> > > >I've laughed my arse off.
> > >
> > > Didja get it back again? ;-)
> > >
> > > Is anyone else noticing this? First we have Sam mentioning a
> 'poor sod' and now we have 'arse'. Just a thought...
> >
> > I did think that was a very weird spelling coming from an American,
> but I suppose even Americans can learn to spell correctly
> sometimes :P
>
> The context I've always heard that variant in is when the speaker is
> joking, but doesn't want to sound vulgar. It doesn't seem as vulgar
> to us as our own American variant, apparently, because it's British,
> and anything said with a British accent must either be very refined
> and intelligent or evil.
>
> gab"Or all three"by

So, the common American view of the British is that we're refined, intelligent and evil? I see the hand of Hollywood British Villan syndrome rearing it's head here.

Anyway, it's interesting (to me, at least) to note that when the word "ass" is used by a Brit, it's (most commonly) part of a parody of an American, or (less commonly) a *more* polite form of "arse". I think it's because "arse" has a more meaty sound to it, rather than because of any commentary on the Americans. It's just easier to be invective with that R in there.

winter"Though neither is particuarly offensive"mute