Random dictionary

[liv]

A total stranger just gave me a dictionary and thesaurus. I walked out of my front door to buy bread, when this guy I've never spoken to in my life, I'd guess about 50 with a broad Dundonian accent and not very many teeth, accosted me.

Random stranger: Excuse me, pal!
Me: Yes, what can I do for you?
RS: Wude ye like a dictionary?
Me: Um...
RS: Ye see, it's my mother's, and it's jus gettin damaged around the house.
Me: Er, well, if you're trying to get rid of it...
RS: It's jus that ye're studious, like.
[He pushes the Oxford Concise Dictionary and Oxford Thesaurus into my hands.]
Me: Ah, gosh, thank you very much, that's very kind of you, thank you.

(Excuse my poor attempt at a local accent.)

Did I mention I like living here?

Comments

[mummimamma.livejournal.com]

Anywhere where people just hand out dictionaries just because you "look studious" sounds like a good place to live!
Hope you give them a good home.

[liv]

people just hand out dictionaries just because you "look studious"
I know! Isn't it just the funniest thing?!

Hope you give them a good home.
I don't know. The thesaurus I probably will, but the dictionary is a bit out of date and really not in very good condition (the 'damage' that the anonymous benefactor was referring to appears to consist of the book having been kept in a damp place and got somewhat mouldy). And I don't really like the Oxford Concise; there are much better small dictionaries. So I'm thinking I may discreetly lose it at some point.