ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: American Slang

Avangi — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:35:51 GMT

I know Doc Holliday was a dentist when he wasn't busy shooting people, but I'm not sure what Doc Severensen is a doctor of. - A.

Re: American Slang

Grammar Geek — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:59:31 GMT

Bugs Bunny was so universally known in American culture that many borrow that expression as a way of saying "Hi there. How are you? Anything new?"

You generally don't refer to other people as "Doc" (unless they are doctors) outside of that expression.

Re: American Slang

Belly — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:15:33 GMT

Yes, the expression was "What's up Doc"?

Re: American Slang

Avangi — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:52 GMT

Back in the 30's the famous cartoon character Bugs Bunny coined the expression, "What's up, doc?" It had nothing to do with medical degrees, but was more a casual sort of bravado, when Elmer Fudd was about to shoot him. The expression caught on, and is used in all sorts of situations. I agree that "What's up, dude?" is the same.

Best wishes, - A.

Edit. Sorry, GG, I didn't see your post.

Re: American Slang

Grammar Geek — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:49:44 GMT

Can you describe the times you've heard "Doc" on TV? Was it said by a grey rabbit who walks on two legs?

American Slang

Belly — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:46:39 GMT

I've heard the word Doc many times on TV, but when I looked up in Dictionary they told me that Doc is " A physician, dentist, or veterinarian.". However, I think Doc is something like Dude. So what is your take?