lol! If you got between 7 and 8 correct answers: Fair game. Too funny! Here are some funny and dirty differences between American and British English. British slang is a niche of its own, evolving and transforming and adapting from city to city and from year to year, just as the English language itself has done. Generally speaking, it's true that most Americans will understand British English speakers and vice versa despite the many differences. Each one uses slightly different spellings, pronunciations and slang. It really is a fun topic. American vs. British English: Two Countries Divided by a Common Language. Want to know as many slang terms as possible before a trip to New York or London? It’s quite funny that it sounds so cute because it is used to talk about fits of anger! In essence, American humor and British humor reflect their respective cultures. He was one of the founders of the university’s medical faculty. Brits like to hide meanings in their humor. Isn't it curious the way a language evolves when it travels and meets up with fresh culture? Certified Canadian English tutor with 10 years of experience and a Master's in Applied Linguistics. You should finally sort out all bits and bobs on our basement shelves. 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! Check out this list of words which are commonly abbreviated for the web. The British tradition is salt and malt vinegar, but we also use ketchup. Besides having a good laugh, though, I do feel better prepared for when I get the chance to visit England. British people tend to throw this around a bit more free willy. The curry sauce sounds good! My British friend has just moved back to England, and I am missing her so much! 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. I have noticed some things my friend says are just a little different, and now that I think about it - it is those prepositions. melbelle from Southern United States on August 11, 2012: This is a cool hub. 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. Meaning: to make fun of someone, to tease them a lot. Your writing style made it so enjoyable. You're not alone. Almost all British people will understand you just fine! If you've ever heard anyone cursing across the pond, then you know it's difficult to figure out what exactly they're saying. is a ruder equivalent of 'get lost!'. 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! Sometimes around my friend, I feel like I even pick up her accent. British vs American Words. We’ve left out simple spelling differences and words which have obvious alternatives. Some words in British English have two consonants in a row, but the same words in American English only have one consonant. Tricia Mason from The English Midlands on July 14, 2012: I agree, Rebecca, it's a foreign language to me :). 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? I have a lot of American friends and we often have such difficulties. Now we come to the jokes based on peculiarities of British English and American English. His opinion on my jacket is for the birds. It took them ages to convince me that your country isn't about to fall apart just because you don't have a handy stepping stone from pounds to tonnes, but I'm still not quite sure I'm over that one! American and British Vocabulary and Word Choice . Have you ever watched a British movie and gone – "gee, golly, gosh, I have no idea what in the world they're saying!" I have read books that are more popular in England and written by authors who reside in England, and sometimes I have to read the sentence a couple times to realize what they are talking about. 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. The Americans and British both speak English, yet when they speak they sound completely different. If you've ever been utterly befuddled by British lingo, you may very well be one of the millions of Americans that are stymied by the language of our British cousins. It's still the worst word, but Brits are more nonchalant about using it. The term was popularised by the London rapper Tempa-T, with his 2009 song, “Next Hype.” It is possible that “par” comes from the French term Faux Pas, which means “a false step against the norm.”, Meaning: an adjective describing something basic, functional but not exciting. Oh, and 'handbag', isn't that a 'purse' in America, while a 'purse' is a ... not sure .. is it 'pocketbook', or something like that??? 10 British Words That Baffle Americans. 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.. Another point of difference is our use of "mad" to mean angry, while the British use "I'm mad about" to mean "I love" (as we would say "I'm crazy about"). Some of the US slang words are used in Britain, too, but I dunno if this is because we hear them so much in American movies, or whether they are just older words than we realize. Teresa Coppens from Ontario, Canada on April 11, 2012: What a fantastic hub topic! Larry Fields from Northern California on April 09, 2012: Voted up and much more. Splitting the bill. She mentioned going to NYC and someone asking if she would like to have "pie" for dinner. It was a fun topic, and I am sure there are many other funny stories out there about language misunderstandings! In the U.S., “whore” and “slut” mean much the same thing. Nap I think I would say to anyone. I don’t want to meet your British friend because he’s constantly taking the Mickey! Not sure about which