Only a tenuous link with flying, but ......
Four men on a train slowly making its way across Europe one balmy summer's day when a butterfly flew into the compartment.
They agreed it was exquisitely beautiful and then the Englishman, rather proudly, added: English is such a wonderfully expressive language. Even the sound of the word 'butterfly' captures its delicate nature.
The Frenchman immediately responded: Mais Monsieur, also en Francais. We say 'papillon'. Papillon - such a gentle flowing sound for such a delicate creature. The Englishman agreed, as did the Spaniard who pointed out that Spanish was just as expressive: We say 'mariposa'. Mariposa - such a soft, gentle sound. The other two nodded in agreement.
This prompted the German to join in, asserting that German was the most expressive language of all. Pointing at the beautiful insect fluttering its delicate wings, he declared: "Schmetterling! Schmetterling!"
Polite silence from the other three.
(Best read with the relevant accents in mind.
