I'm an American here in UK for a year and trying to learn some British. What I've figured out so far is that "cheers" is a kind of "thanks" but not in all circumstances, and is it true that only men call each other mate?
2006-10-30 21:54:00 · 14 answers · asked by Holly 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Responding to one of the answers--I think of English as the general term, as in "British English" or "American English" or "Australian English." It's the British English usage I'm after...though interesting to here about Australian usage too.
2006-10-30 22:03:18 · update #1
Cheers: Used as "Thank you" and also the original Clinking of glasses together in a pub/bar
Mate: Used in English slang as a way of saying "friend". Also used to talk to someone you don't know (E.G Hey Mate, you dropped your keys")
The Phrase "Cheers mate" means "thanks friend"
Thing is, we also use this in sarcasm. For example: When someone cuts me up on the motorway (freeway) sometimes I say "Oh cheers mate!" as a way of saying that I'm not impressed by his actions.
2006-10-30 22:21:10 · answer #1 · answered by genghis41f 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the North West of England, it can be quite common to address women as 'mate' if you know them. Good luck trying to learn some 'British' The UK is made up of four countries, Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, each with their own distinctive forms of English and regional dialects and variations. Interestingly enough, the only country that still uses much of Britains original Saxon English is Scotland, this is the main reason for many modern English speaking people saying that they can't understand the Scots.
2006-10-30 22:21:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cheers can be sarcastic way of thanking someone too as well as genuine, as in:
"you just soaked me driving through that puddle - cheers mate".
It's also what (some) people say when sharing a drink together.
It's not true that ONLY men call each other men - I have heard some women use the expression. But rarely.
2006-10-30 21:56:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im an Aussie but cheers is whats also said when a toast is being made over a drink. And no...mate is beginning to become a universal term rather quickly...i call some of my girl friends mate...hope i helped.
2006-10-30 21:56:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you mean you want to learn some English not British and yes it is mostly men who call each other mate.
2006-10-30 21:57:35 · answer #5 · answered by SilverSurfer 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
These are slang expressions used in the right circumstances to the right people. Learn what they mean, but don't use them yourself. It would sound like someone with a British accent trying to speak hick or jive.
2006-10-30 22:00:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can use 'cheers' when a person who appears younger or the same age as you holds the door for you, passes you an object that you requested using 'please', or it can be used amongst good friends when you are really grateful for a favour eg. 'oh that's so good of you, cheers, thanks for that!'.
Under most circumstances, 'mate' is used only by men to address other men. It can be used in a friendly way eg. 'that's one pound twenty, mate' or in a threatening way eg. 'watch it mate!' If you wish to appear ladylike do not address anyone as 'mate'.
2006-10-30 21:59:54 · answer #7 · answered by Fluorescent 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cheers can be used for thanking someone and woman do call each other mate.
2006-10-30 22:05:12 · answer #8 · answered by Annie M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No mate, mate can be girl or boy
I call my girlfriend mate (she's my my best mate) and also other 'girl' friends.
cheers for the points, any chance of some more mate.
2006-10-30 21:59:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeh you say cheers when you drink and when someone does you a favor a lot of people call them each other mate
2006-10-30 22:06:47 · answer #10 · answered by emmiemoo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