Generations separated by a common language...

[steve white]

OK, so I spent a wasted half hour at Academy attempting to buy Long Johns. When I called them that, the female employee looked like I had said something borderline inappropriate. I shifted to "insulated underwear." Then she looked perplexed why anyone would want to insulate underwear shorts. I explained to her that they were leg length and often worn underneath hunting clothes. We went to the hunting clothing section--nothing. We went almost everywhere, even called the people at the manager's office--no one had a clue. Got another young lady to help. She finally said, "let's look at the seasonal sale stuff behind the checkers area. Finally I said "there they are, right there!" And they all replied, "why didn't you say you wanted BASE LAYERS?
I wonder how many other things are renamed, or considered out of fashion, or are new techie or... Am I officially too old to communicate? And that's before we get to shooting terminology, etc. etc.

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

I also know them as long johns, or thermals

 

[Tanks]

Now, that I think about it, I have been shopping for "base layers" for a long while.

Sites-swl-us-Site

www.smartwool.com

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

Now that’s a sad commentary

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

Now, that I think about it, I have been shopping for "base layers" for a long while.

Sites-swl-us-Site

www.smartwool.com

Smart wool makes some fantastic stuff

 

[steve white]

Lol, when I first hunted in Zimbabwe, the PH said of a pretty girl that he would like to "knock her up." Well, I just about choked on my coke. Turns out, in Zim, that means to go knock on her door and ask her on a date! In the US, of course, it means to get her pregnant!

 

[steve white]

My real "no hable" occurs with abbreviations. EDC--oh, every day carry, as in a knife? Tons of them, and from younger people, maybe indecipherable to me...YMMV

 

[Doug Hamilton]

My real "no hable" occurs with abbreviations. EDC--oh, every day carry, as in a knife? Tons of them, and from younger people, maybe indecipherable to me...YMMV

Tons of them is right. LOL makes me grit my teeth. IMHO texting has become the nemesis of good communication!!

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Long John’s are pretty common here with all ages. But I’d say it’s 50/50 with long underwear.

 

[318AE]

I’m familiar with all three terms but have been using “base layer” the last few decades. I too grew up calling them “long johns”, having no idea why or what that really means. I think thermals are also what glider pilots use for lift. At least the most recent term makes sense - it is worn closest to your skin as a “base” and not intended to be worn alone, only in layers.

Not all new lexicon makes as much sense to me. I’m fine if your base layers identify as long johns.

 

[Newboomer]

Long John’s are pretty common here with all ages. But I’d say it’s 50/50 with long underwear.

Betcha they don't know what a union suit is, either.

 

[Aaron N]

To be fair…….

It says you’re in Dallas, I doubt long johns are a daily item!

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

We actually have a French name for them here but in English we always called them long handles

 

[Newboomer]

We actually have a French name for them here but in English we always called them long handles

A union suit is a one piece wool blend base layer kind of like long johns and long sleeve top in one piece. Button front and a button flap in the back. Common in New England and Canada.

 

[Dewald]

In SA they are long Johns or thermal underwear. “Base layer”would get many a shop assistant confused

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Lol, when I first hunted in Zimbabwe, the PH said of a pretty girl that he would like to "knock her up." Well, I just about choked on my coke. Turns out, in Zim, that means to go knock on her door and ask her on a date! In the US, of course, it means to get her pregnant!

@steve white
Year ago a mates grandmother was touring the USA by bus. After a long day if walking around one area she hopped on the bus and said to her Australian friend that she was knocked up. She was 70 odd years old and wondering why she was getting strange looks. In Australia it means your tired
I once asked my girlfriend's english mother if she had any Durex. I got a horrified look and ask what I want them for. I explained I was selling my car and wanted to stick a for sale sign on it. She gave a sigh of relief and said they call it sticky tape. Apparently in England Durex are condoms.

Man the english language and sayings can sure get mixed up from country to country.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Tons of them is right. LOL makes me grit my teeth. IMHO texting has become the nemesis of good communication!!

@Doug Hamilton
Acronyms are the bane of my life. The ones used in txt have me completely stumped and don't get me started on the ones use at work.
I had to attend a SWAT meeting at work. On arrival I apologise for not being prepared. If I had known we were having a SWAT meeting I would have bought my rifle and got a bullet proof vest.
He said what do you mean. I told him I was there for the SWAT meeting. I was told I was an idiot it meant Safety Walk and Talk. I told him to rename it as SWAT to a rifle owner means Special Weapons and Tactics. He understood and laughed his head off.
Bob

 

[Trophyhunter01]

Should have asked for a full body suit with a trap door. That would have been a real conversation and maybe full media incident. I give up going to stores. I buy most my stuff online, not really another option these days from poor inventory and dumb staff.

 

[thriller]

Reminds me of when I said the cook in sun made some good cookies and I was informed “they were biscuits and cookies are tits”

 

[thriller]

Reminds me of when I said the cook in sun made some good cookies and I was informed “they were biscuits and cookies are tits”

Zim not sun