Being British: Act IX

[rita_skeeter]

Just as a general rule, please do NOT create your own new Being British threads in future. That's a task I keep for myself only. ;)

As you all know, this thread is for all things to do with Britain, and that includes customs, school, food, work, etc.

Please do remember that we do have a large base of users who join us from the UK and Ireland on these boards, and we've had plenty of reponses from them in the past. Therefore, please could ONLY Brits answer things in here.

Make sure you're polite at all times - particularly if you're correcting/disagreeing with an answer some has posted previously. Remember we all make mistakes and deserve to be treated with respect. Points will be deducted if you are attacking users personally.

And as always, you're reminded that there is time difference for all of you living anywhere but in GMT zones, so you may have a while to wait before someone replies to your post. Be patient, please!

So have fun, and enjoy your discussions!

[Padfoot Patronus]

So, I'm wondering that once British students leave colleges or so, do they live independently? leave their childhood homes and rent places? Or do they usually live together in the family home?

I'm writing about James Potter. Given post-hogwarts, where does he live? With parents or without?

Thanks,

Akay

[emmaholloway]

I think at 18 when they leave school they are more likely to stay at home, but I really don't think that it has much to do with being in Britain, and there really isn't a commonly accepted move for people to do. Alot ot it would depend on money, as renting somewhere to live can obviously be very expensive, especially in places like London.

I think it more depends on the character though. Would James want to stay at home and be looked after by his parents, have his meals cooked and his clothes washed for him ect, or would he want to prove he could be independent?

[Equinox Chick]

So, I'm wondering that once British students leave colleges or so, do they live independently? leave their childhood homes and rent places? Or do they usually live together in the family home?

I'm writing about James Potter. Given post-hogwarts, where does he live? With parents or without?

Thanks,

Akay

I think generally speaking, in the 70's and 80's most students wouldn't go back home to live with their parents. Once you've made the move out to independence it's very hard to go back to living in the family home. I think it unlikely that James would return home- (he'd probably rent a place with Sirius!) .

If you were writing about these days, however, most students can't afford to rent or buy a place of their own so many more are staying at home - much to the annoyance of their parents who probably want rid of them.

[coolh5000]

So, I'm wondering that once British students leave colleges or so, do they live independently? leave their childhood homes and rent places? Or do they usually live together in the family home?

I'm writing about James Potter. Given post-hogwarts, where does he live? With parents or without?

Thanks,

Akay

It varies but I would say in the case of James he would most likely have left home. Plus, he and Lily got married fairly soon after Hogwarts - which would have meant they'd have moved into the house at Godric's Hollow. It could be that he went home briefly and then once they were married moved out, or he and Lily could have started living together before marriage, or he could have stayed with Siriue.

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

So, I'm wondering that once British students leave colleges or so, do they live independently? leave their childhood homes and rent places? Or do they usually live together in the family home?

I'm writing about James Potter. Given post-hogwarts, where does he live? With parents or without?

Thanks,

Akay

I would say that he would have gone straight to living by himself, especially since he was a wizard. I would say that he would want to be independent after living by himself for his school. However just a quick note muggle students go to college at 16 until 18, it can also be called a sixth form and mainly for the first year its living with parents and second most people tend to live by themselves. Just incase you wanted to include any muggle parts to your story!

Hope I could help!

[emmaholloway]

However just a quick note muggle students go to college at 16 until 18, it can also be called a sixth form and mainly for the first year its living with parents and second most people tend to live by themselves. Just incase you wanted to include any muggle parts to your story!



I know this doesn't have to do with the question at all but I wouldn't agree with that. I've only ever heard of one girl leaving home during the second year of sixth form, and that was because her parents were very rich and bought her a flat for her eighteenth birthday. Also College and Sixthform are quite different. Sixthforms are generally connected to schools, and will be pretty much completely 16 - 18 year olds and focus on A Levels. Colleges offer a much wider range of subjects, often more vocational, and be a wider range of ages.

[solemnlyswear_x]

What are ice cream trucks called in Britain, and what song do they play when they drive around? Wikipedia said they're ice cream vans and play "Greensleeves" (as opposed to the American "The Entertainer"), but I honestly have no clue if that's accurate or not. Oh, and any specific names of ice cream sold would help, too. *clueless*

I know it's a random question, but any answers would really help me out!
Melissa :)

[apollo13]

Yeah, we call them Ice Cream Vans, but I don't think they play Greensleeves. :confused: I don't know what the actual tune is - how important is it to the story? Because you could just describe it as a "tinkling tune". :)

~Evie

[Heather25x]

Yeah they are definitely called Ice Cream Vans and usually play either "Greensleeves" or "Pop Goes The Weasel" lol.


~Heather

[coolh5000]

Yes, we call them ice cream vans. I'm not sure of the specific song either but it's something that you always just know when you hear it. Whenever you hear it you know what's coming. You could just describe it as the familiar tune.

As for specific ice creams. Most vans will sell Mr Whippy in cones and you can get single or double cones, some might do waffle cones, you can get it in a little tubs or also in plastic cone-shaped things which have a ball of bubblegum at the bottom and are called screwballs. You can usually add a flake or some sort of sauce, strawberry, chocolate etc. I used to call a cone with a flake a 99, I think because they used to cost 99p but don't know if that's still used.

Then in addition to the ice creams you get lollies.
Some examples are:
Fruit Pastille Lolly
Mini Milk
Calypo (not sure if I've spelt that right)
Some sort of plain fruit lolly - orange/strawberry
Split

Oh wow, I can't actually think of any more. I guess I'm too set in my ways for what I usually have.

Also, ice cream vans sometimes then have a selection of drinks and sweets.

Hope this helps

[apollo13]

Yeah, they're still called 99s, but they don't cost 99p anymore!!!

Don't forget Solero Shots, Feats, Fab, Magnum, and the wonderful CORNETTO!

:D

~Evie

[Equinox Chick]

With regard to ice creams- it would depend what era you're writing about. If it's a Marauder era story then charging 99p for a 99 cone is the sort of thing they used to do in 70's to rip off unsuspecting tourists! That could work for conning wizards too. Ice creams of that era would influde FAB, FEAST, Mini Milk, Orange Mivvy, Lemonade Fizz and Strawberry Split. Also choc ices were popular.(ice cream encased in chocolate, sold in a block.)

In the 80's (Tonks era perhaps) Cornettos were coming in.

In the 90's and now Magnums, and the fruit pastille ones, Solero's, Calypo's.

You can't get FAB's any more or Orange Mivvy's.

I don't think they play Greensleeves it seems to be a familiar tinkling tune but I don't know what it is. It's NOT The Entertainer- I do know that.

Hope this helps.

[apollo13]

You can get FABs. I love Fabs. :confused:

spamspamspam

~Evie

[solemnlyswear_x]

Thanks to everyone for all their help! The fic in question is a Marauders Era, by the way. And I don't think I'll actually mention the name of the song - it was more because I was curious. ;)

And just to be clear, I'd be safe using strawberry lollies, screwballs, and Fabs in a Marauders Era fic (a la 1971), right?

Thanks! :)
- Melissa

[apollo13]

Yup, that would be fine. :)

505050505050505050

~Evie

[Lyratearsx]

Dudes, need some help quick!

What would sneakers be called?
What do you call shades (the things you put over windows so people can't see in)?
And in the early 2000s, did you have any cult TV shows?

Thank you!

~Lyra

[Elf]

I can't help with the third question, but I'll try the other two. Anyone else please feel free to correct me.

Sneakers are runners.
Shades would be blinds.

[apollo13]

What do you mean by cult tv shows? :confused:

~Evie

[Equinox Chick]

I would have had Sneakers as Trainers- I've not heard of Runners (it might be a regional thing)

Shades- Yep blinds unless they're more like curtains so they could be net curtains.

Cult TV shows of 2000's. Comedy or action? Buffy had a good cult following here. Seinfeld was a bit more cultish because it was shown late so no-one saw it (I know it was HUGE is USA but never took off here). If you mean a programme that's inspired huge devotion then something like Star Trek, Dr Who or Blake's 7. The latter hasn't been on for 20 years but that doesn't stop it's fans desperate to get it back on air. Dr Who is a bit more populist now though.

I'll see if I can think of a few more as I'm a bit of a TV addict.

[Heather25x]

I second that sneakers are called trainers. In HP they're referred to as trainers so i think that'd be the safest option...

