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posted July 16, 2009 01:25 AM         

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Why do some women say "the" husband instead of "my" husband?

D

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posted July 16, 2009 01:37 AM         

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I don't know myself (and I have noticed both ways of saying it), but I can say that even our English professors get into bitter debates over proper grammar and such. And as for native speakers, even many of us don't ever fully master it. I find English very confusing myself.

Ironically, people who learn to speak English as a 2nd language typically speak it better than native speakers (at least those native to the USA).

Just out of curiosity, what's your native language?

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From: peace.angel@live.com.au
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posted July 16, 2009 01:40 AM         

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From my perspective, it's kind of distancing. It can be either mocking "the husband" and often followed by he's done something silly or there's problems there. I think "my husband" is very intimate, more personal. So it depends on the context and the tone.

DfD - When I first read that English was not your first language I was quite surprised, because from your correspondence here, I would never have guessed that.

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From: peace.angel@live.com.au
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posted July 16, 2009 01:41 AM         

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Dervish

Yes, I've found that too about 2nd language English speakers. There's less use of slang and the spoken word is more precise to the language rules. English is technically my second language, even though I was born and raised in Australia.

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From: peace.angel@live.com.au
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posted July 16, 2009 01:42 AM         

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Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany are very funny in interviews. I think they have this thing where they just mock each other. He's very very funny and says crazy things about her. Apparently she's very very intelligent and speaks a few languages.

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posted July 16, 2009 02:02 AM         

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Well, it sounds like 'the old ball and chain', but a more toned down version of it lol

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posted July 16, 2009 04:04 AM         

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Thank you so much for your reply, Dervish.

D

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From: peace.angel@live.com.au
Registered: Apr 2009

posted July 16, 2009 04:32 AM         

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MVM

Yeah, I get that, it does actually. I think despite all the joking around he's quite in awe of her. I think they're both lovely. Makes me think how hard it would be being famous - having every detail of every word scrutinised though. Interesting. An odd life though.

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posted July 16, 2009 05:23 AM         

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PA, what's the other language you speak? If you don't mind my asking.

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From: peace.angel@live.com.au
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posted July 16, 2009 05:28 AM         

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Hey wheels

Greek.

EDIT: You feeling better?

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posted July 16, 2009 05:36 AM         

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Really?! Aww, cool! I love Greek people. I lived with a Greek couple and their cat for 3 years. Bonkers.

Feeling ropey today, some sort of flu going round. Hope I won't start acting like a pig anytime soon!

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From: peace.angel@live.com.au
Registered: Apr 2009

posted July 16, 2009 05:41 AM         

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Yeah, I hear you. Everyone's on edge at the moment. It's winter here and flu season so people are really vigilant about it.

My parents are Greek. Love that your friends were bonkers. My kind.

Hope you feel better real soon.

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posted July 16, 2009 05:55 AM         

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Thanks hun, it doesn't feel too much like a bad bout, sure twil be fine.

I call my boyfriend "Mikhalis" because my Greek friend Despina had a brother called Mikhalis and she didn't half give him a load of grief on the phone, all the time, poor man. She had this particular way of saying his name that used to freeze the blood. I never even met him but I used to feel for him. And all the Greek gestures and stuff, stand back while she was on the phone! So now when Mike's being naughty he gets called Mikhalis. I can understand a lot of Greek. They were nocturnal, like you. Is that a Greek trait?

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From: peace.angel@live.com.au
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posted July 16, 2009 06:00 AM         

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The arm waving I think is very very Greek, as well as Italian.

The nocturnal element I think comes down to being a loon. I have no reasonable explanation to offer.

I don't think I can repeat what I call my husband on occasion, but that's another active thread right now . Have never referred to him as "the husband" though - always "my husband". Usually, though, I refer to him by name, ie. Mr Angel, etc.

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posted July 16, 2009 06:01 AM         

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quote:

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I don't think I can repeat what I call my husband on occasion

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posted July 16, 2009 07:22 AM         

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It's a term of endearment. Men are more suseptible than women to use it... Yeah it's the olde ball and chain and I don't find it distancing, more humorous. Alot of relationships need to have that sense of humour rather than all out pure intense devotion.... After a while it's good to feel comfortable enought to be able to tease each other and remind each other that we do not possess one another. I think thats the idea behind it. Jennifer Connelly's husband is Brittish and it's a term used alot on the Uk and Ireland.

Wheels of cheese.... I'm the same lol

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From: peace.angel@live.com.au
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posted July 16, 2009 07:28 AM         

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quote:

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Jennifer Connelly's husband is Brittish and it's a term used alot on the Uk and Ireland.

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Ah, there you go! Well, thanks Quinnie.

Yes, Mr Bettany is very British. Lovely accent, but really lovely voice.

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