FabSwingers.com forum: Should I let on?

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.

Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.

When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.

Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...

As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Nooo. Be sneaky.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Shock them over coffee and cake!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think it'd be great

It is always lovely when abroad when a national addresses you in your own language

Not just waiters etc but normal people going about their business

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Me? I'd keep that locked away in the armoury for sure. You never know!!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Shock them over coffee and cake!"

I may wait until it's one of their birthdays and then sing Sto-lat to him...

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By *harpDressed ManMan
over a year ago

Here occasionally, but mostly somewhere else

Wait.

You never know. If they ask, tell em of course

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The day you leave let them know then, and pretend you learned how to speak polish because of them.

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By *harpDressed ManMan
over a year ago

Here occasionally, but mostly somewhere else

"Shock them over coffee and cake!

I may wait until it's one of their birthdays and then sing Sto-lat to him...

Oh God, flashback...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just start speaking in Polish and watch the reaction

If you hide it and they find out at a later date it will seem as if you were hiding it for a reason

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Just start speaking in Polish and watch the reaction

If you hide it and they find out at a later date it will seem as if you were hiding it for a reason"

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Just start speaking in Polish and watch the reaction

If you hide it and they find out at a later date it will seem as if you were hiding it for a reason"

You see I've been thinking that very same thing. I was contemplating only speaking Polish tonight on my night shift.

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By *ldmaleMan
over a year ago

Amlwch

keep quite

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By *entaur_UKMan
over a year ago

Cannock

Wait until Poland gets beat at football then ask them what the result was in Polish.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Wait and then surprise them all together

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You have to wait until the perfect moment to spring it on them.

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By *uzy444Woman
over a year ago

in the suffolk countryside

dont know why you havent told them already...longer you leave it the more they will think youve kept something from them..not good in work situation..so id tell them as soon as, especially as theyve been communicating with you in english to make you feel included in conversations x

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"dont know why you havent told them already...longer you leave it the more they will think youve kept something from them..not good in work situation..so id tell them as soon as, especially as theyve been communicating with you in english to make you feel included in conversations x"

I doubt that. They already know my father is Polish because of my surname. They've not asked me if I speak Polish though, so technically I've not misled anyone.

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By *iamondjoeMan
over a year ago

Glastonbury

Deffo keep that in reserve

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

Tell them you would love to learn their language, then pretend that you are picking it really quickly

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

*it up

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sing a song in Polish to them and tell them you learnt it especially as a surprise.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Announce at the end of your shift that you're off to learn Polish ...then at the beginning of your next shift surprise them with your fluent Polish

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By *ark_KnightsMan
over a year ago

london

Ask one of them in front of the others to teach u a phrase or few words for a laugh

Go in tomorrow and smash out a whole conversation lol

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By *ark_KnightsMan
over a year ago

london

"Announce at the end of your shift that you're off to learn Polish ...then at the beginning of your next shift surprise them with your fluent Polish

Damn !!!! Sneaked that in

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'd just start your shift asking one of them to pop the bloody kettle on and make a brew lol

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I'd just start your shift asking one of them to pop the bloody kettle on and make a brew lol "

The Poles are a giving people but as the new bloke I think it's me that should be making the brews...

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By *arnayguyMan
over a year ago

Durham Tees

Fall down and pretend to bang your head. Stay in a faint for a little while then when you come to, start speaking fluent Polish. That might mess with their heads. Even better if you can secretly film it too.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Me? I'd keep that locked away in the armoury for sure. You never know!!"

You never know what...

They're plotting to take over the world?

The OP just said they don't talk behind people's backs. Surely the day would be more interesting if you can chat to people. You might even make some great friends?!

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

Top bloke, I'll have a brew Mr Who

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Me? I'd keep that locked away in the armoury for sure. You never know!!

You never know what...

They're plotting to take over the world?

The OP just said they don't talk behind people's backs. Surely the day would be more interesting if you can chat to people. You might even make some great friends?! "

People speaking in another language they think you don't understand are talking behind your back

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By *rcticFoxxxWoman
over a year ago

Hereabouts

I'd love to be fluent in another language purely for this reason. I'd be really cheeky about it as well! Keep it secret until the perfect time

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By *iss_tressWoman
over a year ago

London

"A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.

Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.

When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.

Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...

As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in..."

A friend of mine was adopted by a Welsh couple and spoke fluent Welsh. He started a job as an SRN, this was back in the 80s, and there were two other Welsh speaking staff there.

He never let on he could speak Welsh and the names they used to call him whilst smiling to his face amused him more than anything. When one of them got promoted and was leaving he went along to the leaving do and wished him good luck and the very best for the future.

He said his face was an absolute picture, as was the woman who was left behind. He said he could tell they were going over every nasty thing they'd said.

Keep stumm!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well if you are putting the kettle on?

I would keep it under my hat

Who am I kidding! There is no reason to hide it so just have a little fun with it x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'd just start your shift asking one of them to pop the bloody kettle on and make a brew lol

The Poles are a giving people but as the new bloke I think it's me that should be making the brews..."

Absolutely, newbies job

It's all in timing MrWho, you'll know when it's right...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'd just start your shift asking one of them to pop the bloody kettle on and make a brew lol

The Poles are a giving people but as the new bloke I think it's me that should be making the brews..."
well since your so kind tea please

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Announce at the end of your shift that you're off to learn Polish ...then at the beginning of your next shift surprise them with your fluent Polish

This is what I'd do

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Just start speaking in Polish and watch the reaction

If you hide it and they find out at a later date it will seem as if you were hiding it for a reason

You see I've been thinking that very same thing. I was contemplating only speaking Polish tonight on my night shift."

best to tell me

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.

Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.

When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.

Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...

As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in...