And i agree with everyone about the shades being called blinds or curtains. And here's a little extra info lol - shades can mean sunglasses, although that's probably "sunnies" lol. Just thought i'd throw that in there because when you first said "shades" i thought you meant sunglasses.

Let's see, popular TV shows...for children's TV shows, i remember everyone used to watch Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Rugrats, Scooby Doo...stuff like that:) If that's what you meant? And a sort of, grown up show, well, i was a kid in the 90s lol, but i agree that Buffy and Dr Who in particular were big:D And Star Trek...yeah, that was around the 90s. Star Trek:Voyager started in 1995, so if you're going to have your characters watching a Star Trek it'd be Voyager *stops being a geeky Star Trek fan*


~Heather <3

[Equinox Chick]

Just had another thought- In 90's lots of students used to get drunk and watch Teletubbies- I kid you not!

There was a whole cult phenomenon about Tinky-Winky (the purple one) because he was supposed to be gay- because he was Purple, carried a handbag and had a triangle on his head.

But that's probably a bit extreme- it was shortlived (I hope).

Lyra- What ages are your characters for and what year are they watching the TV?

[BE Evans]

Quick Question: How do Brits address their grandparents?

[apollo13]

Grandma/Granddad
Grandmother/Grandfather
Granny/Gramps

Or, for a Grandmother, also Nana or Nan. I don't think there are any others for Grandad, but don't quote me on that . . .

EDIT: Ha, sorry, typo there. ;)

~Evie

[BE Evans]

Thanks, I just needed to know the grandmother one anyway. By the way, Grandad is actually Granddad.

What sort of petnames do grandmothers commonly use?

Is 'Whoa there!' a used term? I not what would a phrase be for 'settle down'?

Which is more British in narration: 'she hated to disagree with her mum' or 'she hated to disagree with her mom'?

Is 'hey' a common greeting?

[Phoenix13]

Just a quick question, more for curiosity than anything else, though I'm sure I'll use this phrase a lot in the story I'm writing.

My dad told me that Brits never say "you guys" like Americans. Is that true, and if so, what's the British version?

[Heather25x]

Brooke - Grandparents always seem to call their grandchildren "pet" or "duck":)

It would be "mum". Always "mum" in British.

"Woah there" wouldn't really be used. If you wanted to say "Settle down" then they would say "Settle down" or "Calm down" or probably "Quiet down".

"Hey" is a common greeting among young teenagers. Adults and older generations wouldn't really use "hey" unless they were..."cool" lol.

Phoenix13 - I think it is again a young persons thing, but i know that all my friends and I say "you guys". It's kind of like "you guys don't know about that kind of thing" or "i missed you guys", but if you want a really British equivalent, i would say use "You lot". That's very British:) "I missed you lot", or "You lot are so stupid" or "I made this for you lot"...you get my point:D

Hope i helped you both:)


~Heather

[moonymaniac]

Hello, I was wondering if Brits use the term patsy for someone who is easily duped/deceived. You know, "They swindled him out of every Knut he had. He's such a patsy!"

Thank you.

[Equinox Chick]

I agree with 'Mum' rather than 'Mom'. We just don't say it.

We would say 'Hey' or perhaps 'Hi' or 'Alright'.

A lot of this depends on the era you're writing. In Marauder Era then Americanisms like "You Guys" were only just coming in. When The Godfather came out (early 70'S?) my boss told me that all the youth of the town would dress up in gangster clothes and pretend to be American- with awful accents needless to say.

These days phrases like 'You guys' are common because we watch so much American TV- although wizards and witches wouldn't.

Patsy- you could use fool, dupe or dope. You're right that 'Patsy' is very definately an American term but it's such a great term with such a specific meaning I'm struggling to think of something with the same emphasis.

[potterfan48]

Hi Y'all (just a little Amercanism)

Two questions:
Do the British have a term for swimming naked. I my section of America it is referred to as 'Skinny dipping'. This is actually a pretty universal term, but it is hard to tell anymore with the diversity in slang.

One of my favourite Brit Coms has a character who is a 'turf accountant'. I always assumed that he was (what I would call) a real estate agent. If that is true, than is that term commanly used, because I would like to keep up the appearance of being very properly British.

po

[apollo13]

Skinny dipping is fine, I don't know what a turf accountant is, but that may just be my ignorance.

~Evie

[CakeorDeath]

A turf accountant is an other word for a bookie Wiki link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bookie).


Real Estate Agents are just called Estate Agents

[padfoot_returns]

I was wondering if they say OMG!! as much as Americans do. And if not, what do they say instead?

xxRiham

[James Jameson]

I'm not quite sure... but somewhere in my ignorant Canadian mind, I can remember someone saying that women in Europe do not shave their underarms or legs. Is this true *at all* or in Britain?

Thanks!

[Equinox Chick]

I was wondering if they say OMG!! as much as Americans do. And if not, what do they say instead?.

These days we do say "Oh My God" but it's more drawn out than you would say plus we emphasise every word. It's not as drawn out as Janice from Friends though! If you're writing about an earlier era (Marauder 70's or Weasley 80's) then perhaps "For God's sake" or a 'Jesus!" (although the latter was considered quite blasphemous, the former,oddly, is considered fine.) There was also a phrase 'Gordon Bennet' I have no idea where that came from - perhaps someone else can enlighten me but it's the sort of thing Lily would have heard her parents use.


I'm not quite sure... but somewhere in my ignorant Canadian mind, I can remember someone saying that women in Europe do not shave their underarms or legs. Is this true *at all* or in Britain?

It's true in Mediterranean Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Greece etc) but in Britain we are very much hair free-unless you want donkey taunts shouted at you *snorts to self*. I don't know about Scandinavian/Northern Europe though.

Mind-you that might have changed, meaning that the Mediterranean European girls might be much less hairy these days, British girls still wax or shave EVERYWHERE- but we're less obsessed (sorry if this is a generalisation) than the Californian babe or Bergdorf Blonde.

Hope that helps!

[emmaholloway]

I was wondering if they say OMG!! as much as Americans do. And if not, what do they say instead?

xxRiham

Like Equinox Chick said but you could also use 'Oh my gosh' and 'Oh my goodness', which could also be shortened down to just the end words like 'gosh' or 'goodness'.

[Shev]

These days we do say "Oh My God" but it's more drawn out than you would say plus we emphasise every word. It's not as drawn out as Janice from Friends though! If you're writing about an earlier era (Marauder 70's or Weasley 80's) then perhaps "For God's sake" or a 'Jesus!" (although the latter was considered quite blasphemous, the former,oddly, is considered fine.) There was also a phrase 'Gordon Bennet' I have no idea where that came from - perhaps someone else can enlighten me but it's the sort of thing Lily would have heard her parents use.

'Gordon Bennett' would definitely have been a usable Marauder Era phrase. I primarily remember it from various TV shows - Red Dwarf, Steptoe and Son and Only Fools and Horses - all British sitcoms from 1960-1990. My Dad also tended to use it fairly regularly when I was growing up, so definitely something Muggle's would have heard.

Apparently Bill Bryson unearthed a likely history of the phrase:

James Gordon Bennett, a newspaper baron, liked to announce his arrival in a restaurant by yanking the tablecloths from all the tables he passed. He would then hand the manager a wad of cash with which to compensate his victims for their lost meals and spattered attire. Though long forgotten in his native land, Bennett and his exploits were once world famous, and indeed his name lives on in England in the cry, 'Gordon Bennett!'.

[Mistletoe]

Just going to go ahead and ask if Brits use the term dining room for where you eat? I always feel so silly whenever I post questions in here >.<

--Kat

EDIT>> Eurgh thanks, Shev. I feel even more silly nowwww.

[Shev]

Just going to go ahead and ask if Brits use the term dining room for where you eat? I always feel so silly whenever I post questions in here >.<

--Kat

Yep, we do. :)

Now, if only I had an interesting story about a dining table to pad this out to 50 characters....

[quibblequill]

Hello, I was wondering if Brits use the term patsy for someone who is easily duped/deceived. You know, "They swindled him out of every Knut he had. He's such a patsy!"

'Patsy'? I've never heard the term. Is that regional?

Anyway, I was wondering what my OC's mum would call him and his little brother as pet names. I'm thinking of doing a flashback when they're really, really small, say, three-and-four-ish.

[Equinox Chick]

Anyway, I was wondering what my OC's mum would call him and his little brother as pet names. I'm thinking of doing a flashback when they're really, really small, say, three-and-four-ish.

