So a friend asked me a question about an email I’d just sent to my list.
I’d used a particular turn of phrase that caught her attention…
Btw, is “bloody” a “bad” word?
As an American, I quite like it. (Bloody hell sounds like a fun way to express frustration!)
But I’ve heard it shouldn’t be used in polite company because it’s the equivalent of the four-letter word that starts with F.
Never one to shy away from teaching my American buddies the finer points of English idioms from my neck of the global woods, I replied…
Heh, “bloody” (as in “bloody hell”) was something we were told off for as kids.
But I use it sparingly nowadays for emphasis. And I’m OK with my kids using it sparingly as well.
I don’t equate it with the F-word. But might depend on how “polite” your company is, whether you use it.
As it’s certainly stronger language than “dang it!”
A grammarian or English scholar I ain’t.
But I CAN be credited as a lifetime speaker of British English (well… New Zealand English to be precise).
I often use language in my emails that I also use when I speak.
And saying things like “bloody hell” when it’s warranted.
But I must admit, I do tone the idiomatic speech down for many things.
For my products, I’m grateful to have a wonderful editor. Who helps me avoid getting a resounding “huh?” from other English speakers.
I tone it back in my emails too.
Because I’d like as many English speakers, no matter what continent they’re on, to have at least some chance of understanding me!
Even though I use phrases I say when I talk…
And as much as marketing gurus teach that we should write like we talk…
I’m NOT writing emails like I talk.
That would just be… weird.
Writing is always going to be different. Especially if you want it to be clear.
Because it doesn’t have all the ums and ahs, cut off thoughts, and the “y’knows”…
Which, it turns out, I’m particularly fond of subconsciously including… y’know?
Heh.
Thinking back to the start of this email…
Notice how I started off with a question someone asked, and then I replied?
It’s such a handy way to have something to write for your emails.
A question like this has so much potential.
So it probably won’t be long before this email becomes a blog post. Or a social media post. Or even the basis of a short training.