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12-Oct-2006, 16:48
| | Newbie | | Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 3
First Language: Chinese | |  HELP! What does "the head's leaking" exactly mean?
Hi, everybody,
I am new here. English is not my mother tougue. Here, I have a question, which may be a piece of cake for you all. I heard some guys said "your hear's leaking". Does it mean someone is out of mind? Because in Chinese, we also have such words for people doing stupid things.
Looking forward to your reply!
Thanks! |
12-Oct-2006, 17:19
|  | Moderator | | Join Date: Jul 2006 Country: England (South East)
Posts: 7,655
Current Location: England (South East) First Language: English Member Type: English Teacher | |  Re: HELP! What does "the head's leaking" exactly mean?
We don't say "your head's leaking" with any reference to mental health. Was the speaker speaking to someone who had an old car? He might have meant "the head-gasket in your car is leaking" (often said by mechanics looking for business  ).
b |
13-Oct-2006, 17:13
|  | Moderator | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Country: USA
Posts: 3,275
Current Location: Detroit, Michigan First Language: English Member Type: English Teacher | | Re: HELP! What does "the head's leaking" exactly mean?
The closest I can think of is the sarcastic remark someone might make: "You'd better not tilt your head - your brains might run out of your ear!"  |
14-Oct-2006, 01:28
| | Newbie | | Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 3
First Language: Chinese | | Re: HELP! What does "the head's leaking" exactly mean?
Thanks!
Keep learning...... |
15-Oct-2006, 23:07
|  | VIP Member | | Join Date: Nov 2002 Country: USA
Posts: 6,089
Current Location: New York First Language: American English Member Type: Academic | | Re: HELP! What does "the head's leaking" exactly mean?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dan2005  Hi, everybody,
I am new here. English is not my mother tougue. Here, I have a question, which may be a piece of cake for you all. I heard some guys said "your hear's leaking". Does it mean someone is out of mind? Because in Chinese, we also have such words for people doing stupid things.
Looking forward to your reply!
Thanks! | For me that would refer to a leaky toilet.  |
16-Oct-2006, 03:59
| | Moderator | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Country: USA
Posts: 3,275
Current Location: Detroit, Michigan First Language: English Member Type: English Teacher | | Re: HELP! What does "the head's leaking" exactly mean?
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeNewYork For me that would refer to a leaky toilet. |
Just a guess...were/are you in the Navy? |
16-Oct-2006, 19:02
| | VIP Member | | Join Date: Nov 2002 Country: USA
Posts: 6,089
Current Location: New York First Language: American English Member Type: Academic | | Re: HELP! What does "the head's leaking" exactly mean?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ouisch Just a guess...were/are you in the Navy? | No, but that expression is pretty common in New York.
You'll often hear in bars: "I've gotta hit the head".
Good guess, though.  |
20-Oct-2006, 19:33
|  | Moderator | | Join Date: Oct 2006 Country: UK
Posts: 18,923
Current Location: UK First Language: English Member Type: Other | | Re: HELP! What does "the head's leaking" exactly mean?
Nevertheless, it comes from marine terminology. Toilets/wcs on sea-going vessels are known as the heads |
21-Oct-2006, 18:44
| | Moderator | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Country: USA
Posts: 3,275
Current Location: Detroit, Michigan First Language: English Member Type: English Teacher | | Re: HELP! What does "the head's leaking" exactly mean?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anglika Nevertheless, it comes from marine terminology. Toilets/wcs on sea-going vessels are known as the heads | That would be an interesting topic to research. Did the New York phraseology evolve from the legions of seafaring folks that frequented its bars and taverns while in port? It seems likely. |
21-Oct-2006, 21:57
| | VIP Member | | Join Date: Nov 2002 Country: USA
Posts: 6,089
Current Location: New York First Language: American English Member Type: Academic | | Re: HELP! What does "the head's leaking" exactly mean?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ouisch That would be an interesting topic to research. Did the New York phraseology evolve from the legions of seafaring folks that frequented its bars and taverns while in port? It seems likely. | That's possible, but there are also a lot of boats in and around New York. | |
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