I can't speak for everyone but my mum came up with all sorts of names for us as we were growing up- usually related to our size. (If you look at the names Petunia calls Dudley you get the idea- although they're quite extreme.)

Some I've thought of off the top of my head are:-
'little chick' 'dumpling' 'sweetie' 'kitten' 'angel'

Or you could relate it to their names. I have a son called Charlie and have often called him 'Charlie Chuckles' - it's the alliteration that makes me think it's cute I guess.

Or maybe something they called themselves because they couldn't say their names properly when they were little. So Fred and George may have been Fwed and Gorg. Hermione coulkd have been 'My-knee'

Hope that helps.

[Heather25x]

Equinox Chick basically has it all lol, but also a mother might call a daughter "Poppet" or "Sweetheart" :)

Oh and i've never heard the term "Patsy" lol, just thought i would say that.



~Heather

[Equinox Chick]

Just had another thought


Originally Posted by moonymaniac

Hello, I was wondering if Brits use the term patsy for someone who is easily duped/deceived. You know, "They swindled him out of every Knut he had. He's such a patsy!"

If you're using a term to describe the victim of a con then they may call the victim 'the mark'

'Patsy'? I've never heard the term. Is that regional?

Lee Harvey Oswald shouted "It wasn't me. I'm a patsy" several times when he was being arrested following the assassination of JFK meaning that he was the scapegoat or fallguy I think.

[BleedINink]

What is the department of motor vehicles called, where a character would go to get his licence, permit, register a car and such?

[h_vic]

It's the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), but you don't tend to go there (just send off the forms), and I think road tax can still be paid at the post office (or sending off a form and check, by card over the phone or on-line).

For taking your test there are driving test centres spread around the country (most cities will have at least one).

Hope some of that was what you were looking for,

~Hannah

[BleedINink]

Ok, say Ron is going to get his licence, he would :

Send in for his permit, pay road taxes and then go to the driving test centre or... :confused:

Please help the poor American :(

[Equinox Chick]

I can't drive *sigh* as have failed my test three times (Darn it I wish I could confund the examiner!) but firstly we call it a licence not permit ;)

he wouldn't pay road taxes and/or insurance until he'd passed his test.

Since 1997 in this country all drivers have had to sit a theory test, and pass it, before they can take their actual driving test. It's in multiple choice format and is quite easy. On getting these results you apply for a test - this will come through for about a months time but you can opt take a cancellation which could be any empty slot.

On the day of the test the examiner will first check your eyesight by asking you to read a car number plate in the car park- you are allowed to wear glasse f you need them.
Then you'll take your test. It's essential that you can perform a three point turn, emergency stop and reversing round a corner. There's another element as well but I've erased it from my brain- sorry I really can't remember it.

Then if you pass (and this is what i've been told because I've never experienced it :mad: )
he/she will congratulate you. He or she will then drive you back to the test centre or where ever the test started because you are now a fully fledged driver but can't drive the instructors car because you're no longer insured to drive it. The Instructor's car is only insured for his students and himself- does that make sense. The instructor will give you a slip of paper that you send off to the DVLA to get your proper licence. However I'm not sure if you have to wait until that's come through or not. I think you get a temporary one until the permanant one gets sent out but don't quote me.

If you fail then you'll be told what you failed on and given a piece of paper with everything you failed on. This can be quite extensive. The failed student may then sulkily leave the car or burst into tears if she happens to be 8m pregnant! :D

Blimey that's just brought back lots of horrid memories- ha ha.

[BleedINink]

Thanks. That helps alot.


*Mental image: Ron 8 months pregnant :eek: *

[coolh5000]

Just thought i'd add a bit to what Equinox Chick said.

Until you have passed your test you have what's called a provisional license which is green and shows that you're not yet a qualified driver.

The other element in addition to the emergency stop, three-point turn (they call it a turn in the road in the test because if it's a narrow road you can take more than three points.), and reverse round a corner is the parallel park (I think they might call it a reverse park.).

When I took my test (both times!) you had to drive back to the test centre as part of it and so didn't get told you'd passed/failed until then. If you do pass, you can drive straight away and I was told to use my certificate as proof until the real license arrived (which is pink by the way)

A word on actually learning. If Ron is learning with an instructor then he would use their car for the test but it would be possible for someone else to accompany him if they're over 21 and have had their license for at least 3 years. In that case, he would need to be insured on that car and it would need to be taxed etc.

Also, Equinox Chick I didn't realise the reason behind not being allowed to drive back from the test centre. The time I failed I assumed it was because I was crying too much to actually see the road, but I thought I would when I passed but wasn't allowed again.

[Equinox Chick]

*Mental image: Ron 8 months pregnant *
That will make me smile for the rest of the day.

Real reason for coming back on is that I think there's a bit in the test now where you have to show you know a bit about how the car works, how to change the oil and the like.

I can just see Arthur giving Ron lots of advice and being totally wrong! :)

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

I would just like to add to CoolH500 and Equinox Chick, where I'm from you have and I mean HAVE to sit your theory in either the Civic Center or in the Town Hall, where people from the council work,(people who run the city). I don't know if this applies to everywhere I just know it has to be done where I live.

- Hana

[kehribar]

I'm writing a 19th century fic that takes place in Britain, and I can do with all sorts of recommendations about the culture and environment specifically in London by that time. I'd be very grateful if any Brit can provide me with link, book title, etc. on that point, or share his/her knowladge on the points. What I especially need to know is everyday occurances; life on the streets, manners of speech between social classes, what a dinner table looked like, etc.

Thanks a lot in advance.

[Heather25x]

I would say - read a Jane Austen book lol. Seriously. Factual books tend to skim on the whole social side of things, like dinner parties etc. So yeah, i would recommend reading a book by Jane Austen or another author around that time. My recommendation would be fictional but i suppose other people will have ther opinions:)

I would post stuff here about the 19th century but it would be too long. It'd be easier for you if you read up on it.

I hope that was somewhat helpful lol.


~Heather

[emmaholloway]

Charles Dickens too, but he focuses pretty much on the opposite side of the social spectrum to Jane Austen, and is more focused on London.

By the begining of the 19th century Britain had just undergone the industrial revolution.
There is alot of information about that here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Revolution)

Want to know about fashion? Try here (http://www.angelfire.com/ar3/townevictorian/victorianfashion.html)

The King at the beginning of the century was George III, then George IV in 1820, then William IV from 1830 and then from 1837 was Queen Victoria.

[Equinox Chick]

Jane Austen is excellent for the social standing of the middle and upper classes. She deals brilliantly with what they call landed gentry and the importance of being a 'gentleman' or a 'lady'.

Dickens is very Victorian- his working class portrayals are excellent and he's very good at exposing hypocrisy.

I think it depends very much on which class you're focusing on. If you were poor in those times you were very poor.

Here are some points I remember from my history class.

If you couldn't eat you went to the workhouse and often people died there.
Lots of prostitution, lots of gin drinking amongst the lower classes. Hogarths portrait Gin Lane is a good portrait to look at.
Plumbing in London was still awful. Cholera and typhoid and TB were rife. Many children would not survive beyond the age of 5.
The industrial revolution brought in a lot of people from the rural areas who were looking for work- they often didn't find it.
The French revolution coupled with the industrial revolution caused unrest here.
The Royal family were not very popular. Queen Victoria survived at least 7 assassination attempts. Towards the end of her reign when she'd formed an Empire she was well-loved.
Also convicts around this time were shipped off to Australia.

Sorry can't think of a book to recommend but if you have a specific question I'll try and help.

[kehribar]

Thank you all for the suggestions, tips and the links. They were all helpful.

I have one specific question: I read that there was a strong prejudice towards the Irish among the British upper-classes by that time. In that context, do you think a young wizard artist would willingly go and work with an Irish painter? I'd like to think that the Wizarding community was not a complete mirror of the Muggle community in terms of social life and/or stratification, so does it make sense if I make it clear that the British and Irish wizards did not share the Muggles' prejudices?

[poolycat]

Hi, I'm not sure how strong the prejudice was against the Irish in the 19th century. But Ireland is majority Catholic (especially in the south) very upper class britain tends to be Church of England (protestant), there has been some prejudice between the two denominations since the church of england was created so it is likely the prejudice you mean will have come from this. So for a wizard there shouldn't really be much prejudice as they don't seem to have any religious belief.

For politics around prejudices against the Irish at that time try looking up the 'Irish Government Bill 1886' and the 'Second Irish Home Rule Bill 1894' the arguments against them will give you an idea of upper class conservative prejudices.

