmosphere out with an old firm game than that night. The place was buzzing. Sadly though, as the Hawks won the Stanley Cup last year, prices have rocketed, and $70 got us two standing room only tickets up in the heavens. Definitely worth it though. I've also been to the 'minors' the AHL which is also a very high level and would definitely go back.

There's my take on American sports. I haven't been to a basketball game because simply it doesn't interest me. It all seems too easy (I know it's not but you know the other person is scoring 99% of the time they have the ball) and nor have I been to Soldier Field, but that'll change very quickly (if I'm allowed...)

This is a great overview! We are lucky to have some very great sporting teams in chicago. There are also "outside" games that come to town. Today Soldier Field hosted a soccer game between Mexico and Bosnia-Herzegovina...quite the crowd! July brings Tottenham/Chicago Fire and Liverpool/? at Soldier Field as well.

Throughout the states is also auto racing. F1 is only is Austin now (fingers crossed for a NY/NJ race, but there is IndyCar, NASCAR, Kart, drag, a few drift events, and others. Always something to experience!