Be very careful with your digits. I wonder why they didn't mention the one you shouldn't use in the US.

The article is about gestures that are innocent in the United States that mean something completely different (and offensive) overseas. There's no need to mention offensive US gestures, therefore, unless somewhere it has another meaning.

There was also a link in that article to 8 offensive English words. For example, I didn't know the English call what we call "bangs," "fringe."

quote:

bangs

The verb "to bang" can mean "to have sex with" but I can't think of a prurient connotation to the noun.

I think most English people are pretty well aware of this American usage, and the others on that page, through American TV shows, films and books anyway. We might make a joke about it, and enjoy pointing out the meaning over here, but we are unlikely to misunderstand.

And it isn't true to say that "bugger" is equivalent to "the f-word" (as they coyly put it). "Bugger is far milder and less offensive.

And "bugger" can even be used as a term of endearment or affection in some circumstances.

quote:

The verb "to bang" can mean "to have sex with"

Same here.

So if you have a heart attack and die during coitus it's "going out with a bang?"

quote:

So if you have a heart attack and die during coitus it's "going out with a bang?"

Or is that the Big Bang?