A friend of mine was adopted by a Welsh couple and spoke fluent Welsh. He started a job as an SRN, this was back in the 80s, and there were two other Welsh speaking staff there.

He said his face was an absolute picture, as was the woman who was left behind. He said he could tell they were going over every nasty thing they'd said.

Keep stumm! "

From what I've overheard so far they only have positive things to say about everyone, even the management.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Nah see what they say behind your back :p

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Nooo. Be sneaky.

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

Use google translate on a screen to ask them if you can learn their language. "It will take years" they will confidently announce. "I can use my Jedi mind tricks" you answer,then in answer to their laugher you do be Jedi hand movement and then start talking in Polish.....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.

Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.

When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.

Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...

As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in...

A friend of mine was adopted by a Welsh couple and spoke fluent Welsh. He started a job as an SRN, this was back in the 80s, and there were two other Welsh speaking staff there.

He said his face was an absolute picture, as was the woman who was left behind. He said he could tell they were going over every nasty thing they'd said.

Keep stumm!

From what I've overheard so far they only have positive things to say about everyone, even the management."

Perhaps they already assume you can speak the language and are waiting to see if you tell them.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Me? I'd keep that locked away in the armoury for sure. You never know!!

You never know what...

They're plotting to take over the world?

The OP just said they don't talk behind people's backs. Surely the day would be more interesting if you can chat to people. You might even make some great friends?!

People speaking in another language they think you don't understand are talking behind your back "

Do you write headlines for the Daily Mail?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My view is that its rude of them to speak Polish infront of people they know (or presume) only speak English..

Id keep it a secret.. they cant say anything as they are using Polish in and around other English only speakers so are they not 'being secretive'

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By *dam_TinaCouple
over a year ago

Hampshire

I doubt that. They already know my father is Polish because of my surname."

'Who' doesn't sound like a Polish name

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By *ikki ShooterTV/TS
over a year ago

Epsom

Wait until someone has an argument with you...they will probably curse you in their native language.... That's when you strike back with a torrent of abuse in Polish and whatch their expression.... Priceless x

(yes I know I'm evil... I did this in Japanese)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.

Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.

When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.

Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...

As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in..."

Enjoy yourself and pretend to be a spy in 1950s Eastern Block, it'll make the day go quicker for you if you are bored.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.

Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.

When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.

Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...

As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in..."

I have the same situation at my job but the difference is I don't speak polish fluently. I pick up about 50% of what their saying. Can be handy at times

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just a thought, what would you do if you heard them planning to do something a bit dodgy?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Get them to teach you Polish. Start slowly then go to work on a Monday and tell them you have been doing your homework. Then come out with a quote or speech by lech Walesa, start with, we the people and create an uprising against the management. They will be carrying you on their shoulders by the end of the day.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Get them to teach you Polish. Start slowly then go to work on a Monday and tell them you have been doing your homework. Then come out with a quote or speech by lech Walesa, start with, we the people and create an uprising against the management. They will be carrying you on their shoulders by the end of the day."

Yep! like that one.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"A couple of weeks ago I started a new job. Nothing exciting but it's going to pay the bills until my ideal job comes around.

Most of the lads on my team are Polish and when communicating with each other either on the shop floor or on breaks they speak Polish - naturally.

When speaking to me they and the only other English guy they speak English (and very well too)- obviously.

Should I let on that I'm a fluent Polish speaker? Or should I keep it a secret as it could come in handy?...

As an aside, they don't talk about anyone behind their backs either before the Britain First mob pipe in...

I have the same situation at my job but the difference is I don't speak polish fluently. I pick up about 50% of what their saying. Can be handy at times

I picked up a lot of French when I worked in a school. I don't think all the French speaking staff realised I understand a lot of what they were talking about. I didn't deliberately ear wig,they used to talk in front of me outside classes and in the staff room.

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By *ensualtouch15Man
over a year ago

ashby de la zouch

Must say , very impressive you speak and understand what to my ear does not seem the most easy of languages

Me I'd keep quiet for a while but my experience of the Polish is very positive indeed x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Me? I'd keep that locked away in the armoury for sure. You never know!!

You never know what...

They're plotting to take over the world?

The OP just said they don't talk behind people's backs. Surely the day would be more interesting if you can chat to people. You might even make some great friends?!

People speaking in another language they think you don't understand are talking behind your back

Do you write headlines for the Daily Mail?

Oh,you're calling me racist for expecting people to use manners. Work for the Guardian do you?

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"My view is that its rude of them to speak Polish infront of people they know (or presume) only speak English..

Id keep it a secret.. they cant say anything as they are using Polish in and around other English only speakers so are they not 'being secretive' "

English is the minority language in my department. There's only two English people in my team and whenever they speak to us, which is often, they speak perfect English.

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By *ensualtouch15Man
over a year ago

ashby de la zouch

I doubt that. They already know my father is Polish because of my surname. They've not asked me if I speak Polish though, so technically I've not misled anyone."

Ah note to self, must read every post before comments

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Announce at the end of your shift that you're off to learn Polish ...then at the beginning of your next shift surprise them with your fluent Polish

I'd go with this one, bound to give them a laugh and shows you're not being a sneaky Pete keeping it to yourself OP.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Wait until someone has an argument with you...they will probably curse you in their native language.... That's when you strike back with a torrent of abuse in Polish and whatch their expression.... Priceless x

(yes I know I'm evil... I did this in Japanese) "

Snap!

Had the very same thing several times only in Spanish.

I've had times though where I've not spoken a word of English when living there even though I was in an English office as the client was a complete arse.

Other times I've caught people out when they been speaking in Spanish thinking no one will know what they are saying and you flippantly drop an answer as you walk past

Just like the card commercial- priceless

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