Crude language
Posted by ESC on March 05, 2003
In Reply to: Crude language posted by Word Camel on March 05, 2003
: : : : I translate part of a movie (tomb
raider) and I have to translate into Hebrew the expression "holy ****". that is
why I want to understand the exact meaning of it and of course in the right context:
:
: : : It's when Lara gets a letter from her dead father and Bryce says: "Blimey"
and Hillary says: "Holy shh..."
: : : : To me it sounds like surprise, or amazement.
:
: : : Thank you
: : : Yes, it is an expression of surprise and amazement. The news is shocking. But there is a comic element in my opinion. A person wouldn't say "Holy sh*t!" about something tragic. A similar expression would be "Wow!"
: : "Blimey" is a very British expression of amazement. "Holy s***" is--I suspect but do not know--a very American expression of amazement. This may make a difference to your translation.
: The British English equivalent of "holy ****" would probably be "bloody hell".
: Choosing this particular expression of amazement in American English is probably meant to convey a certain coarseness or possibly street-wiseness in the the person speaking. This sort of street-wise banter has been considered increasingly more admirable since the 1950's because it gives the person speaking and air of authenticity. This is not necessarily a good thing in my opinion.
: I have heard people of all classes in the UK swearing with gusto and panache. It's more wide spread than it is in the US - as I have discovered to my cost - but it is seldom crude and often used with an element of self mockery.
I am away from my library but I'll do some research this evening on the evolution of "Holy sh*t!" I figure some people would find the "holy" as offensive as the "sh*t". Variations: Holy moly. Holy smokes. Holy crap.
- I have
several theories Word Camel 03/05/03
- I have several
theories Miri Barak 03/05/03
- I meant thanks to all of you Miri
Barak 03/05/03
- Holy phrases!! ESC 03/06/03
- Holy phrases!! Miri Barak 03/07/03
- Holy phrases!! ESC 03/06/03
- I meant thanks to all of you Miri
Barak 03/05/03
- I have several
theories Miri Barak 03/05/03