hello addiscombies -

we get bootlegged eurosport video over here and there's a few of us here who have come to appreciate duffieldisms as much as you. so here are a few more for your list:

"base over apex", -- going over the bars in a crash
"come a cropper" -- having the bike slip out from underneath in a crash
"going like stink" -- yet another way to say traveling at top speed

cheers, and thanks for the laughs

[robert]

Thanks Robert - how do you manage to get bootleged Eurosport over there? I bet a lot of your fellow countrymen would be very jealous if they knew. I suspect DD wants to say "Arse over tit" which is a common British saying that is a bit uncouth for family viewing hence "Base over apex". Interestingly "come a cropper" and "going like stink" are used in conversation occasionally over here but don't make it into common usage in other countries. I guess its even harder to understand DD for you than it is for us! Hopefully the Duffieldisms page can assist in your viewing pleasure.

From: Tim
Subject: duffers

I agree that the man is a living legend, even if his meandering style of broadcast journalism does cause me to curse out loud at times, usually when the pivotal moment of the race is unfolding before our eyes and he is recounting his after dinner anecdotes involving ''a rather nice glass of...''(insert any regional plonk).
Favourite duffisms have to be counting the number of times he refers to that select breed, the 'specialist climbers' whenever there is the faintest whif of an incline along the race profile. Also, after one of his frequent rambles, turning to Sean and asking 'what's your thoughts on that Sean?', the obviuosly bemused Kelly embarrisingly half whispering in reply 'well I dont really know about that, David' in a Ted from the FAST SHOW manner. Duffers, undetered carries on regardless.
great site,chaps
tim, nottingham

Excellent - especially the bit about Sean Kelly! Its interesting you point out how DD carries on regardless as I think that is what makes him so endearing to a large number of us. I know you reckon he is a living legend but I would go so far as to call him a "national treasure" and "prince of mikes". Do you think we could nominate him for an MBE or something similar? It  must be possible if enough people nominate him. Does anyone know how these things work or do you have to be in the establishment? For services to marathon broadcasting in difficult circumstances perhaps?

From: Greg
Subject: Duffieldisms

the one david duffield says often is 'a burst on the banjo' meaning, i assume, a rider is taking his turn in a share of the work. there are loads more, of which i can't think of right now but will send them when i do.
cheers,
greg

Thanks Greg, please keep thinking of them and let us have them as soon as you can.

From: Ellen "Ace"
Subject: Duffieldisms

The one that's been driving me wild this year's TdF is David's pronounciation of a certain Telecom rider. I have no idea how to pronounce Mr. Vinokurov's name, but I'll bet it isn't Voodookroff.

I was so happy to find your site--finally, someone who understands! I spend half my life watching EuroSport, and the other half ranting about EuroSport commentators (and me an American). I'd like to return the favor by pointing you towards a fun piece I wrote a couple of years ago titled "EuroSpoof" (http://www.1stserve.com/spoof.htm ). It's about tennis commentators, not cycling, but I think you might enjoy it. You are definitely my kind of people.

Ellen

Hey Ellen thats a great tennis feature (and the rest of your site is pretty good). How about turning your talents to a Duffieldspoof in the same vein as the tennis piece?

Thanks everyone for the emails. Please keep sending any info you might have on the great man and for those of you out there who don't like David's style of commentary then in the words of the man himself:

"If you can't stand the heat of the kitchen then don't come into it!"