Whistling

[Theland]

Milkmen, window cleaners, diggers of holes in roads, etc, all have their fair share of whistlers.
Is this part of our British culture?
And of course, do YOU whistle a tune when going about your business?

[luna-tic]

Hi Theland,
I do whistle, not sure it's in tune though.
This morning it was `Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer '.
My repertoire consists of songs from the 1940's to the present day but the old Cocky-knee songs are often to the fore.
`Boiled Beef.....'
`My Old Man.....'
etc.etc
I think it's part of most cultures.
What really annoys me are the people that constantly whistle but there is absolutely no reconisable song and it's all off key.

[chakka35]

luna-tic, if the song is not recognisable then how do you know that the whistling is off-key?

[peppercat]

hi yes i do whistle everyday but only to get cat indoors. don't know if it works really but he usually appears not long after i do. not barmy but maybe neighbours think i am.

[ginger85]

i don�t personally whistle while i work but it is not just the english culture that builder, window cleaners whistle. i have been livingin brazil and trust me they do just the same.

[peppercat]

but why do they whistle at every woman under 40 when you go past

[jackthehat]

If I hear whistling anywhere it sets off a Pavlovian response and I start scanning the horizon for my Dad...........:o)

I've noticed that more chaps seem to whistle 'oop north' than in the Midlands.............

[naomi24]

Jack I'm pleased you've popped up. I've been wanting to ask you if your son is ok? I believe he was going abroad with the army this month?

Sorry to interrupt the thread, Theland, but to answer your question, personally I never whistle, although I hear Luna manages to put together a fairly reasonable tune. Who would expect anything else with his (allegedly) fine musical talent?!

[jackthehat]

Naomi - I had him home for Christmas and he's currently on a course to prepare him for Afghanistan.............Jan 21st :o(

The dread is building.

What are the chances of Gordon Brown pulling our forces out before then, I wonder..................?

[naomi24]

Jack I knew he was due to go sometime in January, and I've thought about you often. It must be so difficult for you. Let me know how he gets on, won't you. Lots of love to you. x

[Le Chat]

My Dad is always whistling and always has done. You can hear him before you can see him! Consequently, I do whistle sometimes and my neice who is 8 yrs old has been a regular whistler since she was about 6!
Is it inherited or learnt behaviour I wonder!

[luna-tic]

Hello Chak,
Maybe off-key was the wrong musical term but where I used to work there was a chap who would constantly whistle with every single blow going ridiculously from one end of the scale to the other.If it was a tune then no one recognised it but it made him happy, so that's okay.
:0)

[Bellringer]

As a lad I used to whistle all the time. Then I went to sea.
Nobody whistles on a ship, it whistles up the wind. So I find I can't whistle now, not even for my dog. Wish I could remember how to do it.