Simon’s Brain outs himself in his own comments section:
I feel now is the time I came out. I’ve been away from England for over 4 years and the truth is the place has become alien to me.
From now on I’d like to be referred to as a ‘transatlantic’. Like Jude Law only more attractive.
Us transatlantics are not entirely dissimilar to transsexuals in that we can swing either way depending on how the mood takes us. If I can’t be bothered to put a ‘u’ in the word color then I am an American. If I want to be treated with a modicum of respect in a foreign country then I am an Englishman. I think it works well and I’m sure you’ll forgive me.
I am a paid up member of the color/theater club and I often plump for one “l” instead of two in verbs. However in emails to friends and relatives in the UK, I try to refer to mobile phones instead of cell phones and neighbours instead of neighbors. I am still baffled by the fact that my slight northern English accent makes me appear simple in England and refined in America.
But with each passing day I slip further towards the dark side. ATMs have overtaken cash machines. I occasionally have to correct myself in front of British visitors. And there have been complaints that my voice rises at the end of sentences. Is my fate as a transatlantic sealed?
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Oh yes. The dark side never ceases trying to trap one… I pronopunced “process” in the American rather than UK fashion the other day. A mortifying moment. ATMs dismissed cash machines a long time ago too. It’s only taken three years…
Welcome to the dark side Alex!
Who gives a toss really? Probably people who are jealous of you!
I used to be a southerner, but was 100% Geordie within a month of moving up north.
I still slide back into it whaen I go back down south tho (was shocked to hear myself pronounce Newcastle ‘New-carstle!)