Hope this helps and isn't too confusing

[Kristen Floss]

Well, they were caused by religion. And as wizards don't have a religion, I don't think they'd be overly bothered.

Hope I helped!

Kristen xD

[Equinox Chick]

I have one specific question: I read that there was a strong prejudice towards the Irish among the British upper-classes by that time.

I think there was a prejudice generally against the Irish more pronounced in the working classes. This is certainly true around 1845 because of the Irish Potato Famine. Basically the Irish didn't have anything to eat and were literally starving to death. This resulted in many of them emigrating to Britain and America. They tended to come to cities for work but were competeing with many other people who'd fled the country following the Industrial revolution.

Amongst the Upper Classes I don't think there'd be a specific prejudice against the Irish - just a prejudice against the working class! The upper-classes have always been generous patrons of the Arts so as long as your Irish painter was talented I think they'd be quite enamoured of him. They probably wouldn't want their daughter to marry him but they'd quite willingly have him in the house. I don't see a problem with your wizard artist going to work with him at all.

[Kcharles]

Is the word "couch" British? And if it's not, what would be used?

[coolh5000]

I think couch might be used depending on where you live but I would always use sofa instead.

[Horsesbella219]

Where i live, we would probably use Couch, Sofa or Setee, the last 2 more predominantly.

[Equinox Chick]

Couch can be used.

I think we're more likely to say sofa. For some reason my mum always said 'settee' I think she thought it was posher than couch. The social distinction goes over my head though.:)

[CakeorDeath]

I always thought that 'sofa' is more posh than 'settee'.

[Kcharles]

Thanks a bunch! I'll change it to sofa.

~Katherine

[BleedINink]

Is it true that in the UK you can't get your licence until you are 17?

And what is a common theory question, please and thank you!

[CakeorDeath]

Is it true that in the UK you can't get your licence until you are 17?

And what is a common theory question, please and thank you!

Yep and it is very difficult to get insurance before you 21 (particulary if you're a boy).

Link to goverement website on theory tests. (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/TheoryTest/index.htm)

Hope I helped. :)

ETA: They don't seem to have much on the type of questions, sorry.

ETA,A: Here's a link (http://www.learnerstuff.co.uk/software-cd-roms/focus-theory-test-dvd.htm) with a free mock test, scroll down.

[BleedINink]

Thank you for all your help! But the link wouldn't open. :/

[CakeorDeath]

Thank you for all your help! But the link wouldn't open. :/

Which link?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/TheoryTest/index.htm


http://www.learnerstuff.co.uk/software-cd-roms/focus-theory-test-dvd.htm (http://www.learnerstuff.co.uk/software-cd-roms/focus-theory-test-dvd.htm)

Hope they work or you can just copy/paste.

[BleedINink]

Is the theory test written or computerized? The first link worked, I had to register at the site to take a mock test. You have some odd questions! Thanks!:)

Edit: What is a bay? As in "You see and meter zone sign, during the times list on the sign you should:A. park in a bay and pay."

Edit, again: Hey I got 32 out of 47, I failed but I did a good job of it! :D

[coolh5000]

It's computerised. The question part is done using a touch screen and there are 50 questions which you have to answer. The pass mark is 43. For the hazard perception, where you have to watch videos and click when you see a hazard, you use the mouse.

A bay is a marked parking space, I think.

[garyf]

Yep and it is very difficult to get insurance before you 21 (particulary if you're a boy).

That's not true. It's the same as everyone else's application, it's just likely the insurance will be 5-15 times as much depending on the car and where you live. I didn't have problems getting insurance at 17 for a car (I passed my test on my 17th birthday), which was an alfa romeo - known petrolhead's kind of car, not an insurance friendly type of car at all. I did check the insurance against an Astra and it was about £300 a year cheaper, but I was never going to be driving a Vauxhall through choice. The only difficulty involved is the ability to afford the insurance in addition to running costs if your parentals aren't bankrolling it.

I've been driving 7 years now and despite various off-road incidents driving through Wales, I've not had to claim, so my insurance is rather decent considering the cars I drive.

[coolh5000]

While it's not impossible to get insurance (I'm 17 and am insured on a Nissan Micra, having only passed my test in March) it does tend to cost quite a bit more until you reach 21. It's also true that insurance for males can be more expensive than for girls. I think the reasoning behind it is that drivers under 21 have been proved to be more likely to need to claim on their insurance, especially boys.

Also, as a matter of interest how did you pass your test on your 17th birthday when you can't get your provisional licence until you're 17? Did you learn on private land or something?

[Heather25x]

That's not true. It's the same as everyone else's application, it's just likely the insurance will be 5-15 times as much depending on the car and where you live. I didn't have problems getting insurance at 17 for a car (I passed my test on my 17th birthday), which was an alfa romeo - known petrolhead's kind of car, not an insurance friendly type of car at all.

No i don't think it was meant like that. Like, if you were a 17 year old boy who said to his parents "I'm applying for car insurance" they'd go "Ha! Good luck," but if you're a girl they'd go "OK...it might be hard though, as you're young". It's not necessarily done that way, like insurance dealers won't say "He's a boy - no insurance for him", it's just generally thought that for boys it's a big deal to get insurance as you get these boy-racer types.



~Heather

[OliveOil_Med]

I have a chapter coming up where I need a British wizarding family to go on holiday for Christmas. I need an idea for possible places that the British jetset might go for Christmas. Locations in other countries of Europe would be prefered.

Thank you!

[beccleroo]

I have one specific question: I read that there was a strong prejudice towards the Irish among the British upper-classes by that time.

One of the reasons there was prejudice was because the British had ruled Ireland. They were the ruling class and had stripped the Irish of all their rights. But it was definitely a religious issue. However, I could see an Irish wizard being suspicious of a rich British wizard.

[Equinox Chick]

I have a chapter coming up where I need a British wizarding family to go on holiday for Christmas. I need an idea for possible places that the British jetset might go for Christmas. Locations in other countries of Europe would be prefered.

Ooh lots of possibilities. Monte-Carlo if you're rich and want to mingle with the jet-set whilst gambling. Tenerife (or any Canary Island) if you want nice weather. Same for Southern Spain. Greek Islands, Sardinia (that's pretty popular amongst the jet-set I believe). If it's me I like to go somewhere warm and that's it but some might want to do something more traditional so would head for Germany (winter festivals) or Scandinavia. Or maybe even Lapland to see Father Christmas.:)

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

I have a chapter coming up where I need a British wizarding family to go on holiday for Christmas. I need an idea for possible places that the British jetset might go for Christmas. Locations in other countries of Europe would be prefered.

My friend for the past six years has gone abroad for Christmas, here's a list of where she went;

Mexico, India, Australia, Egypt, New York( because she thought it always looked nice and colourful) and Tenerife

Hope this could help

[OliveOil_Med]

Well, I'll definantly keep Monte-Carlo in mind (maybe for Easter vacation. Oh, I'm definantly keeping that one!). But for Christmas, I would like to see them go somewhere snowy. I like the idea of the Alps, Scaninavia, and the Laplans, but I'd like to hear a few more suggestions before I get my heart set on any location.

Also, I'd like to see the Malfoys stay in Europe, if that's alright.

[garyf]

Also, as a matter of interest how did you pass your test on your 17th birthday when you can't get your provisional licence until you're 17? Did you learn on private land or something?

You can get your provisional in advance so it arrives in time for your 17th. I learnt to drive at a young age on private land, and used to drive round circuits and airfields near where I lived.


No i don't think it was meant like that. Like, if you were a 17 year old boy who said to his parents "I'm applying for car insurance" they'd go "Ha! Good luck," but if you're a girl they'd go "OK...it might be hard though, as you're young". It's not necessarily done that way, like insurance dealers won't say "He's a boy - no insurance for him", it's just generally thought that for boys it's a big deal to get insurance as you get these boy-racer types.

Most 17 year olds end up on their parents insurance according to figures released a few years ago, or end up 3rd party for their first year. As I said, almost every insurance company will take you as a 17 year old boy, they'll just charge an amount the kid probably can't afford. The "good luck" attitude is a bit dated. Some insurance companies now specifically target new drivers.

Since you can't legally drive without insurance, it's a big deal to everyone.

[coolh5000]

I have a chapter coming up where I need a British wizarding family to go on holiday for Christmas. I need an idea for possible places that the British jetset might go for Christmas. Locations in other countries of Europe would be prefered.