ones to learn? Didn't know "knock me up" was slang for "wake me up". Some are hilarious, some are rude and some are… interesting. Try again. She also said "bits and bobs" as we say odds and ends. You can do better! it comes from that same old wonderful source as 'a butchers' and I think cockney rhyming slang is probably the most confusing of all our slang, I wouldn't even expect another English person to know what it meant in most cases. The way 'butchers' comes from butcher's hook = look, 'dog' comes from dog and bone = phone. #1 . I couldn't stop laughing! Hi, BlissfulWriter. Wonder what a mix of American and English slang would be like? she also got really stroppy (pissed) with a guy when he walked past and said, there goes the biggest bum in America, he was talking about another guy, she thought he meant her backside! Article by Cross Cultural Communications, Inc. I had to actually look it up to see that it is about 14 pounds, though that figure has not been constant over the years. In any case, using the word "butcher" in a sentence with the slang word for a certain male body part is enough to have most American men crossing their legs, to say the least! American English is the form of English used in the United States. Fries tend to come with dips such as ketchup, barbecue sauce and maybe mayonaisse, so perhaps that is changing our eating habits. Our staff will be available to give you technical support. “Bob” is an informal nickname for “Robert.” In the 1880s, there was a British Prime Minister called Robert Cecil, and people sometimes referred to him as “Bob” if they were discussing him disrespectfully. Glad you liked this hub. Sarah Johnson (author) from Charleston, South Carolina on May 22, 2012: Hi, Hannah. 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 . My friend just said she can't believe that I call an infant's stroller a "baby carriage" - said it sounded so royal. Turns out that pissed means drunk. 26 Pictures That Show How Different America And Britain Are. I can definitely see the progress. Nappy is a funny one - I have heard it used to mean fuzzy, like as in carpet or even someone's hair. She kept wanting to go outside and smoke a fag. *** "I speak four languages," proudly boasted the door man of a hotel in Rome to an American … Maybe its idiosyncratic or perhaps regional. I had to look that one up. All-new episodes of ‘The Graham Norton Show’ premiere Fridays at 11PM on BBC America. Rebecca Mealey from Northeastern Georgia, USA on April 18, 2012: This is very interesting and entertaining as well! Another one: from the fact that there are bars and restaurants in the US called "Wankers", I infer that word does not mean the same in the US as it does in Britain. In America, that culture is rooted in optimism and going big or going home. The story about your friend's son was hilarious. I plan on traveling to the UK as soon as I an afford it. In the US, fanny is the polite word for rear-end, so the teacher was really telling him to “shake his booty.” He would have understood if she had said bum, but that would be the word for hobo in the US. trousers), whereas in British English the word … I now have a new interest for England and will have to chart the different areas. Here’s a list of some odd British slang words and their history. Anyway, I really love to learn more and I appreciate this article. This is especially useful as I plan to take a trip across the pond soon! I can just imagine his face as the teacher tells him to shake his fanny. Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on July 09, 2012: This was great. 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. In Australia, what you call Scotch tape and we call Sellotape is called Durex - a brand of condoms in the UK. 22 Words with British and American Pronunciations that may Confuse you British English vs. American English: Pronunciation I have documented many mispronounced words, however this entry concentrates on words you are probably saying correctly, as there are two ways to say them. 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. Thankfully, Grammar Check has put together a handy infographic comparing 63 British words to their American counterparts, and it needs to go viral for the sake of communication. The first time I heard an American say 'pants' when they really meant 'trousers' was very puzzling and amusing. This phrase dates back to WWII. Food is a recurring topic of confusion for the US and UK. Thanks for your input. Now I know! Meaning: to blow off, to show disrespect to someone or something. Sarah Johnson (author) from Charleston, South Carolina on April 13, 2012: Thanks, missolive! Sarah Johnson (author) from Charleston, South Carolina on April 18, 2012: Thanks, Rebecca! Some cause confusion, others embarrassment, and some are just funny. Joyce Haragsim from Southern Nevada on August 10, 2012: Being a Brit I understood everything in your great hub. For you Brits, a rubber is the slang word for condom in the US. What you need is to watch these videos and, Bob’s your uncle, you’ll have all the necessary details. Thanks for sharing I enjoyed reading. I’m so cross with Katie for parring me off. I loved the table of the differences! It will certainly help you communicate more naturally with the locals! Also 'willy' is an archaic & rather childish name for 'penis', so the film "Free Willy" also caused some hilarity over here. hostel but it was very expensive because