19 April 2007

Toilet or lavatory? What or pardon?

William (as in Prince) and Kate, as a couple are no more. :( I was surprised to hear about their break up. They seemed so good together. She was good for him, in a grounding normal kind of way. Reasons given for the split vary from him not being ready to settle down, to her family saying “toilet” instead of “lavatory”. Tut tut.

Apparently when Wills was at university he was happy to be amongst the “normal” people. You know, those who take public transport and chew gum, and may even work to earn a living - golly gosh! But since graduating he’s gone back to his old circle of friends who drink £100 cocktails and say “oh yah” a lot. Shame.

15 comments:

Giulia said...

Geesh, it's not like they called it the "crapper!" Ooops, hope that wasn't to offensive for some. lol
But wow, if it's true, that's just wrong.

Michellanea said...

I say restroom. Toilet is too literal for me, but then I think in American English and toilet is only the porcelain fixture in the bathroom. But it's nothing to break up over, kids! Maybe she was too goody goody and he wants to sow his wild oats a bit more. Isn't he dating a stripper or dancer now? I only saw snippets of the news.

Karen said...

The nuns at my parochial school used to insist that students ask to go to "the lavatory," and not to the toilet or the bathroom. I didn't realize that meant they were high-class ladies.

Delina said...

Crapper definitely wouldn't have gone down too well.

I never thought that saying "toilet" was too much information, until I heard that in America it would be considered that way. In England it's fine to say toilet, unless perhaps you're a future princess.

I don't know who he's with now Michelle, if anyone. I'm sure he's not short of offers though.

Kataroma said...

How about "bog" - or maybe "dunny"?

I read some really silly article about the breakup in which they said something like Kate's mother says "drapes" instead of "curtains" and "serviette" instead of "napkin" Quel horreur!! Being upper class must be really difficult - having to remember what words to use for each thing and never slipping up.

Delina said...

Kataroma, I'm sure it's inbred. Some people probably don't know what a bog etc is from birth.

The press gave been particularly hard on her mum.

nikinpos said...

loo loo skip to the loo?
Apparantly her mother was caught chewing gum which is just NOT done dahrling.

Anonymous said...

Why is he taking dating advice from his grandmother of all things? she may be the queen but she is still not of his generation. at this rate he'll never be a couple again, or maybe the next time his girlfriend's mother will call the 'lavoratory' something worse....

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

I thougth they broke up because he doesn't want to get married until he is 28. I'm sure he won't be single for long.

Yes, toilet here would be too much info. :) We say ladies room or bathroom.

It's funny we were just talking about gum chewing in our office. A very famous actress was chewing like a cow during the Oscars and since then my boss can't stand her. haha.

I hate when I go to lunch/dinner with someone and they are chewing gum at the table. They take a piece of paper, put the gum in it and let it sit on the table. I'm sorry but that is nasty to me. I don't want to look at that during the meal!

Delina said...

I don't think it's right to chew gum at formal occasions either. Only maybe if someone is stopping smoking or something like that and absolutely has to chew!

Nyc/caribbean ragazza, they could put the chewing gum in the bin instead of leaving it on the table!

J.doe, I think his grandmother was on Kate's side from what I've read... Who knows.

Cherrye said...

I am so out of the loopy "loo" as Niki put it, but interesting post and comments.

I agree, the "toilet" is too literal, but usually I think British English sounds more formal, then again, maybe it is just the fancy accent. ;)

BecsLifeOnline said...

Shame they broke up. I thought they looked really cute together! Oh and sorry about all these comments in one go on your posts. I've been off blog for a while and I have a lot of catching up to do on your blog ha ha :-)

Anonymous said...

Delina,
Kate's mother was actually chewing nicotine gum (Nicorette)

Anonymous said...

What about "the shitter"?

Anonymous said...

After lunch on Christmas day I said to my little niece that I'd help with some new toy when I got back from the toilet. Aged only four she passed the test by replying "Toilets are at school Uncle, we have lavatories at home" Full marks!!