If you want somewhere snowy and in Europe then I know a few people who go skiing over christmas, usually to the Alps, either Switzerland/Austria/France etc.

If it's for the Malfoys, I can't quite see them going to lapland but I could imagine them in a very expensive ski resort.

Other than that I can't think of anywhere my friends might go that hasn't been mentioned.

[Equinox Chick]

Ah-ha it's the Malfoys. I can't see them going to Tenerife or anywhewre warm at all!

If you want a ski resort then how about Klosters- in Switzerland. It's where the Royal family go every year so it's expensive but not too flashy.

[emmaholloway]

Skiing isn't something that wizards do. Remember when Hermione was supposed to go skiing over christmas in OOTP and she told harry not to tell Ron she wasn't interested because he didn't see what was so great about it, or something?

The Malfoys would definitely not partake in a muggle sport.

[myownmuggle]

As a gentle reminder, please keep in mind that specific information related to a character(s) and their potential actions should be posted in that character(s)'s thread, not here.

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

I have just had a really random thought about this, what about Antartic or the Artic, because it is very remote so Muggles won't find them and because Wizards can perform charms to heat things/places up maybe there is a holiday park type of thing there especially for the Wizarding World, where it doesn't seem as warm as what it actually is and they can't be found out by Muggles.

Maybe? :confused:

- Hana

[Hufflepuff at Heart]

I think this is the right place to post this...feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!

Could anyone give me the names of some seaside villages/towns in Britain that Wizards might go on holiday to? Maybe beside a railway line (although I suppose most of them are...).

I should probably know some, since I live next door to you guys, but there you go!

Thanks!

[coolh5000]

There are loads!

I'll give you a few I know of, having been to a few.

Tywyn (a very small Welsh seaside town, on the railway line.
Great Yarmouth (quite a big town, on the east coast of england, part of Norfolk)
Gorleston (close to great yarmouth but a lot smaller. Has a traditional beach with fish and chips/ice creams/tack souvenir shops etc.
Blackpool is a huge one and quite well-known!
There are loads of places in Cornwall, here (http://www.cornwalls.co.uk/towns.htm) is a link to some but remember not all are coastal
Rhyl and Llandudno are both in Wales, though don't know much about them.
Brighton
Weston-super-Mare
According to The Times (Here (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/england/article544674.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1) is the link to the article) the top seven are:
Swanage
Tenby
Whitby
Padstow
St Andrews
Southwold
Criccieth

There's a few - not sure how helpful that will be but to be honest there are loads and loads of seaside towns and I don't know if there are any that might be specific to wizards.

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

I second coolh500 in saying Whitby would be amazing because this is where "Dracula's " Castle is, so it gives off that spooky feeling, its a very gothic town, but the people are amazing and very kind and open minded.

Here is a link (http://www.whitby-uk.com/cgi-bin/site.nav/whitby.pl?page=dracula) to a website on Whitby, it opens on a page about Dracula.

Hope this helped.

- Hannah x

[AurorKeefy]

Firstly, might I point out that coolh5000's list is extremely suitable, and searching for any of those locations on the internet will have you set.

However, since Whitby has specifically been brought up, I'd like to add a couple of specific thoughts and anecdotes on the place. I don't pretend to be an authority on the place, I've only been once so far, and that was when I was quite a lot younger, but I'd like to say my piece anyway.

Whitby isn't really like the other seaside resort towns. I apologise if I cause any offence here (though I'm sure Whitby fans would agree with me), but the place is, frankly, wierd.

While most of the other seaside resorts are either picturesque in an almost "fluffy" way (like Tenby for instance) or else completely overun with bright lights and all things tacky (like Blackpool, Morecombe and many of the seaside resorts near me), Whitby is picturesque is a very grim and gothic way. It's not hard to imagine why it inspires people to write horror novels. I would never dream of calling Whitby ugly in the traditional sense, because its incredibly striking in what I regard as a very horrible way. From the very shape of the cliffs to the Abbey peering down upon the town, it is odd. It doesn't help that it's on the North Sea either, which I have long campaigned to be awarded the honour of "Grimmest Body of Water in the World".

The other thing about Whitby, is that so much of it seems to be caught in a time warp. This is very anecdotal, but when I went (way back in the mid nineties) half of the shops and decor didn't look like it had been changed since the 1950's. I remember having a real sense that the place had somehow kept out modernity altogether.

On another note, as a child (I forget whether this was before or after my visit) I read a series of books by my favourite Author, entitled The Whitby Witches. All my gothic and metalhead friends swear by Whitby, and regularly go on holiday there to have their photos taken in the Abbey, drink red wine, dance around the cliffs, and do all the other things I forsook when I chose flannel shirts and ripped jeans.

Anyway, the point is that Whitby is an odd and very magical place. Now depending upon what you want for your fiction, that may be extremely suitable, or extremely unsuitable. Do you want your wizard family in a muggle place? Or do you want some muggles in a wizarding place?

Well, those are my two cents, though I hope someone from the (very large) pro-Whitby lobby will come and explain my sentiments in a more positive light.

[OliveOil_Med]

I'm curious. I have list of thing that I wonder if they exist indiginously in England, Scotland, or Ireland:

Poision Ivy
Crayfish/Crawfish (like itty bitty lobsters)
Dolphins
Sea Lions
Whales
White Sand Beaches
Conch Shells

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

I'm curious. I have list of thing that I wonder if they exist indiginously in England, Scotland, or Ireland:

Poision Ivy
Crayfish/Crawfish (like itty bitty lobsters)
Dolphins
Sea Lions
Whales
White Sand Beaches
Conch Shells


Poison Ivy - Yes, it grows up the sides of houses, mainly mine, stupid thing and is very annoying.

Crayfish/Crawfish - Yes, they live in Freashwater sites and our native ones are under threat from non natives that have escaped from Farming sites.

Dolphins- Where I live in the North East on the coast, we used to get Dolphins visit us in the Summer months, I don't know if they still do or not near me, but they may in other parts of the country.

Sea Lions - Yes we do have these, in the very north east of England near the boarder of Scotland there is a little place called Lindisfarne and there is a place called Holy Island, which is a light house on an island just of the shore. Here they have a vast population of Sea Lions.

Whales - I don't know whether many people in different countries know about this but there has been many a time that a Whale has beached somewhere in England and they seem to have taken a fancy to the Thames River in London. Also on Isle of Skye, Scotland there are trips that run to go Whale Spotting, so they must obviously live there.

White Sand Beaches - I don't know about 'white' sand but there is some really nice beaches here is a link (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A113923)to a site which has 7, and these are all in the U.K.

Conch Shells - They aren't found here they are mainly found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Ocean. However people do buy them off the internet.

- Hope this could help you

- Hannah x

[apollo13]

Although our poision ivy is not as poisionous here as it is elsewhere. ;)

~Evie

[Hufflepuff at Heart]

I'm curious. I have list of thing that I wonder if they exist indiginously in England, Scotland, or Ireland:

Poision Ivy
Crayfish/Crawfish (like itty bitty lobsters)
Dolphins
Sea Lions
Whales
White Sand Beaches
Conch Shells


I'm not British, but I thought it would be okay to answer considering it was asked what it was like in Ireland.

However, if you don't want me to answer any questions here at all I will oblige!

I think it is mostly the same in Ireland; not sure if there is poison ivy or not (and probably should find out...I don't really want to go licking any or something...)

According to Whale Watch Westcork, there have been sightings of 24 species of whale in Ireland.

Here's a picture of my favourite beach in Ireland, Rossbeigh (' http://www.holidayskerry.com/images/rossbeigh_beachfront.jpg'), the sand would be typical of a beach from the southwest at least.

Hope I helped!

[Equinox Chick]

Could anyone give me the names of some seaside villages/towns in Britain that Wizards might go on holiday to? Maybe beside a railway line (although I suppose most of them are...). All the places suggested are good examples of British seaside resorts. Padstow has a train station called Bodmin Parkway but you'd need to get a taxi or bus from the station to get to the town (or you used to have to- I went by motor bike :D )

Brighton is very cosmopolitan. I don't know what era you're thinking about but since the 90's Brighton is the home of several celebs (Paul McCartney, Fat Boy Slim among others) and the prices of property and even beach huts are astronomical.

Cornwall could be the spot because of all the Arthurian legend associated with it. Tintagel, Merlin etc.

