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一本正经、彬彬有礼的英国人从来也不会直抒胸臆，在圣诞节期间更是如此。虽然表面一团和气，但如果你get不到他们的言下之意，你可能无意之中就变成了“二货”。来看看《每日电讯报》对英国人圣诞委婉语的“毒舌”They say: “Darling, your Nativity Play was a triumph. I’m so proud.” 英国人说：“亲爱的，你的圣诞表演真是太成功了。我真为你骄傲。” They mean: “I spent the entire shambolic production seething that you weren’t one of the leads and shall be having a stern word with your teacher. Also, I couldn’t tell which sheep you were.” 他们的意思是：“整个乱糟糟的演出期间我都在恼火为什么你没能演个主角，我打算和你的老师好好谈谈。另外，我看不出你扮演的是哪只羊。” “Pop round anytime.” “欢迎随时过来。” “Preferably text first so we can make up an excuse.” “最好来之前能发个短信，这样我们才好编个理由（不让你来）。” “So what are your Christmas plans?”/“All ready for Christmas?” “你圣诞有什么安排？”/“圣诞节的一切都准备好了吗？” “I can’t think of anything else to say and this is December’s equivalent of weather smalltalk. Please keep the answer mercifully brief because I’m not actually interested.” | 