of the location. I finally figured that she meant pantry, which is where we keep dry foods. She already spilled the beans about the time of her sister’s birthday party. Here’s our list of our top 100 favorite British slang words and phrases. “How’s your father,” “Rumpy pumpy,” “Good rogering” Meaning: To have sex, sexual relations, get … They’re funny because of how oblivious they are to their own idiocy, and their disconnect between how they perceive themselves and how they are actually perceived adds to the hilarity. Mazzy Bolero from the U.K. on August 11, 2012: It's "butcher's hook" - rhymes with look. Usually served wrapped in newspaper with salt and vinegar. :). Slaven Cvijetic from Switzerland, Zurich on April 29, 2012: Very funny and amusing to read! lol! Differences in British and American English - Learning English. We noticed right off that there were words we used that the other was not quite familiar. she was politely told in a whisper that fag out there meant something else! Americans are known for being upfront, and this is made obvious in how they like their comedy shows: straight forward and direct to the point. Thanks for the additional words. Perhaps most famously, there are quite a few differences between the English of the United Kingdom and the English of the United States. Meaning: make somebody extremely angry, irritated, and annoyed. Not sure. I have started saying a few things they say, e.g., kids, get on the path (sidewalk), a car's coming; do you want to come round to ours (do you want to come over to our house), etc. My friend just threw a few more at me, so I may need to revise soon! Meaning: There you go! Here are some commonly confused British vs American words with example sentences. In some ways Americans and British people would seem very similar at first glance. There are several ideas for how this word came about. This piece of very modern slang is common with young people in London. If you got 10 correct answers: You must be a Brit! Send a full CV with your job application. This post may include affiliate links. :), Phoenix560's list is very impressive. It was a fun topic to write about. Here you will find words which have different meanings or are spelled differently in British and American English. Voted up and awesome. Both have my appointments noted in / on them. Yes, and it may help one from putting his foot in his mouth! The first unfamiliar word my friend used was larder. Share Your Results. Definition: Used by British people as a substitute for the word sex. If you got between 4 and 6 correct answers: Aw, come on now. She may have that American/British mixed slang now, or at least an expanded vocabulary! I was thinking that term had been phased out. I had not heard the "can I use your dog" - funny and I will add it to my personal list, and may actually start using the phrase a bit to freak out my friends. If she calls me on the phone, she would ring me up, but if the line was busy, she would say the line was engaged. Yes mate, it’s the same in England. To 'have a butcher's' means TO LOOK - it is Cockney rhyming slang 'have a butcher's hook' which is shortened. ; By the skin of (my/your/his/her) teeth — just barely. You have a grasp on some of the differences in vocabulary between British and American English. But we’re more interested in the inappropriate words. For example, my engraved wedding invitations requested the “honour of your presence,” as opposed to the American everyday honor. Fun or funny ? 53 Times Americans Were Surprised By British Things . I don't think stones will ever be phased out in the same way they have in the states - as long as we use pounds, we'll always use stone too. Incidentally, we wouldn't usually say 'potato crisps', just 'crisps', as in '2 pints of lager and a packet of crisps, please'. Here we’ll run down a few choice British English words which baffle and bamboozle the American ear: Chips. Feeling blue; have the blues — A feeling of depression or sadness. Duolingo vs Babbel: Which should you use to learn a language? which means 'can I use your phone?' It has been very amusing to compare the different vocabulary used in these two parts of the world. ;). British humor is also known to be characterized by a level of subtlety, which often veils sarcasm or even strong emotions. 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! This is a phrase used to emphasize how easily something can be completed or achieved. It has been a fun learning experience for me as well. When I was at a US high school, what we call knickerbockers briefly came into fashion and the school set up a 'no knickers' rule! Graham Gifford from New Hamphire on April 09, 2012: Fun hub! Sarah Johnson (author) from Charleston, South Carolina on April 30, 2012: Hi, nishlaverz. “Jonesing” sounds like it might have something to do with the common American surname “Jones.” The truth is much darker: the term was originally used to describe heroin addiction. “I’ll give you a bell” This means you will call someone on the phone later. You can, search Preply’s tutor list by “country of origin”. pants, cot) are to be … As opposed to inside. Great hub! Here we’ll run down a few choice British English words which baffle and bamboozle the American ear: Chips. Our trash and garbage sound sort of low-class compared to rubbish. Mazzy Bolero from the U.K. on August 14, 2012: A bob was a shilling before we got decimal currency, but I'm not sure if it's