Lovely, mate

Living in London is one way to get in with the locals.

Ive picked up, lived and learned a lot of the mannerisms, habits etc considering that I am surrounded by it every day all day. I guess it would help if I met some Canadians to keep me on my toes coz sometimes I feel Im just a little bit out of my league.

Things I am proud of since living here though is Im familiar with the accent. I can understand ones that I know I wouldnt have before I lived here. Strong Scottish ones, Irish, I even understand when someone says, ' having problems with the trouble & strife?' (Wife) or even shorter versions saying 'whats up me ol' china?' (Mate)

But theres some things I dont really feel comfortable saying and when I do hear a Canadian/American saying them, they sound absolutely ridiculous coz its just something we wouldnt say back home and frankly, it doesnt sound cool with our lack of accent!

CHEERS & MATE

Especially together.

Eg me & Nick climb out of a cab and Nick says...(coz hes English and can), 'Cheers, Mate!'

I would not say this.

I would say, 'Thanks...man.' or something to that extent.

And this is just how it is.

Another is BRILLIANT, which I can get away with saying but only do when Ii mean it ie it doesnt sound gay, and LOVELY...which does. Although this is a common word to use in England, I will not say it.

Anyway, these are the words someone with my accent shouldnt be saying, although Ive heard Cheers in Canada quite often it is still a word to be used with an Eglish/Kiwi/Aussie accent.

I know when I call or go home, I get teased for saying different words. I know one of them was AGES as in 'that trip took us ages', I know this coz Sam hated me saying it. FANTASTIC is another one but I find now that alot of things ARE fantastic! Thats more than just Great.

Also, a habit I have noticed of the english is when they say bye to you on the phone, they dont just say bye, they say 'bye,' and then 'bye,' again in case you didnt hear, or in Kims case another 2 times after the 2 she already said. I hear it on the train, the bus, the tube (when overground) and on the street. Its really weird but funny.

Now I have to pay more attention and add it to this list. I know I am missing out on many.