I need an example

[irmamar]

I need an example of a an idea which can be expressed in different ways depending on the situation, to show the change of a speaker's style. For instance, I have this one:

Formal language: to pass away.
Everyday language: to die.
Casual language: to bite the dust.

But I need another one and now I'm not able to think of a word or an idea (it doesn't need to be a verb) which I can express using these three different ways.

Thanks.

[JimC]

Formal language: to be in a difficult situation
Everyday language: to be stuck.
Casual language: to be between a rock and a hard place

[poli]

formal: we enjoyed ourselves tremendously
normal: we had great time together
informal: we had a blast

[ookami]

Formal language: Mr. Enrique
Everyday language: Enri
Casual language: Enrique

[Awaken]

Formal language: He is overweight.
Everyday language: He is pretty fat.
Casual language: "He is freaking huge!" or "He is a fatty."

Formal language: He is not accurate with a gun.
Everyday language: He is a terrible shot.
Casual language: He couldn't hit the broad side of barn.

[Perikles]

He is very much under the influence of alcohol
He is very drunk
He is p*ssed out of his skull

I am a colourful person
You are an eccentric
He is stark raving mad

His intellect leaves a lot to be desired
He is not very bright
He is as thick as two short planks

etc.

[María José]

Homosexual
Gay
Weird, queer, fag, faggot...

[irmamar]

Oh, thank you everybody with your examples, they are very useful.

María José, I didn't know that casual words for 'gay'. Thank you.

[chileno]

Originally Posted by irmamar

Oh, thank you everybody with your examples, they are very useful.

María José, I didn't know those casual words for 'gay'. Thank you.

[irmamar]

Thank you, Chileno.

[pjt33]

Originally Posted by irmamar

For instance, I have this one:

Formal language: to pass away.
Everyday language: to die.
Casual language: to bite the dust.

Discrepo. "To pass away" es eufemismo cotidiano, no es formal.

No estoy seguro de la diferencia que quieres hacer entre "everyday language" y "casual language" - me parece que significan lo mismo.

Además hay que tener cuidado para distinguir entre registros de estilo y diferencias clasistas. Por ejemplo, "lavatory", "toilet", "shitter" - la mayoría de las personas usarían solo una de las tres.

[CrOtALiTo]

Do you need to more ideas about it?

Then I write other ideas about your homework, to does a good action today with you.

Formal discussion
To be extremely polite with your family.

Regards.

[María José]

Originally Posted by irmamar

Oh, thank you everybody with your examples, they are very useful.

María José, I didn't know that casual words for 'gay'. Thank you.

That's just a complimentary sample, there are lots more.
Have a look here, if you feel like it:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...6132800AAjVBcJ

[irmamar]

Thank you, María José.

Pjt, these are a kind of labels I've made for myself in order to distinguish among the possible choices a speaker can make when speaking. In fact, I wanted to distinguish between a language for everyday situations and trivial conversations. I thought that my examples could help.

For instance, I could use the form "pass away" when I'm going to offer somebody my condolences. I could say "die" after reading something about an accident at the newspapers. I could listen to "bite the dust" in a violent film. And all the three examples, in different contexts, have the same meaning of losing one's life. I didn't mean that all the people use the three different styles when talking, but most of them are able of understand them in different situations.

[Perikles]

On a lighter note, here is a famous sketch which gives a list of euphemistic expressions for something dead.

[irmamar]

Pobrecito, no le dejan descansar.

[laepelba]

I've been following this thread with some interest, because I see that the bottom line is that there are certain idiomatic sayings and euphemistic phrases that can create difficulties if you only study the grammar of a language, but don't know how it is actually spoken in day-to-day life.

Two questions for you, Irma:

First, I am having a difficult time truly distinguishing between what you mean by "everyday language" and "casual language". To me, they are the same, as opposed to formal language.... It looks to me like the "casual language" you're looking for is often the euphemistic phrase. Is that your intention?

Second, Have you gotten enough examples, or are you looking for more?

[irmamar]

No, Lou Ann, I meant even rude words which can be put in this section. But don't worry, I have enough examples now.

Thank you everybody.