(no subject)

[louiselux]

Here's another Americanism that jars me when I see it in potter fics: 'snagged'. Used to mean 'took', as in 'he snagged some plates'.

Comments

[nym2.livejournal.com]

I use that one in everyday conversation. Usually only in relation to fabric, though. Clothes, curtains. Maybe it's a local thing? I never thought about it before!

[lexin.livejournal.com]

I've always assumed it means 'picked up' as in 'He snagged the shampoo from off the floor' which I came across in a story.

The usage of snagged that Nym is talking about is pulling a thread out of (for example) a piece of cloth or getting your nail caught in your tights and making a hole. That's the British usage of snagged.

[askance.livejournal.com]

How about snagged in the sense of Sensitive New Age Guy?

'He snagged some plates and made sure everybody got fed'

Did Americans use SNAG in that sense? What about you Poms ?

[louiselux.livejournal.com]

(Note to self: explain things properly). Yes, I really meant to say was that Americans use the word snagged differently to British english speakers. I use the word snagged, but only when I've pulled a thread in some material. Americans seem to use it in place of words like: picked up, took, got.

[louiselux.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, don't think I've ever come across that usage. So a SNAG is a Sensitive New Age Guy in Australia?

[askance.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's a few years old now, but if you say SNAG most Aussies know what you mean. I never realised it was country specific...

[nym2.livejournal.com]

No, that's what I mean: I'd 'snag the tablecloth' or 'snag some bandages to stop the bleeding' or 'snag that scarf over there, it's cold'. Cloth things.

[nym2.livejournal.com]

No, I'm not talking about the pulling a thread kind.

[ellen-fremedon.livejournal.com]

I use 'snag' to mean 'pick up,' and I don't use it only of cloth things. To me, it connotes grabbing something in passing, or as an afterthought.

[nym2.livejournal.com]

Yeah, like 'to catch up' or 'grab' or 'snatch'. Though I'd use one of those instead if it was anything but cloth. I wonder why?! *goes to prod local relatives on the subject*

Re:

[louiselux.livejournal.com]

Ahh, I see. It's just that I've never used snag in that sense, or heard anyone use it like that. I'm obviously on shaky ground with this whole snag issue :) I'll shut up now. It must, as you said, be a local thing.

[nym2.livejournal.com]

obviously on shaky ground with this whole snag issue :)

Is it me or does it sound a bit rude? "Snag me, baby! Snag me good 'n' hard!"

Re:

[louiselux.livejournal.com]

Snagging! That thing that Snape and Hagrid do :)