Recent changes in the US?

[Stew.t.]

Hi Jamie and Torsten,

This is an interesting thread and brings up this issue of understanding a phrase purely by using those pesky prepositions.

Likewise I do think that the preposition "of" is false however "the change" Jamie refers to I have only heard to be so: `the change? = menopause or mid life crisis usually omits ...of life.

Also of is used more in:

Have you had a change of lifestlye; recently?

as opposed to

Have you made a change to your lifestyle, recently?
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[Torsten]

Well Stew, if you play the Google game, you will see that Amy and Jamie are right -- 'the change of life' is an idiom meaning 'menopause', as a matter of fact, the phrase is all over the place.
Anyway, many thanks for pointing that out, I've removed the ambiguity and hope you like the current title of this thread :).

TOEIC listening, question-response: Why aren't you answering your phone?

[Yankee]

Hi Torsten

Now that I'm back in the US, I realize that there are a few local language oddities I'd forgotten about. One is that some people in this area use lie as the simple past tense form of lie (instead of lay).
For example: Yesterday I lie on the beach for 5 hours. :shock:

When put on the spot, my brother-in-law (native to this area) claimed that he would always say "lied".
For example: He lied on the beach with a lot of friends for 5 hours yesterday. :lol:

Regarding the original thread title, I think it just goes to show that you can make errors in a language and still be understood -- but you never know when an error might end up being very punny. :D

Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Prezbucky]

What would your bro-in-law lie about?

hehe
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Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.

[Yankee]

Hi Hehe :D

You never know... But I think he was fibbing when he told me he would say "I lied on the beach." :lol: I suspect he probably actually uses 'lie'.

(I'll be paying close attention to his "lying habits" from now on. ;))

Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Prezbucky]

I forgot to ask you, Amy:

Have you noticed the Dollar Menu at McDonald's or the similar offerings at other big fast-food joints?
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Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.

[Yankee]

I've noticed the dollar menu being advertised on TV, but since I'm not a big Micky D's fan, I haven't had (made) the opportunity to check it out in person, yet. 8)
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Torsten]

[Prezbucky]

I'll take that one. It's my birthright as a native Wisconsinite.

Torsten, yes, there are at least two meanings.

1) Verb: To fib.
Noun: Fib.

"Fib" is generally known to be a sort of benign lie. If you tell a fib, it means that you were untruthful... but as opposed to the use of the word "lie", "fib" is generally meant with good humor.

2) FIB = F***ing Illinois Bastard.
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Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.