From Gwendo:
Caramba? I've never heard of it. But I know Abrakadabra.
I caramba!
Now that Obama is striking closer and softer relations with Mexicans and other South America leaders, even extreme left ones, you are right to wonder whether this move has brought in more Spanish words into American language. As a matter of fact, Mexicans have made for long the margest number of immigrants in USA. I recently heard that one out of six illegal immigrants in USA were Mexicans. Among them a majority of drugs and weapons smugglers. You probably noticed, as I did, that the GG lessons are full of Spanish expressions coming now and again in characters' cues.
So, caramba is Spanish.
I guess it is not an every day expression across the channel but it must be across the Atlantic. I heard USA citizens say "I caramba!", meaning "O my goodness!" or something of that kind.
Good to you, Gwendo, to know abracadabra, to use it on a regular basis, that means that you often get magical surprises! You are blessed.
By the by, I am so pleased to read you again.It was a long time we hadn't heard from you. (Is that 'hear from' correct?)
[CW]
Posts: 588
23 April 2009