JCDenton  +  646237 Sat, 17 Jan 09 05:50 PM Hi guys, please what is in US "check-cashing joint"?  Context: We apprehended him at a check-cashing joint. My first guess was that check-cashing joint is something like road-toll. But I'm not sure. thank you guys in advance!   Best Regards JCD   JCDenton Joined on Tue, Jul 3 2007 Regular Member 658 Context

	Avangi  +  646242 Sat, 17 Jan 09 06:03 PM There are many franchised check-cashing facilities these days   -   small "store-front" establishments which specialize in cashing government and payroll checks for a percentage.  Some will also advance cash til payday.   - A. Avangi Joined on Mon, Nov 19 2007 Veteran Member 8,171 ". . . le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile." - Henri de Regnier

	JCDenton  +  646303 Sat, 17 Jan 09 07:15 PM Thanks Avangi for answer! Okay, so can I translate it as ATM? thank you again.   Best Regards   JCDenton

	Avangi  +  646308 Sat, 17 Jan 09 07:55 PM Not necessarily.  There are a few high end ATM machines which are capable of cashing checks and paying bills, but I'm sure your excerpt refers to a walk-in establishment. (Perhaps my use of "store-front" was unfamiliar.  It's the kind of minimum-sized establishement you'd find in a strip mall.  Hmmm   -   Do you know "strip mall"? Avangi

	JCDenton  +  646390 Sat, 17 Jan 09 10:11 PM Thanks Avangi. Hm, from your description I feels that it is something between a little bank and a small finance institution.  Problem is that I don't know howto put it into my native language....hm, I'll probably stick with that ATM machine. Or Avangi, how does it look inside? How many people work there? Avangi “ Do you know "strip mall"? ” No, you mean mall with the strip bars?.. No, I'm kidding, of course I found the definition at the wikipedia. Yes, I believe that this must be really handy for the people when they're shopping in that kind of malls. Best Regards   JCDenton Regards, Languages

	Delmobile  +  646391 Sat, 17 Jan 09 10:14 PM  I would like to add that such places are notorious for exploiting the poor. I wish there wasn't a word for them in my native language, either. Delmobile Joined on Wed, Jan 2 2008 Contributing Member 1,078 Languages

	Avangi  +  646461 Sun, 18 Jan 09 12:26 AM I'd describe it as smaller than a small bank, employing no more than two or three people.  I've never been inside one (not that I'm never hard up for cash) but I have the impression the client has access only to a counter across the front of the establishment, much as one has when visiting the dry cleaner. My objection to the ATM analogy is that many ATM's are no bigger than a Coke machine, and are often situated singly, at outdoor locations.  Your excerpt speaks of a "check-cashing joint," which evokes a walk-in establishment, like a small bar, or restaurant.  Ya'know, "The minute ya walked in the joint   -    -    I could tell you were a man of distinction   -    a real big spender!"   -    speaking of strip joints, and con artists.  Avangi Analogies, Speaking, Chat, Friendships, Restaurants

	Grammar Geek  +  646516 Sun, 18 Jan 09 01:39 AM  Do NOT translate it as ATM. ATMs are simply machine. These places will take your pay check and give you cash - but they keep some. If you don't have enough money until payday, they will advance you cash as exploitive interest rates. They are often unscrupulous.   Grammar Geek Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006 Veteran Member 19,651 Barbara, who answers in American English. My housekeeping skills attest to the truth of the second law of thermodynamics: Left to themselves, things get more and more random! Interests Rates

	JCDenton  +  646865 Sun, 18 Jan 09 10:00 AM Okay, thank you guys to all of you! I think I understand now what it is and yes, ATM isn't good idea. I'll try to figure out something.   Best Regards JCDenton Regards