Ahh the vagaries of the ENGLISH language. They do say it is the hardest language in the world to learn. Whoever they may be.
In response to your question, a 'tied house' was one that was owned by your employer, so you could live in it for as long as you worked for him. As soon as you left or were sacked, you were out on your ear. Unless of course you are referring to a 'Public House' (hence pub) which is 'tied' to a particular brewery and could only sell that brewerys products, as opposed to a 'free house' which means they can sell any beverages they wish, (no it doesn't mean the beer is free, damn). In the interset of globalisation and transatlantic harmony I thought I'd throw in a few more spanners (for spanner see below). The first word is the English English version, the second the American English version. ALUMINIUM = ALUMINUM, BONNET = HOOD, BOOT = TRUNK, BRAIN BUCKET = HELMET, BUMPER (ON A CAR) = FENDER, CHIPS = FRENCH FRIES (what�s it got to do with the frogs?), PETROL = GAS, FROG = FRENCHMAN, GEAR LEVER = GEAR SHIFT, MUDGUARD (ON A BIKE) = FENDER, PANNIERS = SADDLEBAGS (hard), PETROL = GAS, SILENCER = MUFFLER, SKID LID = HELMET, SPANNER = WRENCH, THROWOVERS = SADDLEBAGS (soft), TYRE = TIRE, WINDSCREEN = WINDSHEILD, MASSEY FERGUSON = HARLEY DAVIDSON (Sorry! Couldn�t resist that one). Ta Ta old beans, off for a spot of tiffin and crumpets dont you know. :-) Doug L
