Spoken English: The most eccentric (and eclectic) way to communicate?

New Mexico: The talented (American) cast of Michael Frayn’s (English) farce “Noises Off!” (Photo: Randy Talley)

Quite recently, after a long period in which I must have heard it many times, I learned the American term glassa wodda.

I have a waitress at a local restaurant to thank for this, for she repeatedly asked “What?” or “What did you say?” when I asked for something so commonplace that it was not even listed on the menu. I asked for a glass of water. Maybe I said “glahss” and “wawtuh,” b...