The European View on all things American

[falcontwin]

Another language peculiarity is, in a car, calling the 'handbrake' the E-brake'. Handbrake makes sense because it's the brake operated by hand, but E-brake, what does that mean?

I've heard that 'E-brake' is short for 'emergency brake,' but that doesn't make any sense.

Since when does stopping your car from rolling down an incline when you park constitute as an emergency?
Also if you were to use the 'Emergency brake' to perform an 'Emergency stop', or use it in a emergency situation, then the wheels of the car would lock up and you would probably skid into whatever you were trying to avoid.

We call them handrakes here as well but it is indeed an emergency brake as the handbrake is a mechanically operated system seperate from the hydraulic footbrake. So if there is ever an issue where there footbrake doesn't work (say a blown brake line or more commonly a failed master cylinder) you can still use the handbrake to stop yourself in an emergency.

 

[Jamash]

Another language peculiarity is, in a car, calling the 'handbrake' the E-brake'. Handbrake makes sense because it's the brake operated by hand, but E-brake, what does that mean?

I've heard that 'E-brake' is short for 'emergency brake,' but that doesn't make any sense.

Since when does stopping your car from rolling down an incline when you park constitute as an emergency?
Also if you were to use the 'Emergency brake' to perform an 'Emergency stop', or use it in a emergency situation, then the wheels of the car would lock up and you would probably skid into whatever you were trying to avoid.

We call them handrakes here as well but it is indeed an emergency brake as the handbrake is a mechanically operated system seperate from the hydraulic footbrake. So if there is ever an issue where there footbrake doesn't work (say a blown brake line or more commonly a failed master cylinder) you can still use the handbrake to stop yourself in an emergency.

Ahh, I see, that make some sense. It's a bit pessimistic and sensational, but now I can see why it's call an emergency brake.

Thanks for clearing that up, now I won't find some racing games quite so infuriating.

 

[slappahoe69]

Also are frat parties like the films?

I never understood that, in films the characters go through a house party high fiving or shaking hands with absolutly everyone, house parties do not happen that way in the UK.

are you confusing fraternity with the word house?

 

[Berethond]

Also are frat parties like the films?

I never understood that, in films the characters go through a house party high fiving or shaking hands with absolutly everyone, house parties do not happen that way in the UK.

are you confusing fraternity with the word house?

House parties in the US are quite different from frat parties. He's thinking 'frat house' though.

And then there's Flier parties...

 

[DigitalSushi]

Also are frat parties like the films?

I never understood that, in films the characters go through a house party high fiving or shaking hands with absolutly everyone, house parties do not happen that way in the UK.

are you confusing fraternity with the word house?

House parties in the US are quite different from frat parties. He's thinking 'frat house' though.

And then there's Flier parties...

Funny that aye, a European on a thread regarding Europeans not getting American shit goes right ahead and gets shit totally wrong, I think Goater stated that American's dont seem to get irony.

 

[SilentHunter7]

Well as orifice said. When I look at America I often find myself wondering "What the f*ck are they doing"

Understandable. WE dont even know wtf we're doing. We just wing it

 

[DigitalSushi]

You can keep you jelly beans and jolly ranchers Jack, if that all you got on us apart from grits waffles and taco bell then I know I'm onto a winner. You also can't brew beer and the fact that you don't get 'ale' illustrates that point.

Actually, that illustrates nothing but the fact that American brewing and drinking traditions are more German than British. It's interesting to me how in these discussions, the British generally assume that they represent Europe, and if you find a difference between America and the UK, then it must have to do with Americans being Americans, and not Americans being the cultural descendants of other European nationalities.

what are you talking about?, silly Brits thinking they represent Europe doesn't detract from the fact US beer tastes horrible. hehe!

 

[Rajin Cajun]

You can keep you jelly beans and jolly ranchers Jack, if that all you got on us apart from grits waffles and taco bell then I know I'm onto a winner. You also can't brew beer and the fact that you don't get 'ale' illustrates that point.

Actually, that illustrates nothing but the fact that American brewing and drinking traditions are more German than British. It's interesting to me how in these discussions, the British generally assume that they represent Europe, and if you find a difference between America and the UK, then it must have to do with Americans being Americans, and not Americans being the cultural descendants of other European nationalities.

Yeah I don't get why this happens either especially since a majority of the people who lived in the 13 Colonies were not British it just happened that the more educated members of those colonies were usually British. We had a lot more Germans, Dutch and French then we did English in fact the Continental Army near the end of the American Revolution was predominately made up of Germans and French.

 

[Arsen]

Europe has Iron Maiden, Opeth, and Therion.

America has Linkin Park, Soulja Boy, and Lil' Wayne.

/thread

 

[YouGetWhatsGiven]

Europe has Iron Maiden, Opeth, and Therion.

America has Linkin Park, Soulja Boy, and Lil' Wayne.

/thread

Hey, we cannot be held responsible any pop stars thats music escape from out country. Also, I am truly sorry about Madonna.

 

[Rajin Cajun]

Yeah I don't get why this happens either especially since a majority of the people who lived in the 13 Colonies were not British it just happened that the more educated members of those colonies were usually British. We had a lot more Germans, Dutch and French then we did English in fact the Continental Army near the end of the American Revolution was predominately made up of Germans and French.

Not to mention how many of them are completely unaware that Canadians play American Football and call the sport where you kick the ball 'soccer' just like Americans ;-D

This is why America and Canada should unite and tell Europe to sod off. That and because I don't want to have to use a passport to visit the French side of the family in Canada.

 

[Hunde Des Krieg]

Europe has Iron Maiden, Opeth, and Therion.

America has Linkin Park, Soulja Boy, and Lil' Wayne.

/thread

You can't use selective reasoning to argue your point.

 

[John Stalvern]

I move the name of this thread be changed to The British Nationalism Dispenser.