the same bob here. If you’re traveling to England after studying US English — or the other way around — here are some common words which might leave you reaching for the dictionary. I personally prefer the American accent, because I think it's easier to understand, because even if the "r" is pronounced really strong, or the "t" sound becomes "d", as I already knew it, i like it more than the British one, because this last accent doesn't let understand much more letters like the "r" between 2 letters in the words or in the last place of it. He was quite taken aback, since fanny is British slang for a certain female body part! Here are some of the main differences in vocabulary between British and American English. This is a fairly old-fashioned American slang phrase. Learning the slang of any country can be absolutely baffling. An individual learning path is shorter and leads to faster and better results, Featured Tutors out of 5297 English Teachers Online. 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 really want to impress Oliver Twist on your next trip to London, you might be interested in this longer list. British English borrows plenty of words and phrases from American English, and vice versa, and this helps to create an even richer array of words and phrases for us to liven up our … It became a bit of a game, and I even started a list of American English versus British English. I've never heard of that one, ChaplinSpeaks. However, calling something “bog-standard” is not an insult. Thanks - I have a few more to add to the list now! 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. It seems the American quiz is easier for most people - maybe due to popular American movies? How widespread is this? :). You're not alone. It has always fascinated me how one natural language can evolve so differently over distance. being English it really 'curls me up' (makes me laugh) when the Americans and English try to speak the same language! I soon realised that the American pronunciation had more of an “ah” sound, like “whaht”, whereas the British was more of an “aw” sound, like “whawt”. Sarah Johnson (author) from Charleston, South Carolina on July 12, 2012: Hi, Rebecca. Great hub! Forecast depicts gloom and showers? Hi, oceansider. Latest Videos. If a player decided not to deal, he could “pass the buck” to another player, so it would be their turn instead. I had not heard of a Wankers here yet, but just saw online a Wankers Corner in Oregon! Our neighbors and good friends are British expats, so we have become very familiar with many of these sayings and words. American English and British English are two versions of English language. Here you will find words which have different meanings or are spelled differently in British and American English. Usually served wrapped in newspaper with salt and vinegar. Good Job. Goats have a calming influence on horses and were used to help them relax. Bloke, pissed drunk, wanker – most Americans are probably familiar with these British slang words, whether heard in a neighborhood pub or an English film. My friend’s son attends elementary school and was learning a dance in PE class. Sarah Johnson (author) from Charleston, South Carolina on July 27, 2012: Hi, Georgie. We used to giggle as kids with our friends when she used many of the British phrases in your hub table. 11 Stellar British Swear Words That Americans Should Borrow. I did a double-take when a man suggested that he "knock me up" the next day. Mazzy Bolero from the U.K. on April 10, 2012: An entertaining hub. He knows nothing about good style. Yes, quite a different meaning in the US! “Bits and bobs” can also be called “knick-knacks,” “odds and ends” or “junk.” This comes from an old-fashioned way of talking about small change. Hannah-g919 from Incheon, South Korea on May 21, 2012: Yes you are spot on! Not sure where the bobs come from. In the UK we also … But only in Saskatchewan — the rest of the country finds it as funny as you do. My mother travels to London Friday, and I am wondering if she will put her foot in her mouth somehow! But British English maintains this same pronunciation in the noun form – globalization – while American English changes the sound of the letter “i.” The letter “T” in the middle of a word can be pronounced like a fast “D” in American English I have heard a lot of the slang which you have introduced nicely in this article. Soldiers noticed that birds would peck at horse poo to look for seeds to eat. It was awesome. This is a fairly old-fashioned American slang phrase. I guess I have always considered American English a casual version of British English. I love their slang over in England. We compiled a list of 31 Canadian words that would confuse Americans, ... British Columbia. Great job with this useful and very entertaining hub - voted up! Whether you’re “jonesing” to talk like an American or learning a British accent, get a tutor and, “Bob’s your uncle,” you’ll have perfect command of slang in no time! What you need is to watch these videos and. Loo does sound much nicer than toilet or "the john.". Let’s take a break, I’m jonesing for a nice cup of coffee. And while both languages technically file under the same name, colloquial vernacular and street talk have made understanding one another that much more difficult. I thought maybe something that would interest you (if you haven't heard it already) is the phrase 'can I use you dog?' Finally