it's grand?

Asmooh · 23-12-2015 12:42PM #1

I'm living here for almost a year now and I do understand what it means but I don't.

When someone says "grand" to me I expect to get 1000 euro's or so.. but I never do, but specially in other terms and words why saying "grand".

It's grand = It's okay? or it's great?
Why not use those two.

When I search on Google I get "slang", so I searched what the hell slang is.
And there are two options

attack (someone) using abusive language.

a type of language consisting of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal, are more common in speech than writing, and are typically restricted to a particular context or group of people.

Wiki tels me: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slang

"It's a taboo term in ordinary discourse with people of a higher social status or greater responsibility."

On the other hand, slang tends to emphasize social and contextual understanding. The expression "down size" is an example of jargon, while the adjective "gnarly" is an example of slang. "Down size" originated from 1990's era corporate jargon, as a euphemistic way to talk about layoffs.

I never grew up with those words that's why I ask.

also: http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/slang/proper-english-versus-slang.html

Anyway, why the slang instead of proper English?

Penny Tration · 23-12-2015 12:43PM

It means "it's fine," or "it's okay."

Why slang? Because pretty much everyone uses slang most days?

MRnotlob606 · 23-12-2015 12:44PM

Brits out

23-12-2015 12:44PM

Asmooh wrote: »

Anyway, why the slang instead of proper English?

What is your first language?

Are there no words that are used out of context or used in a joking way?

kettlehead · 23-12-2015 12:50PM

When someone says "grand" to me I expect to get 1000 euro's or so.. but I never do, but specially in other terms and words why saying "grand".

You'll get your few grand in the post. The lads have had a busy few months

The King of Moo · 23-12-2015 12:51PM

Asmooh wrote: »

I'm living here for almost a year now and I do understand what it means but I don't.

When someone says "grand" to me I expect to get 1000 euro's or so.. but I never do, but specially in other terms and words why saying "grand".

It's grand = It's okay? or it's great?
Why not use those two.

When I search on Google I get "slang", so I searched what the hell slang is.
And there are two options

....

I never grew up with those words that's why I ask.

Anyway, why the slang instead of proper English?

Anyway, why the slang instead of proper English?

kettlehead · 23-12-2015 12:52PM

Deleted User wrote: »

What is your first language?

Is say he's either German or Dutch.

Slattsy · 23-12-2015 12:52PM

A grand thread to be sure.

kettlehead · 23-12-2015 12:54PM

The King of Moo wrote: »

Anyway, why the slang instead of proper English?

I know your English is great but you know that you're responding to a non native speaker right?

Son Of A Vidic · 23-12-2015 12:56PM

Asmooh wrote: »

It's grand = It's okay? or it's great?
Why not use those two.

I was once told by some English colleagues in London, that my use of common swear words was beautiful and almost poetic in nature.

I would also sometime address them in a manner that no other nationality could do without causing offense. But coming from me, they viewed it as a term of a term of endearment and friendship.

But this ability is not unique to me, it is a gift most of us Irish have. Because we Irish not only adopted and mastered the English language, but we found an ability to use it beyond the comprehension of its creators.

So settle yerself there now OP and lash a few into ya and all will be grand.

Graces7 · 23-12-2015 12:56PM

It is not slang; it is local dialect language and perfectly fine. here in Kerry there are two I love,, they say " Perfect!" when they are pleased and " No bother/no trouble" when you ask something of them. I love it. Part of the local scene. Maybe when you have been here longer.. GRAND SO! ( I am English but here around 15 years and always lived rurally where these things stay around longer)

The King of Moo · 23-12-2015 12:56PM

Real answer: it probably comes from "grand" in the sense of "great," in turn from it meaning "big" (as in French).
So if you were looking for a very literal translation it'd be like saying "I'm great," but of course in actual use it's less positive than that, meaning "I'm fine," as language meaning shifts over time.

falan · 23-12-2015 12:58PM

Asmooh wrote: »

I'm living here for almost a year now and I do understand what it means but I don't.

