Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > Moving back or to the UK
Reload this Page >

Language Differences between USA and UK

Language Differences between USA and UK

Old Jun 22nd 2014, 4:35 pm
  #16  
SUPER MODERATOR
 
Jerseygirl's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 87,988
Jerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Originally Posted by Sally Redux
Can I bum a fag?
Good one.

Jerseygirl is offline  
Old Jun 22nd 2014, 5:16 pm
  #17  
Heading for Poppyland
 
robin1234's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,455
robin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Originally Posted by Sally Redux

I think the problems are all going this way. I can't think of an Americanism that won't be understood over there, as you said.
I don't know. As a matter of principle, if an American ever says anything to me while in England, I think I'll look extremely sceptical, and say "I beg your pardon?" (Even if in fact I understood them perfectly.)
robin1234 is offline  
Old Jun 22nd 2014, 5:30 pm
  #18  
Concierge
 
spouse of scouse's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 21,100
spouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

I don't know about US - UK, but I've had some funny moments in the UK when using terminology that's common in Oz.

Scouse and I were staying with friends one Wednesday, and as they headed off to work I said 'cheer up, at least it's hump day'. They went off all flustered
spouse of scouse is offline  
Old Jun 22nd 2014, 5:32 pm
  #19  
Concierge
 
spouse of scouse's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 21,100
spouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond reputespouse of scouse has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Americans, particularly females, might want to avoid discussing their fanny in the UK
spouse of scouse is offline  
Old Jun 22nd 2014, 5:36 pm
  #20  
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,100
windsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Originally Posted by spouse of scouse
I don't know about US - UK, but I've had some funny moments in the UK when using terminology that's common in Oz.

Scouse and I were staying with friends one Wednesday, and as they headed off to work I said 'cheer up, at least it's hump day'. They went off all flustered
windsong is offline  
Old Jun 22nd 2014, 5:44 pm
  #21  
Forum Regular
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Location: Half a mile closer to the sun...
Posts: 105
deepcpearl has a reputation beyond reputedeepcpearl has a reputation beyond reputedeepcpearl has a reputation beyond reputedeepcpearl has a reputation beyond reputedeepcpearl has a reputation beyond reputedeepcpearl has a reputation beyond reputedeepcpearl has a reputation beyond reputedeepcpearl has a reputation beyond reputedeepcpearl has a reputation beyond reputedeepcpearl has a reputation beyond reputedeepcpearl has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Originally Posted by robin1234
I don't know. As a matter of principle, if an American ever says anything to me while in England, I think I'll look extremely sceptical, and say "I beg your pardon?" (Even if in fact I understood them perfectly.)
Exactly! For me, it's if a Canadian speaks to me. I need to start practising that look of "You've grown a second head," while screwing up my face and saying, "Huh?"
deepcpearl is offline  
Old Jun 22nd 2014, 5:47 pm
  #22  
He/him
 
kimilseung's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: WA
Posts: 18,804
kimilseung has a reputation beyond reputekimilseung has a reputation beyond reputekimilseung has a reputation beyond reputekimilseung has a reputation beyond reputekimilseung has a reputation beyond reputekimilseung has a reputation beyond reputekimilseung has a reputation beyond reputekimilseung has a reputation beyond reputekimilseung has a reputation beyond reputekimilseung has a reputation beyond reputekimilseung has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Originally Posted by robin1234
This is what I find. When I'm in England, the British vocabulary and syntax comes naturally. One that does trip me up, though, is when someone bumps into me in a crowded shop etc. I tend to say "excuse me" when I tank the correct British response would be "sorry." (Maybe I got that the wrong way around?)
The correct British response is "Did you just spill me pint?"
kimilseung is offline  
Old Jun 22nd 2014, 7:49 pm
  #23  
Heading for Poppyland
 
robin1234's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,455
robin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Originally Posted by spouse of scouse
Americans, particularly females, might want to avoid discussing their fanny in the UK
I'll have to remember that. If in England, look a bit disapproving if women come up to me intent on discussing their fanny.

But in the US it's OK.

I think I got it.
robin1234 is offline  
Old Jun 22nd 2014, 11:59 pm
  #24  
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,100
windsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Let's see . . . there's biscuits/cookies and sweets/candy but what about phrases or expressions? It will be a lot harder to come up with some of those.
windsong is offline  
Old Jun 23rd 2014, 12:01 am
  #25  
SUPER MODERATOR
 
Jerseygirl's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 87,988
Jerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Originally Posted by windsong
Let's see . . . there's biscuits/cookies and sweets/candy but what about phrases or expressions? It will be a lot harder to come up with some of those.
I really don't think you will have a problem. As I said in my post earlier today...most Brits can put 2 and 2 together and easily work out what you are talking about.
Jerseygirl is offline  
Old Jun 23rd 2014, 12:18 am
  #26  
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,100
windsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Here's an expression - sort of

Trash bag vs bin liner.
windsong is offline  
Old Jun 23rd 2014, 12:37 am
  #27  
`
 
BEVS's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,595
BEVS has disabled reputation
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

You will not be using a trundler to collect your groceries . Trundlers are for toddlers to aid walking. You will be, quite rightly, using a trolley.

Please do not consistently tell people to 'Have a Nice Day' , You might end up with yer lights punched out.
BEVS is offline  
Old Jun 23rd 2014, 12:40 am
  #28  
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,100
windsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond reputewindsong has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Originally Posted by BEVS
You will not be using a trundler to collect your groceries . Trundlers are for toddlers to aid walking. You will be, quite rightly, using a trolley.

Please do not consistently tell people to 'Have a Nice Day' , You might end up with yer lights punched out.
Ha ha!! I love it when the cashiers in the grocery stores here tell me to have a nice day because I usually "hear it" when I have had a bad day! lol

Good one about the trolley, too, although I have never heard the term, "trundler". I will have to get used to calling them trolleys instead of carts.
windsong is offline  
Old Jun 23rd 2014, 12:53 am
  #29  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Sally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Originally Posted by BEVS
You will not be using a trundler to collect your groceries . Trundlers are for toddlers to aid walking. You will be, quite rightly, using a trolley.

Please do not consistently tell people to 'Have a Nice Day' , You might end up with yer lights punched out.
You must be off your trundler mate.
Sally Redux is offline  
Old Jun 23rd 2014, 1:07 am
  #30  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Sally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

'She bangs' in English is 'She fringes'.
Sally Redux is offline  

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.