Phrases/words that set your teeth on edge.

[kernelbogey]

I have been called 'buddy' recently by people both younger than me, and by a contemporary.

I've only just about got used to tolerating 'mate' from strangers.

[Nick Armstrong]

When did being "up for" something (as in 'keen to do' something) turn into "down for" something?

[Bryn]

When did being "up for" something (as in 'keen to do' something) turn into "down for" something?

You are not the first to wonder about that:

https://www.quora.com/Why-do-Im-up-for-it-and-Im-down-for-it-mean-the-same-thing

Giddy up and get down with it,

[Serial_Apologist]

I have been called 'buddy' recently by people both younger than me, and by a contemporary.

I've only just about got used to tolerating 'mate' from strangers.

I once walked out on a relationship when the erstwhile girlfriend accused me of calling her son dog meat by addressing him as "pal". Given that she was a regular viewer of EastEnders, she really should have known.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I once walked out on a relationship when the erstwhile girlfriend accused me of calling her son dog meat by addressing him as "pal". Given that she was a regular viewer of EastEnders, she really should have known.

She was clearly of a different pedigree, chum.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

When did being "up for" something (as in 'keen to do' something) turn into "down for" something?

I rather prefer the "down for" option (on the "you can put my name down for" something that Bryn's link suggests).

[Serial_Apologist]

She was clearly of a different pedigree, chum.

Oh definitely - very sniffy about all sorts of things, she was!

[Nick Armstrong]

I rather prefer the "down for" option (on the "you can put my name down for" something that Bryn's link suggests).

Yes I don't mind it - it's slightly quaint. Just mysterious that it's crept in - especially among the young.

What must poor foreigners think when two Brits are respectively 'up for' and 'down for' something and in fact in perfect agreement...

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Yes - it's like a "fat chance" being the same as a "slim" one.

[Serial_Apologist]

Yes I don't mind it - it's slightly quaint. Just mysterious that it's crept in - especially among the young.

What must poor foreigners think when two Brits are respectively 'up for' and 'down for' something and in fact in perfect agreement...

I've assumed the difference being that if I am "up for " it, I am ready and enthusiastic as opposed to being merely obliging, whereas being down for something is having my name registered on a volunteers list.

[gurnemanz]

I've assumed the difference being that if I am "up for " it, I am ready and enthusiastic as opposed to being merely obliging, whereas being down for something is having my name registered on a volunteers list.

You may be down for an operation but not up for it.

[kernelbogey]

You may be down for an operation but not up for it.

Though, in 2019 Britain, much more likely that you are up for an operation but not down for it!

[LMcD]

Though, in 2019 Britain, much more likely that you are up for an operation but not down for it!

If you're unlucky, or you've been naughty, you might well find you're in for it.

[Nick Armstrong]

Yes - it's like a "fat chance" being the same as a "slim" one.

How true...

[Lat-Literal]

What is the difference between treacherous and traitorous?