I can definitely see the progress. Certified Canadian English tutor with 10 years of experience and a Master's in Applied Linguistics. *** "I speak four languages," proudly boasted the door man of a hotel in Rome to an American … It will certainly help you communicate more naturally with the locals! Incidentally, we wouldn't usually say 'potato crisps', just 'crisps', as in '2 pints of lager and a packet of crisps, please'. Scrabble is my absolute favorite board game! I am an American, and typically, when I ponder British English, I think of charming accents, some slight differences in spelling, and words that sound, well, more formal. Isn't it curious the way a language evolves when it travels and meets up with fresh culture? British vs American Words. It seems my friend has a funny story on this about every week. However, beyond just the fact that we use a lot of different words to mean the same things, or all the accents you would have to … British humor is also known to be characterized by a level of subtlety, which often veils sarcasm or even strong emotions. It maybe because we come different areas in England. I, too, would like to visit across the pond, well maybe after the Olympics have cleared out. The English do use the terms 'pal' and larder', though. Want to know as many slang terms as possible before a trip to New York or London? Send a full CV with your job application. English meaning: Everyone pays for their own meal. You mention the difference between 'mom' & 'mum', but also in the US you have 'mom & pop stores'; we don't have the same expression, but we refer to parents and 'mum & dad'. Meaning: There you go! If you got 10 correct answers: You must be a Brit! Sometimes around my friend, I feel like I even pick up her accent. Funny 3 years ago. I love their slang over in England. Nap I think I would say to anyone. As opposed to inside. Yes mate, it’s the same in England. I was thinking that term had been phased out. Example: "You're a cunt." Anyway, I really love to learn more and I appreciate this article. Check out our expert English tutors from the US. Hopefully, I will not receive too many queer (odd) looks from others, as my friend does when she says to open the bonnet (hood) or close the boot (trunk) of her car. Joyce Haragsim from Southern Nevada on August 10, 2012: Being a Brit I understood everything in your great hub. You can search Preply’s tutor list by “country of origin” to find a tutor who will be a natural expert in the slang you need to know. Sarah Johnson (author) from Charleston, South Carolina on April 18, 2012: Thanks, Rebecca! I really learned a lot from your hub. It has been very amusing to compare the different vocabulary used in these two parts of the world. that party tonight, I have too much to do. Sarah Johnson (author) from Charleston, South Carolina on August 14, 2012: Hmmm...never heard of the odds and sods either though it is catchy. “I’ll give you a bell” This means you will call someone on the phone later. ;), Anyway, great and entertaining hub. Voted up and sharing. I know what you mean! In the late 1960s, the word “Jonesing” was invented to discuss the strong feeling of needing more heroin after taking one dose. We began to notice that the vocabulary differences were even funnier when we looked at slang words. If you got between 7 and 8 correct answers: Fair game. If you got between 4 and 6 correct answers: You need to brush up on your British slang! First of all, this phrase has nothing to do with Mickey Mouse, although maybe that is a good way to remember it! Key Difference: The American Accent is easier to understand than the British Accent. Want to know as many slang terms as possible before a trip to New York or London? Forecast depicts gloom and showers? My husband and I play Scrabble every chance we get so we are always looking for new words and enjoy collecting them. If you’re using a mix of UK-English and US-English study materials, it can be useful to learn which words are specific to each country. I'm Spanish, and though I've had loads of British English teachers, but never an American, and I've been to England a few times, I knew more american slang! Andrew Spacey from Near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire,UK on July 08, 2012: A proper good hub ChaplinSpeaks! Tricia Mason from The English Midlands on July 14, 2012: I agree, Rebecca, it's a foreign language to me :). 17 British Swearwords Explained For Americans. In essence, American humor and British humor reflect their respective cultures. Words with specific British English meanings that have different meanings in American and/or additional meanings common to both languages (e.g. My friend’s son attends elementary school and was learning a dance in PE class. Soldiers noticed that birds would peck at horse poo to look for seeds to eat. If a player decided not to deal, he could “pass the buck” to another player, so it would be their turn instead. Mayo - seems like you either love it or hate it. We noticed right off that there were words we used that the other was not quite familiar. Good to bring some laughter to the classroom, too! And there are loads of words we've absorbed from India; words like verandah (I guess 'porch' might be the nearest US equivalent), bungalow (a single stor(e)y house) & countless words related to curry, which has almost become the British national dish. Great Hub, I enjoyed it! Nov 24, 2014. Sounds like trolley, but it is the … In the UK, we’re unhealthily attached to nasty words that describe a “loose woman”. http://www.usa-vs-uk.com/usvsuk-dictionary.html. I scored more on the American quiz than the British yet I'm English. 