Words/phrases you have seen in books that you have never heard a real life person say

[OneUmberJoker]

Little high little low - stuart little

Padding across the floor. I have never in my life heard someone say they padded anywhere. Why is it a thing with many writers?

Tilting or lifting your chin in defiance or pride. Always women. A very misogynistic trope.

'You and Yours' is also Radio 4's daily consumer programme!

Legs that are 'encased' in trousers.

Hullo instead of hello.

People's specs always 'flash' when they're annoyed.

When someone looks through their eyelashes.

I imagine them all looking like Princess Diana!

When characters start sentence after sentence with the name of the person they’re talking to. It’s not necessary in real life, generally people say it once and that’s it.

Not a book but I hate it in Love Actually when Natalie says “Oh, piss it!”

They’s used the f-word a couple of times already, so clearly made this up.

Unless it is actually said somewhere?

I use shall. When I was young, it wasn’t interchangeable with ‘will’. I know that’s changed, but old habits die hard.

I see ‘leapt out of bed and ran a brush through her curls’ written. Presumably by people with straight hair, since I don’t think we do.

‘Wow that’s Wizard’ - Enid Blyton. See also: ‘You’re a Brick’ and ‘I hate sneaks’.

A jersey and a jumper are different things.

Grrr also Hallo (unless German) another Blyton sin.

Padding across the hallway

I’ve been reading Marian Keyes Walsh sisters series, she describes men as total rides a lot, I’ve never heard that phrase before.

Anne in Amandaland described Mick Jagger as 'a ride'.

It’s a Dublin expression so that makes sense 😁

Also common in other parts of Ireland.

Would only be used ironically around here!

"To be sure, to be sure." In 12 years of living in Ireland I only heard that once.

Also in many films: "We're just alike, you and I".

Nobody in the history of the world has ever actually said this IRL.

"I have been bent and broken, but—I hope—into a better shape."

Estella (Great Expectations)

And it would be being said ironically, too.

Oh fiddle dee dee!

No, it wasn't.

I use this one at work! It’s a playful way of responding to a young person who’s been a bit rude & usually makes them laugh.

I was reading Harry Potter and Tonks said “Wotcher, Harry!” I had absolutely no idea what that meant. Never heard it before, but apparently it’s cockney, so I never would have. Not one person up north has ever said that, I don’t think 😅