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In the Harry Potter books, when Harry is watching a flashback scene where Snape is being bullied, the last line ('Who wants to see me take off Snivelly's pants?
by diebeforei485 5y ago
In the Harry Potter books, when Harry is watching a flashback scene where Snape is being bullied, the last line ('Who wants to see me take off Snivelly's pants?') - is the same in the US and UK versions of the books.
That scene is meant to make the reader feel very uneasy (and it makes Harry quite depressed). But in the UK English edition, despite using the same words, the scene is far worse.
- ncpa-cpl 5y agoDefinitely. I hadn't noticed that. When I read that book I understood as American English.
- watersb 5y agoA few scenes in which it's important to note that someone is "in their trainers". American English, this is nearly meaningless noise. Possibly some sort of orthodontic apparatus? Trainers == "Sneakers", casual athletic shoes.
- bradknowles 5y agoBut the funny thing is that the act of “pantsing someone” is actually the same in both dialects. In American English, you’re taking off their pants to expose them in their underwear. In British English, you’re taking off their trousers to expose them in their pants. This is just one of many weird, weird, hilarious things about the similarities and differences between the two dialects.