If you're talking about the average English man on the street, I can guarantee he'd understand bira and kebap I'll add some more serious suggestions later.

Hi AlphaF


I know Merhaba originate from Arabic. But please do tell us more!

Couldn't resist replying. I love it!!!! You'll certainly be original. At least you won't bump into someone else in the same costume! Now I really will go...

Oh that's a shame. Well at least you got to celebrate your birthday in style! Right, on that note, I really should go to sleep now.... But nice talking to you! If I ever randomly (now that really would be random) bump into you in the street - I'll be sure to borrow your eyeliner!

And what would your costume of choice be?! Actually two of the funniest costumes that turned up - despite being quite boring on paper - were two lads as Baywatch life guards. They even brought the theme tune with them...!

VNV Nation - that was in London last weekend wasn't it? I think one of my friends went, or at least was supposed to be going. Belated happy birthday! Hope it was a good one!

Talking of "fancy dress", I remember once having this big fancy dress house party. There was literally every costume you could ever imagine turning up. A friend of ours from Boston came, and bless him, he thought we meant "fancy" - so he turned up in a tux!

True! Remind me of that after I've had a wine. Although to be honest, I'd rather go for the "fancy dress" option. Give me any costume, any time! (Well maybe not "any costume"!)

And eyeshadow - I like it. It's good to always have the essentials! Actually my friend's forte is mirrors too. I always carry a mirror. But he has this ability to find a shiny surface on anything. (Perhaps he was a magpie in a former life?!) Be it a spoon, or fork! He even has a phone with a mirror on the back of it. Come to think of it, I guess I don't need to carry a mirror when I go out with him!

Oh to be able to rely on a man for tights! Actually one of my friends is very useful - he's always got an eyeliner on him. Great friend to have