Canadutch
The other night in bed my husband and I had another disagreement on how you say something. Here’s how it went…
Hubby: Oh man last night I slept so …. fast!
Me: How do you sleep fast? You mean the time went by quick?
Hubby: No, like I slept like a rock!
Me: Oh, you mean deeply!
Hubby: Yeah!
Me: Well why did you say fast then? People don’t sleep fast or slow…
Hubby: Yeah they do, why do you think they say ‘Fast Asleep’.
Me: That’s just a saying, you can’t turn it around to say you slept fast.
Hubby: I’m sure you can!
Me: No you can’t!
Hubby: Yeah, I really think you can.
Me: This is going on my blog.
Hubby: Bah!
Me: Who’s the English… Which, I mean, I’m the native.. I speak … I’m the English speaker!!
Hubby: HA! I hope you’re putting that on your blog too! *mimics my stuttering*
So now, regardless of my stammering and my English failing me in that last sentence, I still think I’m right!! Nobody says they slept FAST!! Who says that? That’s not how it works! Argh!
So what do you think? Do you think you can say ‘I slept fast’?
When I was taking a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, one of the river guides always said “sleep fast, morning comes early” once quiet hours started. Its not really correct, but its amusing none the less.
A short Dutch answer. Sleeping deeply translates to dutch as ‘vast slapen’, which may have caused ur hubby to make this mistake. I have to admitt your hubbies attempt to explain this mistake by pointing out the expression fast asleep was creative and elegant. Bu the way, being able to sleep fast would be a very helful skill to have longer days ;)
Just found your blog. It’s pretty cute actually, if you don’t mind my using the word cute. Anyway, I am a fairly well educated American and I am embarrassed to say that I do not ever recall questioning the term “fast asleep”, nor can I say I know anything for certain about the root of the expression.
One thing is certain: You have a spark, don’t lose it!
G falls asleep FAST. He sleeps DEEPLY. I could say he is fast asleep because he’s OUT COLD quickly and deeply.
Well, you’re tright of course, there’s no such thing as sleeping fast.
Not unless he moves around the bed at high speed all night, in which case he’ wake up rather tired.
Just to twist the knife a bit I would say I went out like a light.
I love that you said ‘this is going on my blog.’
That is fucking adorable.
Your’re decidedly correct, Tammy–but hey, you’r e a female, of course you’re right! You can be fast asleep (in a deep sleep), or fall asleep fast (go to sleep quickly), but you can’t slept so fast (you could have slept so well or deeply, however). I can see how Zander could make the connection between the two, though. Do English mix-ups happen often between the two of you? I’m presuming Dutch ones do, as it’s your second language and you’re pretty up front about your struggles with the language.
In navigational terms, “fast” means secure or tied tightly – “The line is now fast, captain.” To be fast asleep means you are in a secure deep sleep, enjoying your dreams. I think that means it’s related to the Germanic part of English, as well.
OK, I am Dutch, but speak a lot of English at the office and I must this time agree with you! I am sorry, Xander! You can either sleep deeply or fall asleep fast (or rather: quickly)..
LOL on the funny conversation though!
As English is my second language, I would thought that your husband was correct. However, I thought he meant: ‘He fell into sleep quickly when he laid down to bed.’ Because I would. I better ask my husband tonight… :P
I think the expression “fast asleep” refers not to the speed in which you sleep or fall asleep, but to a firmness or deepness of the sleep.
It’s probably an old expression, related to Danish. In Danish “fast” still today means firm, steady or unmovable (and in German it’s “fest”), so that was probably the original meaning in English too. After all English and Danish share their roots, since we kept invading the British Isles – the English days of the week, except Saturday, are also from the Danish language.
Sorry Xander, Tammy has got ya there… I’ve never met someone who has slept fast ;)Only fast to sleep :P
I’ve never heard fast used to describe a type of sleep. I think the term Fast Asleep refers to falling asleep quickly and/or one who’s deep in sleep.
Out here in India, we have all sorts of weird englishnians. Your husband will feel most at home here.
:)
Velu
I’m always fascinated by the english language (since it is not my first). Next time you guys have a conversation working “sleeping soundly.” See what he says. Hee hee.
Hmmm never heard of fast used that way. Maybe it’s a translation problem. Sometimes Yuri uses the word learned in place of taught. Like I will learn you that or I learned her that.
Husbands…you just gotta love them.
You are right, but give him an A for effort. English does have a lot of strange sayings!
Hey, I’m on my way to Nova Scotia tomorrow for a family reunion. SHould be a lot of fun.
This is kinda funny… a couple of days ago I used the expression “fast asleep” in my blog, and suddenly thought it sounded weird (I’m not a native English speaker ;) ) So while now I still don’t know why one someone should be “fast” asleep, thanks for at least clearing up for me that he couldn’t be sleeping fast. OMG. The English language is weird, some times!
P.S. Love your blog – I found it via BlogExplosion. :)
Of course you’re right, Tammy. Don’t ever doubt your English skillz!
(Even though his use of the adjective wasn’t correct, I have to compliment him on his thought process. “Fast asleep” doesn’t really make sense, anyway.)