I did go to Whitby a long time ago - in the winter and it was very bleak. I can second the time warp shops and the fact that the lady in the corner shop wouldn't serve 'outsiders' until she'd served every single local in the shop first- HA!. Probably very different now- I went in the late 80's.

I don't know much about Wales, Scotland or Ireland I'm afraid. There's a strange resort in Wales called Port Meirion which was the setting for a very bizarre TV series- it's considered pretty magical and odd.

Olive Oil med White sand beaches- No I don't think you'll find them in Britain. Our sand is much more yellow. Southend has muddy dark sand.

Carole
xxx

[OliveOil_Med]

Thanks for answering questions. Here, these were things I thought only existed in America. And for some of the people who spoke about poison ivy, it is not actually poisonous. It's a name for a wild weed that causes anyone who touches it to break out in a very itchy, very painful rash. It's not poisonous, but you can imagine the pain you would be in if you licked it. Please don't go around licking wild plants in the States.

Toads yes, plants no. (Just kidding. Don't lick the toads. That could end up bad too).

Well, at least I now know we hold the distinction of counch shells and white (yes, actually white, and very fine) sand beaches.

But now I have some more questions:

What is a typical breakfast in the U.K.? It seemed like in the books, people weren't really big on pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, or protein drinks (granted, I don't see wizards drinking the last anyway).

Is definding a lady's honor very big in Britain? At my school, if a guy were to see another guy insult a girl, culturally, he would be expected to get into an actual fight with the guy. Would he be expected to do the same in Britain, or just not take it to the same extent?

[bling_baby]

Is definding a lady's honor very big in Britain? At my school, if a guy were to see another guy insult a girl, culturally, he would be expected to get into an actual fight with the guy. Would he be expected to do the same in Britain, or just not take it to the same extent?


It isn't so much insulting a woman because when it comes to the battle of wits, it's generally understandable that women can defend themselves in that area unless it gets out of hand. However, a lot of guys still maintain the value that you cannot hit a girl or make one cry. It really depends on the guy, who the girl is and how the girl has been offended.

[apollo13]

Okay, pancakes, I have a major problem with, because it seems like in every fic they have pancakes for breakfast, and I just know straight off the author is American. We love pancakes, but we eat them very occasionally, and they are not the pancakes you are used to. They are French crepes, although we don't call them that, we call them pancakes. We mainly eat them on pancake day, or if a friend is staying over. Even then, we prefer to eat them at lunch, dinner of just a midday treat rather than breakfast. We might eat them with lemon and sugar, stawberries, melted chocolate/nutella chocolate spread, syrup, sometimes.

To be honest, I don't think it's wise to out pancakes in your story. Not because it is an Americanism as such, but because we have them so rarely, and people tend to get very excited when we do hae them, that when a Brit reads it in a fic, they just naturally assume it's American, especially when it says that they are blueberry pancakes or something, because crepes are very thin.

Waffles, I have had once for breakfast in England, and twice for breakfast in Holland. ;)

Fresh fruit, we eat plenty on that. That's fine.

Protein drinks . . . unless you're on a diet or middle aged, people don't really bother.

~Evie

[CakeorDeath]

American pancakes in Britain are called drop scones or scotch panckes or just American pancakes and are normally eaten for afternoon tea with jam or honey. We used to have them on pancake say because my mum can't make crepes and they're easy to make.

Normal breakfast is just cerial or toast while sometimes people have fry ups (eggs, bacon etc) on weekends or birthdays. Most people don't have fry uups veryday because of health considerations.

[apollo13]

And because fry ups are stupidly expensive, and take ages to make, and my dad usually manages to burn something. ;)

~Evie

[PadfootnPeeves]

Quick question- do Brits use the term 'silverware'? In the books, there's lines like 'Ginny was collecting cutlery' and whatnot, but I'm just wondering if it would be okay to use silverware as well. Thanks!

[apollo13]

I don't use it, but that might be regional. I'd stick to cutlery.

~Evie

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

Silverware is more used in a posh restaraunt you can always here people going get the silverware, or something along those lines, there is also a thing called Silverservice, (at least I think its that), where you are a waiter that serves food with a spoon and fork onto people's plates.

Correct me if I'm wrong on the Silverserivce thing, because I have a funny feeling I am. Also where I'm from we normally just say knives and forks instead of cutlery.

- Hannah

[Schmerg_The_Impaler]

Let's say two people want to go get married, but they want to do it FAST without the trouble of a church wedding. Can you give me any info on how they'd do that without going to Vegas?

I know all about how people would go to Scotland in the Pride and Prejudice era and stuff like that, but I'd like to know about how you'd go about it nowadays (and don't be cheeky and say they'd skip the trouble of getting married altogether!) I know a bit about American marriage stuff, but I know that the laws and things are a little bit different in England. What sort of place would you go to get married?

Clarification: These two people are eloping, so no one else knows they're getting married except one or two others.

[apollo13]

Gretna Green is a popular place to get married in secret. ;) It's right at the south of Scotland, and famous for runaway weddings.

~Evie

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

People can also go to their local town hall or civic center and in normal clothes can just exchange vows and leave in time for tea. :)

[Schmerg_The_Impaler]

What, erm, precisely is a 'civic center'? These characters are in London because they're staying at the Leaky Cauldron, so I don't think a 'town hall' would apply.

[kehribar]

In 1850s' London, would "all right?" be frequently used as a question tag? So far I have steered from using it, prefering much more formal manners of speech, but in a sentece like this (a young adult speking to his eleven-year-old sister) “But I will be back before dinner. If you want, we can work on Ruth’s picture tonight, all right?”, does it sound 19th century British English enough?

>.>

Please don't laugh. Details make a story unique. And yes, I do have two official betas.

<.<

[apollo13]

Just a registry office, really. Pretty much the same thing. My mum had her wedding at a registry office, and there was a lot of planning but, really, if there was a space, you could probably just go and mary on impulse. :D :p

~Evie

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

In 1850s' London, would "all right?" be frequently used as a question tag? So far I have steered from using it, prefering much more formal manners of speech, but in a sentece like this (a young adult speking to his eleven-year-old sister) “But I will be back before dinner. If you want, we can work on Ruth’s picture tonight, all right?”, does it sound 19th century British English enough?

>.>

Please don't laugh. Details make a story unique. And yes, I do have two official betas.

<.<

I think, 'is that okay?' would work better,or 'is that all right?'.

If anyone else has any suggestions, because my mind has gone blank.

- Hannah x

[Inverarity]

I think, 'is that okay?' would work better,or 'is that all right?'.


Actually, "okay" was originally an Americanism. It started becoming popular in the U.S. in the latter half of the 19th century, so it would not have been popular in London at that time.

[OliveOil_Med]

What are some general aspects of British schooling that American students might find weird? Come to think of it, what are some aspects of American education that you Brits find weird?

I know that I'm being horribly vague, but I'm at a standstill in my story and I need some insperation via this thread.

[garyf]

What are some general aspects of British schooling that American students might find weird? Come to think of it, what are some aspects of American education that you Brits find weird?

I know that I'm being horribly vague, but I'm at a standstill in my story and I need some insperation via this thread.

First day of the new school year isn't until September/university can be any time from late September to late October depending on teaching weeks.

Some private schools (usually called "public" or increasingly "independent" schools, ie not state-run) and the ever decreasing number of grammar schools have the 11+ exam (ages 11-16/18). Laura (Tyrannolaurus) is often amazed at how difficult they are. Only the brightest are ever put in for it, as some questions are often beyond degree level, but if you've been to an independent prep school you're groomed for them. If you pass you're in if your parentals can afford the fees (or you get a scholarship, derog. term amounting to "scrounger's benefit", "poor-family grant", and the likes), if not it's normally off to a local secondary school, where they don't charge 4-figure fees per term.

Some schools (again, usually independent schools) have compulsory classes on a Saturday morning for 11-16 year olds, with the Saturday school day running from 8.30am-2pm (in the case of my school), similar to some of the European schools. You'll find very few state schools do this, although some do have extra-curricular classes on a Saturday morning which are optional.

[Hufflepuff at Heart]

Would people say "dorm-mate" in Britain?

I'm not really sure if they say it anywhere; this may simply be something I've made up right now...but just in case! If not, what else would they refer to people who share a dormitory at a school?

[Evester]

Some quick questions:

At what age to most teens get their driver's license in England, specifically in Marauder-Era time period (70's)?

What is an average speed for a residential road, and for a highway (in whatever scale you use- kilometers or miles, whatever)

Finally, can someone name a car company and model that was popular in the 70's in Muggle England?

