In Ireland, being “not too bad” is a mark of considerable wellbeing
Similar to the German “can’t complain”.
This is my preferred response in Canada. Historically, a pretty big Irish community near where I live.
We get a lot of foreign workers at my job, and when I tell them “not too bad” they become concerned. It’s honestly kind of touching
I answered with “still breathing” a few days ago, but I got into a coughing fit, so I’m not sure how they thought about it.
It isn’t
You’re right - our current reality definitely calls for crying… lots of crying.
I meant that “up and not crying” isn’t an actual thing.
Dunno about you, but I have heard “oppe og ikke gråter” from my parents (vikværsk dialekt). I thought it was something only they said until I saw this picture the first time, though. So I can confirm it is a real thing.
It definitely is. Got at coworker who uses that as a treating every time we talk. There are also others I have heard say the same.
It seems to be a regional thing though, so might just not be a thing in your area.
Yeah, that was my initial reaction too, as I couldn’t recall ever hearing something similar.
It is indeed a norwegian expression, probably not in frequent use, anymore, though.
That’s Danish
Pøtatœ potåtø
Norwegian Potatoes vs Danish potatos?
The difference is that the Danish speak with the potato in their mouth.
In Norway a potato is a “Jack of all trades” instead of the American interpretation of slow, lazy, or outdated/old.
This makes me think of a particular Finnish way of greeting: Oh you’re still alive!
In Germany, possible answers to “How’s it going” are
“It has to”
“I’m alive”
“according to the circumstances”
But you always risk getting an honest answer, too.I went to Germany once. I asked a man, “do you know where the train station is?” to which he replied, “Of course I know where it is.” and walked away. people are nice.
You asked a question, you got a precise and correct answer. I see nothing wrong here.
Oh, then could you tell me where it is?
“Naturally, it would be easy to do!”
In Swedish you could reply “jämna plågor”, “an even amount of suffering”. You’re not suffering more than usual, just a regular, steady amount.
As a norwegian I’ve never heard this
Same. And if I were to say something like this I would say “gråter ikke” instead of “ikke gråter”
In the US, I’ve commonly heard “I’m above ground and breathing, so I’m good.”
somebody asked me, “how’s it going?” to which I replied, “you’re talking to me, arent you?”
So how was it going?
better than yesterday
I admire your glibness.
what the fuck is glibness
I love the first two definitions here.
I’ve started using “normal, unfortunately”.
“I’m here” is the Ohio version
