dave@cylixd.UUCP (Dave Kirby) (01/16/86)
In article <273@ivax.icdoc.UUCP> iwm@icdoc.UUCP (Ian Moor) writes: >Do Americans call trousers with short legs pants ? or just those with long >legs. Anything cut off above mid-calf is called "shorts" in the US. Anything else is called "pants." "Trousers" is almost never said. Trousers which are cut short below mid-calf but well above the ankle are called "deck pants." But these haven't been in style in decades. >What does "outback" mean in the US ? I heard of one Australian who >told an American "Our Vicar wears only shorts when he visits the outback" >and got a very odd reaction.-- Usually it means "woods," or "wilderness." In some rural areas, it is a euphemism for "outhouse" (outdoor toilet). Additionally, "wear only shorts" is often a euphemism for "in one's underpants." I can see why the Australian might have received a funny look. BTW, NEVER tell a United-states-ian, "You have a queer look on your face." You will likely get punched in the nose. Likewise, never say, "I feel queer this morning." He will back slowly away from you and carefully avoid bending over in front of you for the rest of the day. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Dave Kirby ( ...!ihnp4!akgub!cylixd!dave)