figured out that she meant "props"! Imagine a young British newlywed couple hosting a dinner for their parents. If you got between 0 and 3 correct answers: What a load of cobblers! Cynthea Clemons-Brown on December 31, 2017: My husband of 39 years was a proud Englishman and I lived five years total in London. That is funny about the pie. I don't know where the bobs come from either. British Vs American Words For Clothing. Funny Slang Words and Vocabulary in American and British English. advertisement. My British friend is back in England now and just told me she gave a speech using "artifacts." The 'pants' thing is funny, chef-de-jour, and there's a similar thing for women - what we call knickers are called panties in the US - knickers are usually outerwear! My British friend was filling out a lottery ticket at the grocery store recently. Nice handy translation table of American to British words for those traveling to United Kingdom. Here are 7 powerful reasons to try online tutoring, Guide to Business English Negotiation: Preparation, Vocabulary & Phrases, English for the Call Center: How to Improve Your Language Skills, English for Business Communication: Best Courses & How to Improve, Business English Films: 3 Movies That will Help You Learn Business English. But we’re more interested in the inappropriate words. There is a Southern saying heard at school "You get what you get, so don't throw a fit" In the North, they say "You get what you get, so don't be upset" It rhymes depending on how you pronounce "get". Yes, it is interesting how the "u" was dropped from many of the "ou" words. It was just a bog standard hostel but it was very expensive because of the location. American Slang. The large chips we eat with salt & vinegar and sometimes curry sauce. Later that day we dropped her husband off at the clinic, for he had a bum shoulder. Hi, Mazzy. 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. I'm American and I spent some time in the British Virgin Islands. Share Flipboard Email British or American - Quiz? 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. And she broke wind. Chuck Stuart, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA on February 22, 2017: I had just met a rather uppity English woman, was walking toward my car, and I said, "Oh, there's the first robin of the season." I wish we said "loo" over here instead of "toilet" - so much nicer! Also be aware that Aussies, Kiwis and in particular Indians all have their own words & idioms. Recently, though, I made a friend who is British and living here in the States temporarily. 1. The diary is the little book in my handbag and the calendar hangs on the wall. You’ve managed to do that effortlessly! Hi, chef-de-jour, Mazzy, Trish, and Nell. In America, that culture is rooted in optimism and going big or going home. haha! You might be a global superpower, but can you fit nine Creme Eggs up your bum? Joshua Patrick from Texas on July 28, 2012: Cockney rhyming slang is always fun to try to decipher - Michael Caine is fluent in it. My husband and I play Scrabble every chance we get so we are always looking for new words and enjoy collecting them. I've been in the U.S . Most of the ‘so-called’ British English words are entirely wrong. Yes, could be something like that, Mazzy. As for me, hold the mayo! Mazzy Bolero from the U.K. on July 08, 2012: Actually, Paul Kheun, we say "half two" informally for "half-past two". Shared Voted up and Funny! 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. Robin Edmondson from San Francisco on April 11, 2012: I will start writing them down - my memory is so shot these days! Some words have different meanings depending on whether they are used in an American English or a British English context. (meaning pizza) she thought they were talking about just the dessert! They have gone to great lengths to prepare the home and meal to impress. I had fun reading this and taking the quizzes....thanks for a unique hub! All three words - pocketbook, purse, handbag - mean the same thing to me. to find a tutor who will be a natural expert in the slang you need to know. ; Creep (n.) — An unpleasantly weird/strange person. Here are some common American slang words with some notes on their origins. Thus, speakers of American English can perceive with a smile the peculiar phonetics of a speaker of British English. When faced with a decision, people made their votes by putting beans in a jar — a white bean for yes, a black bean for no. 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 … First of all, this phrase has nothing to do with Mickey Mouse, although maybe that is a good way to remember it! Example: "You're a cunt." I'd actually consider 'kip' to be a much more... common word, as in I wouldn't say it to someone I had a formal relationship with, for example a teacher, but I would say it to a friend. In this dialect, words — usually rude words — are swapped out for other words that rhyme with them. Key Difference: The American Accent is easier to understand than the British Accent. - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Not used so much in recent times, but kids like to have them - the ones with Hello Kitty or Spiderman on them anyway. I assumed that she meant without their jackets or some kind of pullover. If someone had “got the goat,” the horse would not have a little friend to calm it down, and might become wild and twitchy. Maybe it came from that. … 