| | London weather is famous for its fickle and usually nasty attitude, so pity the poor fool who leaves home without an umbrella and layered clothing. |
London's current art scene is on the cutting edge. Sea creatures preserved in formaldehyde may not be your typical museum showcase piece, but that and other unexpected materials and mediums are just what rocked the art scene in London and around the world just a decade ago. The work of London’s signature modern artist turned pop icon Damien Hirst that caused cultural tidal waves is on display at Jay Jopling’s White Cube Gallery. The Saatchi Gallery, now residing in an impressive 40,000 square ft space, presents emerging contemporary artists hand picked by its curator, Charles Saatchi, who is known for sending the art market into a tizzy with the flick of a wrist. Of course the tame member of the “edgy” art family remains the Tate Modern.
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If you’re an American sucker for “accents” you’ll probably find yourself giddy just hearing conversations on the street. Accents aside, the British language has a history and complexity much more colorful than an annoying, extra vowel. Once upon a time, as Shaw’s fair lady demonstrates, accent was associated with social status and class. With the mix of cockney, mockney, estuary, and imported languages babbling through London today, anyone who still insists proper means posh is a plonker full of porky pies. Over 45% of the U.K.’s ethnic minorities live in London and have created community pockets in the city where English is spoken as the second language. While an American in London will understand most of what is heard on the streets, a few phrases and expressions are sure to sneak a surprise in every so often. A few favorite traditional expressions and cockney dicki birds:
“Cheers, luv.” (Your cab driver isn’t hitting on you. Everyone is his love.) “I got a bit pickled last night and today I’m knackered, so I can’t be bothered with that rubbish.” (A few too many beers in the pub last night and you’re exhausted, a physical waste of human space. Don’t ask me to do anything, especially crap.) “That’s rubbish. He’s talking bollocks and codswallop.” (This guy is telling absurd lies.) “You wouldn’t Adam and Eve it” (You wouldn’t believe it). “I beg your Osama” (Short for Osama Bin Laden, or I beg your pardon). “What a Ravi Shanker,” or “What a merchant banker.” (What a wanker).
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