Wu Ting
How would you explain ‘ratso’ in the context? Notes on how to speak in America: 1. Do not say “Pardon me.” People in books say it constantly. Here, they ask who sent you to prison. 2. Shouting “Go fry asparagus!” won’t make them leave you alone, as it would in Spanish. 3. “Beat it” means Go fry asparagus. 4. “Punk” means fluter. Also: chump, ratso, and “sure it ain’t the YMCA.” 5. “Mexico” is not a country, but a name. Hey Mexico, comeer. How would you explain ‘ratso’ in the context? Thanks!
Mar 11, 2014 3:46 AM
Answers · 2
3
I don't know where you are getting this stuff from, but don't take it too seriously. I have never heard anyone called a 'ratso'. 'Punk'? Yes. 'Chump'? More like 1940s era slang. 'Fluter'? Nope. Must be UK. There is an author currently working with the nickname 'Ratso'. I assume he got the name from the character Ratso Rizzo in the movie Midnight Cowboy (1969). Ratso, played by Dustin Hoffman, was a crippled street con man of the lowest sort. It was a classic role that helped launch Hoffman's great career.
March 11, 2014
None of this is making much sense to me. Can you give us a bit more context?
March 11, 2014
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!