English in Madrid

Image source: Wikipedia (Florian Plag) There are words which suddenly come into fashion and some of these expressions are, in my opinion, unwelcome . Many of them are Americanisms. The British don't love food in the same way as, say, the French or Italians, although we do eat out more than before. We would never expect the waiter or anyone sat at the table to say the equivalent of "buen provecho". You might, just might, have heard the odd "Bon appétit" or "Enjoy your meal". Over the last few years , "Enjoy!" will accompany everything that is brought to your table. The other day while out for a meal, I lost count of the number of times I heard it. I was given a beer. - Enjoy! My mum was served a wine. - Enjoy! The starters - Enjoy! The main courses - Enjoy! The desserts - Enjoy! And all around us - Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!!!!! Had I had one too many , I might have shouted out "Stop saying f*%!ing enjoy"....

Image source: Wikipedia (Chiltepinster)   Many Spanish students use discuss  when they should actually say argue . If people argue , it suggests they disagree about something and they feel angry about it. What are they arguing about ? (They have raised their voices or are shouting at each other and perhaps look angry) Don't argue with him . It's not worth it . If people discuss something , they talk seriously about the subject. I am worried. The boss wants to meet me to discuss my future . Can we discuss this later? I'm busy at the moment. The plan was discussed in great detail  they agreed on it. Similarly, an argument often involves feelings of anger whereas a discussion is simply a conversation.  He had a huge argument with his girlfriend again. I reckon they'll split up. I don't want to get into an argument with you . I have enough on my plate . I had a very frank discussion with her about her results . The govern...

Source:  Zoriana Stakhniv on Unsplash Why the Spanish region of Andalusia is calling time on bachelor weekends  High-speed train links, cheap apartment rentals and online entertainment packages have made these destinations irresistible to revelers, but locals are less than amused Andalusia’s principal cities have become magnets for bachelor and bachelorette parties in recent years. Each weekend, high-spirited groups wearing outrageous outfits are frequently seen staggering drunkenly around the streets of Granada, Málaga, Córdoba and Seville. But while high-speed train links, unregulated apartment rentals and online entertainment packages have made these destinations irresistible to revelers, the locals are less than amused and the authorities are now taking measures to curb the practice. The mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, has announced a greater police presence on the streets in order to crack down on the antics of these unwelcome tourists. In...

Source:  Maxime Steckle on Unsplash Florence tourists face fines of up to €500 if they are caught snack ing on the pavement Florence has fired a fresh salvo in its perpetual battle against the effects of mass tourism by banning visitors from eat ing panini, pizza and focaccia on the pavement and on shop doorsteps . Tourists who find themselves on the wrong side of the law , which comes into effect today, face fines of between €150-€500 (£135-£450). The ban applies to streets and piazzas around a particularly popular delicatessen in the city centre - All’ Antico Vinaio, the Old Wine Merchant – which is situated between the Uffizi Galleries and Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s medieval town hall . Described by one food and travel magazine as “home of the world’s best sandwiches”, it has enjoyed a surge   in popularity after being favourably reviewed on TripAdvisor, where it is related “excellent” by 79 per cent of contributors. Like many Italian cities, Flor...