Explanation: Germans used to (apparently only in my bubble) call cellphones “Handy” and many people still do that. My friends from america found that quite hilarious.

  • marron12@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    FWIW, “handy” in the sense of “handjob” isn’t that common (U.S., over 25). I mostly hear it and use it in the sense of “useful, good to have or know.” That’s pretty handy, that could come in handy.

    Plus, I can’t imagine I would ever interpret Handy as a handjob if you pronounced it the German way (Hendy). I would just go “huh” because that doesn’t register as a word in English. I’ve been told that the vowels in the German Handy and the English handy sound really similar to native German speakers. But as a native English speaker, they’re worlds apart.

    Not trying to change your mind or anything. Just thought I’d give you a different perspective.

    • Netto Hikari@social.fossware.spaceOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      1 year ago

      Just stating what my US american friend from MA and his entire family said to me.

      Edit: Also, not talking about something being handy, I’m talking about “a handy”.