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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
I read what was supposed to be a funny story the other day: a couple was at a checkout counter, and the clerk asked where they were from. The wife said, "Florida; we're Tampans". The husband had to turn away, and the clerk turned red.
After a minute's thought, I decided that they must have felt there was a reference to the feminine hygiene product. My question(s): am I correct in thinking that the word for denizens of that city is pronounced TAM-puns; and is there anyone out there who says the product that way? Here, it is pronounced TAM-pons; almost TAMP-ons. On, here, being pronounced as a syllable exactly the same way as the word; not un. Also, for the product, the TAM is held for a couple of beats before adding the second syllable, whereas the denizen name would be said with equal time for both syllables. Point being: I would never have confused Tampans with tampons: is it just me?
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511 |
I would never have confused Tampans with tamponsI'm sure millions of local residents are breathing a collective sigh of relief. 
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 389
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 389 |
'Can't say, 'never been to Tampa.
But seriously...Maybe the clerk was a silly 15 year old, and the husband... well I'll just let it go, in the spirit of Rule 10. I'm sure I would not have been confused as to the wife's meaning, nor would I have giggled, or blushed.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,475
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,475 |
They could be referred to as Tampians, but there might be confusion with tampion :- " A plug or cover for the muzzle of a cannon or gun to keep out dust and moisture." AHD.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210 |
I would have laughed. just like everyone in church laughed when I was speaking about my typing skills and I stated I was a hunt and pecker.
formerly known as etaoin...
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
Ack--as long as we don't get back to that British expression, 'keep your p----r up'! 
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 133
member
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member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 133 |
Down here in Flahrida we sometimes say things like "ray-un",
"ny-lun" and "tamp-un". I don't hear this as much as in the past. Still, I've been to Tampa and don't think I've ever heard anyone claim to be a Tampan.
Probably 'cause it might bring on a lot of snickering.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,624
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,624 |
as in keep your pecker up does not refer to male anatomy, Jackie. That's a vulgar Americanism which is understood on this side of the pond, but rarely used. It's actually a 16th century expression for "nose". Even women have them. How else could they be so nosey? 
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
this side of the pond Listen to you, actin' like you belong there or sumthin'. PPPhhhbbbbbbbbbbbt!
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,624
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,624 |
Well, as the world-famous Eccles once said, "Everybody gotta be somewhere!"
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