Wednesday 14 August 2013

English as she is spoken

nicked from Francis Turner.

16 comments:

  1. How absolutely wonderful - and I really mean that!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Why are you publicising our secret language?. Erhm I mean. It is very courageous of you to share these insights with just anybody.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are Sir Humphrey Appleby and I claim my £5.

      Delete
    2. That is a very bold statement one might even suggest a brave statement. As a permanent secretary one can of course neither confirm nor indeed deny the validity or lack of such of any aforementioned comments. Of course should a committee be set up to investigate these claims of monetary entitlement. And should the said committee come to a true and just conclusion having weighed and measured all the evidence both for and against the proposal one would of course without hesitation immediately offer full recompense dear sir. May I suggest a few unbiased gentlemen who went to the right schools and studied at the highest levels perhaps Oxford, given the gravity of the case. I have dear sir, an approved list of such candidates on my desk. Should I get Bernard to pass the list to you or would you find it less taxing given the burden of your office, Serving the country and the good of the people, If I was to do so for you.

      Oh and before I forget Arthur Grimsdale of the trade unions wants to see you in regard of the forthcoming factory closure in Grimsby that you sanctioned. The same Grimsby with the impending by-election in three weeks.

      Of course I fully understand. Yes Minister!

      Delete
    3. My God, you ARE Sir Humphrey Appleby.

      Delete
  3. I had one of our German developers email that to me asking if it was true

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's difficult to avoid the conclusion that there is some merit in the matter.

      I used to negotiate with Germans on an EU committee..

      Delete
    2. I recognized far too many from my own speech patterns for comfort

      Delete
    3. I know, it gets a bit close to home.

      Delete