Thanks very much!

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

Would people say "dorm-mate" in Britain?

I'm not really sure if they say it anywhere; this may simply be something I've made up right now...but just in case! If not, what else would they refer to people who share a dormitory at a school?

No, they would use Room Mate.

Some quick questions:

At what age to most teens get their driver's license in England, specifically in Marauder-Era time period (70's)?

What is an average speed for a residential road, and for a highway (in whatever scale you use- kilometers or miles, whatever)

Finally, can someone name a car company and model that was popular in the 70's in Muggle England?

Thanks very much!

Number 1: 17

Number 2: Depends where you are, little streets and estates is normally 20mph(miles per hour), normal roads around 30-40mph, and highways are 70mph, I think.

Number 3: Mini Cooper, the old ones they were quite popular, Fords like the one Mr Weasely had I think were popular aswell, I just can't remember the make name :)

[Rome]

Evester:

At what age to most teens get their driver's license in England, specifically in Marauder-Era time period (70's)?

The earliest age you can get a driving license is at 17; so I assume that's when they got it.

What is an average speed for a residential road, and for a highway (in whatever scale you use- kilometers or miles, whatever)

Most residential roads have a speed limit of 30 mph.
On a motorway (or highway, as you Americans call them. xDD) the speed limit is 70 mph for cars and motorcycles. It's 60 mph if you are towing a trailer. Just thought I'd add that last sentence. xDD

Finally, can someone name a car company and model that was popular in the 70's in Muggle England?

Like Gorgeous_Ginny said, it was probably the Mini Cooper. The Austin Mini Cooper to be exact. :P

&Mr Weasley's car was a Ford Anglia. =D

What are some general aspects of British schooling that American students might find weird? Come to think of it, what are some aspects of American education that you Brits find weird?

I know that I'm being horribly vague, but I'm at a standstill in my story and I need some insperation via this thread.

Well, we have Primary School from the ages of 5-11.
Secondary School's from the ages 11-16. (There are important exams at the end, called GCSE's.)
We then go to college for usually 2 years. And then off to Uni! =D
Instead of like ... 1st Grade, 2nd Grade etc ... Like in America; we have Year 1, Year 2 etc ...
The 2 years in college are split into two, the exams in the first year are called AS Level exams. &The exams in the 2nd year are called A2 Level exams. Together, the make up an A Level.
Uhmm ... that's all I can think of atm. I'll let you know if anything else comes to mind! =D

[Shev]

Well, we have Primary School from the ages of 5-11.
Secondary School's from the ages 11-16. (There are important exams at the end, called GCSE's.)
We then go to college for usually 2 years. And then off to Uni! =D
Instead of like ... 1st Grade, 2nd Grade etc ... Like in America; we have Year 1, Year 2 etc ...
The 2 years in college are split into two, the exams in the first year are called AS Level exams. &The exams in the 2nd year are called A2 Level exams. Together, the make up an A Level.
Uhmm ... that's all I can think of atm. I'll let you know if anything else comes to mind! =D

Please note that while the above is true in England, Scotland has a completely different system, both in structure and naming. I can elaborate if it's needed at all.

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

Well, we have Primary School from the ages of 5-11.
Secondary School's from the ages 11-16. (There are important exams at the end, called GCSE's.)
We then go to college for usually 2 years. And then off to Uni! =D
Instead of like ... 1st Grade, 2nd Grade etc ... Like in America; we have Year 1, Year 2 etc ...
The 2 years in college are split into two, the exams in the first year are called AS Level exams. &The exams in the 2nd year are called A2 Level exams. Together, the make up an A Level.
Uhmm ... that's all I can think of atm. I'll let you know if anything else comes to mind! =D

I would just like to add that you can go to Educational Nursery, which is before Primary School, but is normally connected to a school from 2-4.

However if you parents are full time workers you can go to another Nursery from 6 weeks old until your 5, they will send you to an educational Nursery of your parents choice, and pick you up when your finished. Also in an Educational Nursery you either go on a morning from 9am I think it is until about 12pm or 12pm until 3pm. I think that's about right.

[butter_beer_drinker]

I need some help with British Police system

I need to know if there is a branch of the system that would not require uniforms, such as a detective or an inspector. I also know that not every officer carries a gun, but which ones do? Do they carry "sheilds" or badges such as they do in America (in a flip out type wallet) or is there a lapel pin or any such thing that establishes them as an officer of the law?

My reasons for these questions:

In my new story Ron is in his 40's (so it is the year 2020) I'm not going to go all high tech a spacey, no flying cars or anything. However, Ron Works for a new division of the Auror office. DUe to some of the laws that Hermione got passed, there are more and more interactions between muggles and magical beings/creatures. Ron works with the local muggle law when it has bees suspected that magical creatures or wizards have been involved in a crim on Muggles. There are only a few in the Muggle department that know Ron is a wizard and they are squibs. The Ministry has decided that it is not in the best interst of the muggles to just wipe everyones memory and assume that it was magical so Ron goes in when his squib captain calls.

I just want to make sure I have enough little details to make it beleivable. He does however have to have a gun but not a uiform if I can get around it.

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

This link is all about the Metropolitan Police, which is basically the entire Police Force of England. LINK (http://www.met.police.uk/)

This is a link to the Ranks of Uniformed Officers. LINK2 (http://www.met.police.uk/about/ranks.htm)

On this link there is sub headings about different ranks on the left hand side taskbar.

Hope this helps more.

Also from my knowledge only uniformed officers wearing their hats can make an arrest because of the badge on them, or a uniformed officer has to be at the scene of the arrest with the un-uniformed officer, these are mainly field agents, detectives, etc.

[garyf]

This link is all about the Metropolitan Police, which is basically the entire Police Force of England. LINK (http://www.met.police.uk/)

That's not true. There isn't a "police force of England."

The Metropolitan Police (known as The Met) is a terretorial police force which only covers the Greater London area (this does not include the "City of London"), which is 32 London Boroughs. Anywhere other than Greater London the terretories are covered by other police forces. In total there are 39 police forces in England, 4 in Wales, 8 in Scotland and just 1 in Northern Ireland.

Also from my knowledge only uniformed officers wearing their hats can make an arrest because of the badge on them, or a uniformed officer has to be at the scene of the arrest with the un-uniformed officer, these are mainly field agents, detectives, etc.

This is a common misconception, due largely to TV crime shows not working with a police advisor to clear up in the mistakes. An officer is an officer regardless of what they are wearing (there are many who are often "out of uniform" be it for undercover/unmarked work or because their rank doesn't require them to).

The simple fact is that an officer of any rank can arrest anyone at any time whether on duty or not, wearing official police uniform or a pair of baggy jeans and an offensive t-shirt, so long as they produce their credentials (badge and warrant card) and advise you (in English) why you are being arrested. It's the warrant card that gives them the power to arrest you, not a uniform.

I've seen someone try and use this in court as a way of having the case dismissed (the arresting officer was undercover), and the judge had to stifle a laugh it was that ridiculous. Needless to say that person was found guilty and ended up in prison for 3 years.

[butter_beer_drinker]

Are the credintals and warrant card the same as an ID card or a badge? There is a line in my story where I am describing the items he uses to appear to be part of Muggle Law Enforcment. Basically he is an inspector, or over hear a CSI type agent. He comes to the scense and interacts with the other Muggles there but they all think he is a special agent of some sort. Only a few know he is a wizard.

[Shev]

Yes, the warrant card is effectively an ID card, and generally is in a wallet with the badge on a leather flap - the ostentatious flipping that you see in the movies is not the way most police officers would present it though.

As described on a police information page:

Every police officer - whether in uniform or not - has a badge and warrant card. The warrant card is a card-sized certificate showing that the person is a police officer, and can use police powers.

The card shows the officer’s photograph, name, rank and number. It also shows which police force they belong to, and carries their signature and the signature of their Chief Constable. The badge shows the crest of the police force that the officer belongs to.

As for being armed, well, the only firearm carrying members of the British police are the Armed Response Units that each force maintains. They, however, are not armed and on general duty, and are exactly as the name suggests, purely a response unit for extreme situations. They would also never be armed while out of uniform.

[apollo13]

If you're having him as a CSI type person, and the Muggles think he's a special agent of sorts, I'd say you could have him in CID or MI5, or even MIT (Murder investigation team) because Inspector isn't really all that high up.

