[HPforGrownups] Britishims

[Jane Penhaligon]

No: HPFGUIDX 160637

> Nikkalmati:
>  
> A couple of terms have been confusing me and maybe some of 
> our UK or associated listees could help me out.
> By saying "Wozzer" several times Tonks is supposed to tell us 
> something about herself, but I am at a loss.  (If it was 
> Wazzup, I would  understand).. Does the use of this term mean 
> she is young and hep? or that she  is not of the best 
> background (but she is a Black), or what?
> Also, in British is Maths really a plural or is this a joke?  
> I have  only heard it used in the singular, although there 
> may a use which I have not  heard
> - in reference to different types of math (such as calculus 
> vs.  geometry). 

Panhandle here: 
Actually, it's "wotcher" and here's the entry on from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wotcher

*****
Wotcher is a casual greeting used primarily in the United Kingdom. It has
been described as a derivation or corruption of "what cheer". Wotcher can
also be a derivation of "What's up?" or "How's it going?".

Wotcher is constantly used by Nymphadora Tonks in the Harry Potter book
series. She commonly says, "Wotcher Harry!"

It is also used by Nanny Ogg in the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett, and
one of Russell Hoban's novels, Riddley Walker.

Wotcher is also used in the Asterix comic book series.

It was also used by "Bodger & Badger" in the children's television programme
"Bodger & Badger"
*****
Maths is also standard British. There are some good American - British
dictionaries on the web that can help, such as
http://www.travelfurther.net/dictionaries/

Panhandle
penhaligon at gmail.colm