Turbo charging and speed...

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Leszek L. - 05 Feb 2007 09:15 GMT

Hello,

Some years ago there was a scandal involving smuggling
of drugs on naval vessels of some English-speaking country.
In a humorous BBC show, a captain has just heard about
the accusations and asks his first officer:

- Tell me, is there any substance in the charges?
- No sir, we never stash it in there. They could go off!

Now I do understand the captain is asking if the accusations
have any grounding in facts. But how did the officer
misunderstand the question? He is obviously assuring the captain
that the drugs are not hidden in a place where they could start
an explosion. In this case, what would the "charges" be?
Some kind of ammunition or ordnance?

Thanks for any enlightment,
LL

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Einde O'Callaghan - 05 Feb 2007 17:52 GMT

Leszek L. schrieb:

> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> an explosion. In this case, what would the "charges" be?
> Some kind of ammunition or ordnance?

This is a double pun. As you say the captain is asking if there is any
truth in the accusations. However, "substance" or "substances" is the
word used in the legislation as a catch-all designation for illegal
drugs and "charges" or "depth charges" are the types of bombs used to
combat submnarines. So the question the first officer is answering is
"Are there any illegal drugs hidden inside the anti-submarine bombs?"

I hope that's clear.

Regards, Einde O'Callaghan

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Leszek L. - 06 Feb 2007 09:53 GMT

> This is a double pun. As you say the captain is asking if there is any
> truth in the accusations. However, "substance" or "substances" is the word
> used in the legislation as a catch-all designation for illegal

Yes, I realized that;

> drugs and "charges" or "depth charges" are the types of bombs used to
> combat submnarines. So the question the first officer is answering is

I see. I felt it would be something to do with explosives in the vessel's
weaponry, now you have given me the exact reference.

> "Are there any illegal drugs hidden inside the anti-submarine bombs?"
>
> I hope that's clear.

Perfectly. Thank you very much.

For what it's worth, the sketch included a "man overdosed!" alarm,
and ended with:

Captain: Enough of this nonsense, let's get to work - we have
to pick up speed!
Officer: No problem, Cap; I know that bloke in Amsterdam...

(no need to explain these)

Cheers,
L.

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Discussion Groups / ESL Teaching / February 2007

Turbo charging and speed...