~Evie

[butter_beer_drinker]

If you're having him as a CSI type person, and the Muggles think he's a special agent of sorts, I'd say you could have him in CID or MI5, or even MIT (Murder investigation team) because Inspector isn't really all that high up.

~Evie
What does CID stand for? The story this time is a long standing murder investigation but I refer back to his first case when one of Aragog children ventured out and attacked some famioy pets in a neighborhood. That really isn't MIT but that category may fit better.

[apollo13]

The CID is the department that investigates serious crimes, which may require specialist skills to ensure more complex or serious crimes are investigated fully, such as murders, serious assaults, robberies, fraud, and sexual offences.

CID investigates crimes that have already been committed, as they have a very demanding workload, which prevents them from patrolling the streets.

Within the CID there are also specialist sections, like the Drug Squad, Fraud Squad, and the Crime Squad. To be appointed to these sections, you need to be experienced in basic detective work before you would be considered.

~Evie

[butter_beer_drinker]

That sounds perfect! Thank you all for your help!!!!! :D

[Equinox Chick]

With regard to the CSI- equivalent. In Britain we'd more likely have a Coroner visit the body with some Forensic Officers. So any samples and things recovered from the scene of crime would be 'sent to Forensics'

Hope this helps a bit.

[SeverusSempra]

Is there a good British slang equivalent for the U.S. slang "to be head over heels for (someone)" or "to have it bad for (someone)"? By which I mean a relatively innocent (not obviously sexual) way of saying that Person A really really fancies Person B.

Wait, let me add something-- my story is Marauders Era, so it's set in the 1970's, and I'd need an expression that was actually in use back then. I know that's something of a tall order, but I thought I might as well ask.

Thanks very much.

[apollo13]

You can actually just use "head over heels". As long as you don't use "whipped". Please don't use that. :)

~Evie

[Equinox Chick]

Is there a good British slang equivalent for the U.S. slang "to be head over heels for (someone)"
You could easily use 'head over heels' or 'starry-eyed' perhaps. 'Fancied' in the 70's was much more of a boy phrase so has more of a sexual connotation as in "I really fancy that bird."

Carole

[Sainyn Swiftfoot]

How is "Mathematics" shortened there?

I know that here in India it's "Maths" and in some other places it's "Math", but what about Britain?

~BB

[apollo13]

It's maths here. :)

505050505050505050505050505050

~Evie

[moonymaniac]

Do Brits have any particularly British way of saying something is really funny? For example, in my neck of the woods, one might say something is a real hoot! Marauder era please.

Also, on the head over heels question, Dr effingpot gives the term arse over elbows in its place. I love that. It is just so British. :cool: And he is probably more a Marauders era aged guy. Of course, he says it is more the type thing used after "too many lagers", but maybe it still works? *defers to actual Brits*

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

See I wouldn't know for around Marauder Era, but I do know for our time now.

That's hilarious, or that's so funny.

I have a feeling they would be acceptable in Marauder Era fictions :)

[Equinox Chick]

In the 70's you'd probably say something was 'a right laugh' or maybe if you were an aspiring hippy 'a gas'- that's a bit more American though. If you wanted to be a bit cruder then 'wetting myself' or other ruder versions relating to bodily functions ;)


'Arse over elbow' is much more of a clumsy drinking related incident- you can't use it to mean you're crazy about someone. Actually being crazy or mad about someone could be used in the 'head over heels' context too.

[Ginny Weasley Potter]

Hello!

Are Crocin and Saridon (headache relievers) available in Britain? If not, what are the most famous medicines for headache?

Thank you!

[coolh5000]

I've never seen either of those. If I had a headache I would be most likely to just take some form of painkiller - paracetamol/paracetamol and codine. There are non tablet forms as well - strips you put over your head to sooth it.

[apollo13]

Don't forget asprin! Also, for children, calpol.

~Evie

[Ginny Weasley Potter]

I've never seen either of those. If I had a headache I would be most likely to just take some form of painkiller - paracetamol/paracetamol and codine. There are non tablet forms as well - strips you put over your head to sooth it.

Thank you! What are those non-tablet forms, then? Could I have the names of a few anti-pyretics too? And yeah... what about balms?

Too many questions, LOL:o

Thanks!

[Equinox Chick]

I'm not sure what your character's suffering from but here's a few common medicines available in UK.

Brand names like Anadin - which is paracetemol, Disprin (soluble asprin) and Nurofen (ibruprofen) is popular too. Alka-Seltzer is a hangover remedy :o which gets rid of headache and settles the stomach.

Not sure what an anti-pyretic is- is it an anti-inflammatory? If so the Nurofen is good for that. If you had a sore ankle or something then you'd take Nurofen to reduce swelling and help with the pain.

Children would take Calpol (paracetamol liquid) or Nurofen liquid.

I'm not too sure about balms- I've used tiger balm for headaches in the past- it's very much an alternative remedy but pretty effective! If you had toothache you can buy Oil of Cloves (very traditional rememdy) or Anbesol which is a liquid- good for teething and other toothaches.

Or there's heat producing creams for aches and pains- Deep Heat being the most well known.

Hope this helps. PM me if you wish and I'll try and find something more specific.

Carole
xxx

[Ginny Weasley Potter]

Thank you, Carole!

My character is suffering from indigestion. Actually, there's something that happens which shocks her so much that she suffers with an unsettled stomach and headache- these are the symptoms of indigestion as well as a hangover, but the character is a teetotaller :) .

An anti-pyretic is a medicine which is used to reduce fever. In India, Crocin is the most common medicine for both headaches and fever. Saridon is effective against headache too.

So now, I'd like to know about some of the famous anti pyretics there.

Thank you!

[Equinox Chick]

Indigestion- Rennies (tablets that taste minty) Gaviscon (tablets which can be chewed, or in a liquid form) but for upset stomach and headache stick to Alka-Seltzer.

Anyi-pyretics- well anything that's been mentioned before in the pain-relieving mould. If it were a cold or the flu then Lemsip ( a lemon flavoured sachet that you make into a hot drink) or Beechams powders. Effective at bringing the temp down but only because they have paracetemol in.

[OliveOil_Med]

I have a question. I'm pretty sure that in Britain, you have vending machines for sodas (fizzy drinks?) and chips (crisps?). In 1998 (before Euros came around), what would have been the typical price for a soda from one of these machines? A bag of chips?

[Magical Maeve]

Britain doesn't have Euros.

Ten years ago a coke/pop/soda would have been about 60p. Bag of crisps 25p.

[inspirations]

I have a question. I'm pretty sure that in Britain, you have vending machines for sodas (fizzy drinks?) and chips (crisps?). In 1998 (before Euros came around), what would have been the typical price for a soda from one of these machines? A bag of chips?

Yeah, soda is fizzy drinks, or some people call it pop (I think). Also, chips are crisps.

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

Yeah, soda is fizzy drinks, or some people call it pop (I think). Also, chips are crisps.

In the north eastern area's (Sunderland, Durham, Middlesborough, Newcastle) it is classed as pop, then water is called council pop.

By the way the council is a group of people lead by a Mayor( I don't think that is spelt right?), and they are in charge so to speak of certain areas, i.e. Bristol, London, Sunderland, Newcastle, Kent etc.

[Magical Maeve]

it is classed as pop, then water is called council pop.

Oh my gosh... not to digress from the main thread... but my grandad always used to call tap water Corporation Pop, corporation being an old term for council. There's a phrase for anyone writing Grindelwand era!

5 house points for the first author to work that into a fic, in context and in that time period. :-)

[OliveOil_Med]

5 house points for the first author to work that into a fic, in context and in that time period. :-)
You mean it?;)


Just so this thread isn't counted as total spam, I do have a few culture questions.

What are the names of some art schools in London, or universities with good art programs?

I'm pretty sure that British colleges don't have dorms, so is there an area of London known for being home to a lot of university students?

Ten years ago, what would a croissant at a bakery go for?

What part of London is a good area to find street performers?

[Magical Maeve]

St Martins is THE college of art. Slade would also be considered. Both in London.

Student accomodation in London is non existent oustide of the City. You would be looking at the suburbs currently. Go East.

Croissants... in London...filled or basic? £1 to £1.50

Street performers... Covent Garden. Absolutely no question.

[Gorgeous_Ginny]

Street performers... Covent Garden. Absolutely no question.

I have to agree, Covent Garden is an amazing place already. Loads of little shops, I loved it when I visited with the school. I think the street performers just set off the entire surroundings. :)