Mind the Gap, London Underground, UK
The phrase ‘Please Mind the Gap’ grew upon me slowly when I used the London Underground and the National Rail for two days. As a station would approach, the announcement system on the train would go crazy, announcing “please mind the gap” again and again. Once or twice it felt OK, then it became amusing. When I went into a souvenir shop later, I saw a mug with the same slogan, “Mind the Gap.” Of course, I bought it.Later, I googled and found this interesting stuff about Mind the Gap on the BBC-
The Recorded Announcement (Male)
The stern, shouting, male voice announcement for ‘Mind the Gap’ is being phased out. Fortunately, you can download Peter Lodge’s ‘performance’ – and numerous other train announcements – from this Sound File site. As the webmaster of the site says:
His barked orders to cowering passengers continue to ring out in a recording which is already an historical document3.
The Recorded Announcement (Female)
The female voice for the recorded announcement of ‘Mind the Gap’ is nicknamed ‘Sonia’ by tube drivers. Why? Because her voice ‘gets on yer nerves’, they collectively reply.
Apparently ‘Sonia’ is thought to be a bit too posh in some circles. In recent tests somebody mimicking the voice of Marilyn Monroe proved to be a favourite.
Mind the Gap on the National Rail, Somewhere Between Victoria and Sutton
That’s a nice way to remind the people actually, instead of only writing somewhere in the corner.
Hi Mridula, So back from London or still there, haven’t heard from you long time. I am sure you have had wonderful time there. “Mind the Gap” is a kinda caption now, many crazy tokens are available in London streets. Keep smiling,Pijush
But it is quite hilarious to hear it again and again Cuckoo.Pijush I came back in the beginning of the month. And thanks a lot for the comment.
Hey, doesnt Delhi Metro have similar announcements? I don’t remember, please refresh my memory!Funny note: They used to do so in Mumbai too. “Antarakade laksha dyaa” (pay attention to the gap, antar=gap in Marathi). It became a joke, because ‘Antara’ is a popular female name.
Priyank, to tell you the truth, I have never traveled on the Delhi metro till date! But yes, my nephews say there is a similar announcement on it too.And thanks for sharing the Bombay one.
keep cool and mind the
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