53 Times Americans Were Surprised By British Things . But we’re more interested in the inappropriate words. Another theory suggests that the phrase first appeared as a combination of two older phrases, “spill blood” and “spoil the beans”. Then for the Scottish, it means liquor. How widespread is this? Importance of Reading: Why Reading is Such an Important English Language Skill, Language Study Planner: Guide to Creating the Perfect Study Schedule [+Template], 8 Best Netflix Shows to Learn English Easily [+Tips], Learning English on Your Own: What Will Help You Succeed, English Podcasts: 12 Best Podcasts for Learning English in 2020, English Exam Study Guide: Advice From Experienced Tutors on How to Ace Your Exams, Learning English for Business? The diary is the little book in my handbag and the calendar hangs on the wall. Glad you could pick up some new lingo for the game. 10 British Words That Baffle Americans. Final Thoughts on British English vs American English Words When it comes to British English vs American English words, it’s clear that we share more similarities than differences . Besides having a good laugh, though, I do feel better prepared for when I get the chance to visit England. The other ministers noticed, “that man only got that job because Bob’s his uncle!” and this sarcastic slang phrase was born. The bride-to-be may say to her fiancé, “Hon, our wedding is only two months away - I think we need to take some shagging lessons.” If you live in the US, you know that shagging is a popular swing dance, particularly in my home state, South Carolina. Sarah Johnson (author) from Charleston, South Carolina on April 29, 2012: Thanks, mbyL! I assumed that she meant without their jackets or some kind of pullover. Keep reading, listening and watching both British and American books, movies and songs and you'll continue to improve. “Taking the Mickey” comes from a variety of East London English called Cockney rhyming slang. The next word came up when we were planning a lunch date. Sarah Johnson (author) from Charleston, South Carolina on April 09, 2012: Thanks, teaches12345! There's a difference between the traditional large chips we eat with fish and the thin fries we get in MacDonalds. ; By the skin of (my/your/his/her) teeth — just barely. ( A LOT!). Teresa Coppens from Ontario, Canada on April 11, 2012: What a fantastic hub topic! You're not alone. If you got 10 correct answers: Welcome to America! A diary for us is a secret journal to write down thoughts. Trish, we still say pocketbook in my area, but maybe an old fashion term? This is a list of British words not widely used in the United States.In Canada, New Zealand, India, South Africa, and Australia, some of the British terms listed are used, although another usage is often preferred.. If you want an entertaining example of this, then watch Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels! If you got between 0 and 3 correct answers: Not looking too good. If it's your dream to enjoy a cream tea with the Queen, or treat yourself to a pint down the pub, you'll need to master these essential British phrases! Most of the ‘so-called’ British English words are entirely wrong. It is not my typical kind of article, but it sure was fun writing it! These two clangers are the most commonly used, yet they’re insults only the most dedicated American anglophile or British gangster movie aficionado will have encountered. The equivalent of calling shotgun, a successful Bagsy is legally binding in an English court of law (not really). Here we’ll run down a few choice British English words which baffle and bamboozle the American ear: Chips. Bloke, pissed drunk, wanker – most Americans are probably familiar with these British slang words, whether heard in a neighborhood pub or an English film. Generally speaking, it's true that most Americans will understand British English speakers and vice versa despite the many differences. Later that day we dropped her husband off at the clinic, for he had a bum shoulder. I had a professor down at AASU that discussed language, dialect and accent differences. Many people think this expression comes from a tradition in horse racing. British and American English often spell the same word differently, for example: labour/labor, enthrall/enthral, or centre/center.You can find out more about these differences here.. Here are some funny and dirty differences between American and British English. Some are hilarious, some are rude and some are… interesting. Funny American Slang Words. He got my goat, I almost shouted at him in the street. The way 'butchers' comes from butcher's hook = look, 'dog' comes from dog and bone = phone. British people often talk about “bits and bobs” so this is a very useful phrase to learn. Another great article. The British tradition is salt and malt vinegar, but we also use ketchup. Feeling blue; have the blues — A feeling of depression or sadness. Here are some of the main differences in vocabulary between British and American English. We also have the clutch, which is a very small handbag without straps. Ralph didn’t want to do the paperwork so he passed the buck to his assistant. If someone had “got the goat,” the horse would not have a little friend to calm it down, and might become wild and twitchy. ;). I have noticed some things my friend says are just a little different, and now that I think about it - it is those prepositions. We’ve left out simple spelling differences and words