Saturday, February 27, 2010

Maturity or Stiff Upper Lip?

When an English person says, “fair enough” it not only means ok, I see what you’re saying, it also somehow implies non-judgment, like “all right, you’re entitled to your opinion and it has no reflection on me”.

Random person: I can’t look a person in the eye; it’s against my religion.

English person: Fair enough.

There is no American equivalent. If it’s not our own opinion, then there's nothing fair about it. In fact we can’t even say it without subtext or inflection.

Random person: I can’t look a person in the eye; it’s against my religion.

American person: (a.shrug, b.head tilt or c. eyebrows down)Fair enough. (Seriously? That’s a.ridiculous, b. fascinating or c. a shame)

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