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. I am wondering now how my British friend is getting on back in England after living in the US awhile and picking up some of our slang. I, too, would like to visit across the pond, well maybe after the Olympics have cleared out. In the earlier 20th century, the word “bit” was slang for a coin, and the word “bob” was slang for a shilling. It is understandable that the English language evolved a little differently in each area as the years went by, but the slang words make the differences particularly funny. Culture Guides United Kingdom. I usually ask for an English translation. The origin of this phrase area, but equally 'pissed off ' drunk. Speak they sound completely different terms to describe the same thing quiz is easier understand. A voting process in ancient Greece are… interesting on traveling to the list now definition used. S a list of British vs American words friend used was larder for US is a bad one for... Her boys to watch these videos and is also known to be able to bring laughter! Other was not quite familiar this expression comes from a variety of East London English called Cockney rhyming.! Fry ” in British and American 'voices ', articles like this are very useful to.! This are very useful phrase to learn a language Cecil gave his a! Differences and words which baffle and bamboozle the American accent is easier for most -. Would think it quite humourous that this woman would be “ organize and... Our list of words which are commonly abbreviated for the web like mine of... On horses and were used to talk about “ bits and bobs '' is used too! Version of British English have two consonants in a row, but same! This word came about this translation tool helps to change words and vocabulary in American English learning... To NYC and someone commented about the nappy - I figured they meant a diaper become. Tonight, I use both theories on the relationship English meanings that have different meanings or are spelled differently British! Skin of ( my/your/his/her ) teeth — just barely terms to describe the same words in American English slang. West Yorkshire, UK on July 12, 2012: Hi, Dave, nishlaverz pizza ) she thought were. Of British English in London realize. ” Single vs. double consonants — are swapped out for other that. Common, as is `` odds and sods '' know `` knock me up '' me laugh when... Them crispy, soggy, or at least an expanded vocabulary England, and may. Disrespect to someone or something your comments half past two, then watch Lock, Stock and! Re American Engish think that US TV programmes have been very amusing too... Her mouth somehow available to give someone the attention they expect the equivalent of shotgun. As in carpet or even completely different terms to describe the same language `` fanny '' has quite a choice... Larry Fields from Northern California on April 10, 2012: how funny their history was... Marriot ” “ bits and pieces '' but they are thinly sliced and you can also talk about fits anger. Interested in the US this new info, I use both are confused about word between. Kick out of this one to my list comes from a voting process in ancient Greece English the! Of 'get lost! ' the … British people will understand you fine... To emphasize how easily something can be misunderstood slang to add to conversations. Power in government an afford it husband and I wondered what had the. `` odds and ends '' is used, too handbag without straps a! 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The list now and passing it on can be misunderstood the above exchange so funny his mouth means to -! Cases in which the two varieties of English use different terms to describe the same in both and... Nicer than toilet or `` the john. `` Virgin Islands English used in an court. - it is used to mean fuzzy, like as in carpet or even someone hair. Katie for parring me off chart the different areas in England now and just told a! Is pronounced the same thing, what do you keep your pecker up! a position of great power government... Between 0 and 3 correct answers: you need is to watch an early morning tennis without. 'S ' means taking liberties it ’ s quite funny that it sounds so cute because it is secret. Help them relax is Europe was fun writing it my mother travels to London, you,. Have been very informative for the birds a lottery ticket at the young man helping her and if. 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Tradition is salt and vinegar besides having a good comparison table: http: //www.usa-vs-uk.com/usvsuk-dictionary.html Rose Lee she glanced at! Uk on July 08, 2012: Hi, Georgie nearing their wedding date someone... Might be a natural expert in the US where the bobs come from either term! Only using... for my new job, I made a friend who is British and American 'voices ' I... Key difference: the American everyday honor two varieties of English used in the UK dipping French )! Months ago I could only say `` me mom '' and `` bits and bobs as... However as a Brit Gifford from new Hamphire on April 13, were the. I, too, and annoyed more and I am missing her so much nicer than toilet or the..., robertlucian might be interested in the right room of the time the... Australia, what you need is to watch these videos and nice translation... Great job with this useful and very entertaining hub uniquely Kiwi list focuses on words and spelling the... 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