When someone says "grand" to me I expect to get 1000 euro's or so.. but I never do, but specially in other terms and words why saying "grand".

It's grand = It's okay? or it's great?
Why not use those two.

When I search on Google I get "slang", so I searched what the hell slang is.
And there are two options

attack (someone) using abusive language.

a type of language consisting of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal, are more common in speech than writing, and are typically restricted to a particular context or group of people.

Wiki tels me: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slang

"It's a taboo term in ordinary discourse with people of a higher social status or greater responsibility."

On the other hand, slang tends to emphasize social and contextual understanding. The expression "down size" is an example of jargon, while the adjective "gnarly" is an example of slang. "Down size" originated from 1990's era corporate jargon, as a euphemistic way to talk about layoffs.

I never grew up with those words that's why I ask.

also: http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/slang/proper-english-versus-slang.html

Anyway, why the slang instead of proper English?

Few naggins, be grand..

The King of Moo · 23-12-2015 12:58PM

kettlehead wrote: »

I know your English is great but you know that you're responding to a non native speaker right?

Yeah.
I was just showing them that like a lot of non-native speakers they seem to have a sense of slang as a parochial peculiarity, when in fact they're already using it perfectly well themselves in their post.

A lovely big spoon of irony.

mad muffin · 23-12-2015 12:59PM

That'll be grand… it will be ok, it's fine, no worries, it's satisfactory.

It's grand… it's good, it's ok, it's fine, it's satisfactory.

He/she's grand… he/she is fine, is OK, is sound, is trustworthy, is a good bloke/sheila.

Grand… fine, good, ok, thanks, no worries.

After 13 years in Ireland I think I have it nailed

Allyall · 23-12-2015 12:59PM

Asmooh wrote: »

I
When someone says "grand" to me I expect to get 1000 euro's or so..

Surely you would expect to pay €1000?

Asmooh wrote: »

It's grand = It's okay? or it's great?
Why not use those two.

Okeat?
Grekay?

Whitewinged · 23-12-2015 01:00PM

Whenever I go over to visit my husbands family in England, they always comment on my use of the word grand because to them it means exceptional, great, amazing etc but to me it means I'm alright. So if they ask me if I want a cup of tea and I say "I'm grand", it sounds weird to them.

The_Valeyard · 23-12-2015 01:05PM

It's all gravy.

Cee-Jay-Cee · 23-12-2015 01:11PM

The King of Moo wrote: »

Anyway, why the slang instead of proper English?

Do you come from somewhere that the correct terminology is always used for all conversations:comments?

In every English speaking country I've been to, slang, local terminology is intertwined in everyday talk/conversations. It's no big deal, it's just life.

Hammer89 · 23-12-2015 01:11PM

It can be used to express feelings of contentment:

"Would you like another glass of Fanta, Michael?"

"No thanks Gerry I'm grand."

However, it can also be used quite passively.

"Babe, we missed the first 20 seconds of X-Factor but I'll stick the rest on now.

"No it's grand there's no point now."

Asmooh · 23-12-2015 01:19PM

Deleted User wrote: »

What is your first language?

Are there no words that are used out of context or used in a joking way?

Dutch

kingchess · 23-12-2015 01:19PM

When some one asks you to do something and you reply"-I will ,yeah"--.this usually means that you dont have a bulls notion of bothering your ass,or to put it in layman"s terms,that they can go f...k themselves.other than that it should be grand.

The King of Moo · 23-12-2015 01:23PM

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

Do you come from somewhere that the correct terminology is always used for all conversations:comments?

No.

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

In every English speaking country I've been to, slang, local terminology is intertwined in everyday talk/conversations. It's no big deal, it's just life.

I agree. I especially love the way English speakers use irony.

Asmooh · 23-12-2015 01:26PM

Oh and I was just wondering, my English is not perfect, but I guess your Dutch is not either.
I always, (specially in real life) trying to say all the words that should be said correctly.