which have obvious alternatives. Food is a recurring topic of confusion for the US and UK. #1 . But here in Latvia I don't have to worry about it too much. My friend just said she can't believe that I call an infant's stroller a "baby carriage" - said it sounded so royal. The large chips we eat with salt & vinegar and sometimes curry sauce. I now have a new interest for England and will have to chart the different areas. The bride’s father says: “Well, let me have a butchers at your spotted dick.” This family knows that “have a butchers” means to have a look, and that the spotted dick is a dessert made of pudding and dried fruit. You have a grasp on some of the differences in vocabulary between British and American English. Besides differences in words and spelling, the Brits also use prepositions a little differently than we do. On most occasions, I can decipher what my friend means by double-checking the context. In Britain, chips refer to potatoes, cut into thick strips or wedges, usually at least 1-2cm thick, and fried in oil. Ha Ha, Larry! Thanks, alifeofdesign. However, calling something “bog-standard” is not an insult. Some differences were interesting, some were funny, and some were downright hilarious. I don't know where the bobs come from either. (meaning pizza) she thought they were talking about just the dessert! Hi, bluebird. Nice handy translation table of American to British words for those traveling to United Kingdom. I am a Brit living in South Korea teaching English to high schoolers, most of their vocab is from American sources so we have a good laugh trying to figure one another out! Generally speaking, it's true that most Americans will understand British English speakers and vice … Mazzy Bolero from the U.K. on July 28, 2012: I dunno, actually! Looking for something more internet specific for your social media feeds? When she noticed his confusion and discomfort, she quickly corrected and asked for an eraser, which, in England, is often called a rubber. American Slang. The original phrase contained a swear word; “don’t worry about that, it’s s*** for the birds.”, Meaning: have strong desire or craving for something. Voted up, indeed. Didn't know "knock me up" was slang for "wake me up". I am English and got talking to someone about this today, I love the differences between British English and American English and it is always great fun comparing them. It's still the worst word, but Brits are more nonchalant about using it. Our neighbors and good friends are British expats, so we have become very familiar with many of these sayings and words. It just means that, like a toilet, it serves an essential purpose but is not exciting, pretty, or special. Don’t forget your brolly. :). And like curry, variety in language is intellectual spice, so the more we have, the better! Have you ever watched a British movie and gone – "gee, golly, gosh, I have no idea what in the world they're saying!" Of course, the British word for hobo is tramp, which in the US means hooker…………..and round and round we go! November 9, 2018 05:19:33 CST Reply . Tricia Mason from The English Midlands on July 08, 2012: As an Englishwoman, I found that very amusing. ; By the skin of (my/your/his/her) teeth — just barely. My British friend was filling out a lottery ticket at the grocery store recently. 26 Pictures That Show How Different America And Britain Are. Even the written grammar is different like the use of a full stop (Period in AE) is always on the outside of the enclosed brackets in BE (like this). The simple word “what” caused a lot of confusion in the beginning, as one student could not figure out what word I was saying! melbelle from Southern United States on August 11, 2012: This is a cool hub. 1 - calendar/diary: we use both, but when we say calendar we mean something that hangs on the wall, whereas a diary is a book. Check out the top British moments that left Americans completely stumped below, and be sure to vote for the ones that you're still trying to understand as well. Hi, Mazzy. Why Daniel Sloss’s ‘Jigsaw’ Is Causing Thousands of Break Ups Couples should watch this stand-up show at their own risk. If you spend a little time in the USA or the UK, you are sure to meet people who want to discuss these weird phrases and many more. Catherine Giordano from Orlando Florida on January 06, 2017: This is an excellent and quite funny article . Great job with this useful and very entertaining hub - voted up! Let’s take a break, I’m jonesing for a nice cup of coffee. There are a few theories on the origin of this phrase. Loo does sound much nicer than toilet or "the john.". Bail — Intransitive verb for leaving abruptly. This hub was interestingly funny. Bear in mind that there can be differences in the choice of specific terms depending on dialect and region within both the USA and the UK. There are also many cases in which the two varieties of English use different terms to describe the same thing. Duolingo vs Babbel: Which should you use to learn a language? It includes all English dialects used within the United States of America. Marisa Hammond Olivares from Texas on April 13, 2012: Great job - I have family that lives 'across the pond', I'll be sure to share these with them. In the UK, “bog” is slang for the toilet. I only know the Belgians did it. Can't repost it b/c here, it is a bad one! If you got 9 correct answers: Good going, cowboy! If you are interested here is a good comparison table: http://www.usa-vs-uk.com/usvsuk-dictionary.html. 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