[HPFGU-Movie] mysterious "a-words" now we're REALLY confused

[bert.coules at fonix.org]

Sara wrote...

SM>Yes, arse means bum, backside etc. Americans have a word for the
  >same body part, that in the UK means something very different...

I must say, I've been surprised to learn that "ass" (however you
pronounce it) is evidently regarded in the US as quite strong language.
Is this really the case, or have I misinterpreted what people have
been saying here?

And if it is that objectionable, is it because it has an alternative
meaning other than "bum, backside, etc" for Americans?

For what it's worth on the language-in-the-movie question, I found the
"bloody" jarring, not because it's particularly offensive or
unusual for a contemporary British youngster, but simply because it 
was out of character for Ron under those particular circumstances. As 
Sara said, there are several unspoken but clearly implied "bastards" 
and similar (or worse) throughout the books - just not usually in 
front of teachers. 

Besides, it's part of the spirit, the tone of the books that we don't 
have such language spelled out for us, but are left to supply it from 
our own imagination.  Film is, of course, a much more concrete medium 
than the written word, but it would have been pleasant if the script 
had at least tried to find a cinematic equivalent of Rowling's 
narrative reticence in these matters.

Bert
http://www.bertcoules.co.uk

 * 1st 2.00 #6252 *