So no slang, no missing letters.. while on internet I write "won't" instead of "will not" but "grand".. the first few months I was here I just ignored it and guessed.

But after visiting Belfast a few times I notice they speak more proper over there, bit different compare to my friends in England but it sounds more proper.

The King of Moo · 23-12-2015 01:27PM

Asmooh wrote: »

Oh and I was just wondering, my English is not perfect, but I guess your Dutch is not either.
I always, (specially in real life) trying to say all the words that should be said correctly.

So no slang, no missing letters.. while on internet I write "won't" instead of "will not" but "grand".. the first few months I was here I just ignored it and guessed.

But after visiting Belfast a few times I notice they speak more proper over there, bit different compare to my friends in England but it sounds more proper.

I had my doubts at first, but now I'm convinced you're trolling.

23-12-2015 01:28PM

Asmooh wrote: »

Oh and I was just wondering, my English is not perfect, but I guess your Dutch is not either.
I always, (specially in real life) trying to say all the words that should be said correctly.

So no slang, no missing letters.. while on internet I write "won't" instead of "will not" but "grand".. the first few months I was here I just ignored it and guessed.

But after visiting Belfast a few times I notice they speak more proper over there, bit different compare to my friends in England but it sounds more proper.

You say "grand" means €1,000.

That's slang for €1,000.

As someone else pointed out, you say "what the hell", that's slang for "what does this mean".

So you're using slang.

And you're thing that people in belfast speak proper, yet you say "speak proper" so you can't be all that sure of what "proper" sounds like.

Asmooh · 23-12-2015 01:31PM

Deleted User wrote: »

You say "grand" means €1,000.

That's slang for €1,000.

As someone else pointed out, you say "what the hell", that's slang for "what does this mean".

So you're using slang.

And you're thing that people in belfast speak proper, yet you say "speak proper" so you can't be all that sure of what "proper" sounds like.

Proper is what people should speak in London that are born and raised there and not living in a "cheaper" neighbourhood, as well as British was in the 1800's. For me, that is proper

Also, Google tells me it is "1000": https://www.google.ie/search?q=what+is+a+grand

Hammer89 · 23-12-2015 01:33PM

Asmooh wrote: »

Proper is what people should speak in London that are born and raised there and not living in a "cheaper" neighbourhood, as well as British was in the 1800's. For me, that is proper.

You'd love Downton Abbey.

23-12-2015 01:35PM

Asmooh wrote: »

But after visiting Belfast a few times I notice they speak more proper over there, bit different compare to my friends in England but it sounds more proper.

Aye, dead on.

steddyeddy · 23-12-2015 01:37PM

Asmooh wrote: »

I'm living here for almost a year now and I do understand what it means but I don't.

When someone says "grand" to me I expect to get 1000 euro's or so.. but I never do, but specially in other terms and words why saying "grand".

It's grand = It's okay? or it's great?
Why not use those two.

When I search on Google I get "slang", so I searched what the hell slang is.
And there are two options

attack (someone) using abusive language.

a type of language consisting of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal, are more common in speech than writing, and are typically restricted to a particular context or group of people.

Wiki tels me: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slang

"It's a taboo term in ordinary discourse with people of a higher social status or greater responsibility."

On the other hand, slang tends to emphasize social and contextual understanding. The expression "down size" is an example of jargon, while the adjective "gnarly" is an example of slang. "Down size" originated from 1990's era corporate jargon, as a euphemistic way to talk about layoffs.

I never grew up with those words that's why I ask.

also: http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/slang/proper-english-versus-slang.html

Anyway, why the slang instead of proper English?

Proper English like the original west Germanic language?

Language evolves and Hiberno-English is a language in itself IMO.

Peregrine · 23-12-2015 01:39PM

Asmooh wrote: »

I always, (specially in real life) trying to say all the words that should be said correctly.

So no slang, no missing letters.. while on internet I write "won't" instead of "will not"

There's nothing wrong with standard contractions such as "won't".

it's grand?

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