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Language Differences between USA and UK

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Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 4:35 am
  #16  
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Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

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

 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 5:16 am
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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.)
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 5:30 am
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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
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 5:32 am
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Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Americans, particularly females, might want to avoid discussing their fanny in the UK
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 5:36 am
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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
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 5:44 am
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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?"
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 5:47 am
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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?"
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 7:49 am
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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.
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 11:59 am
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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.
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 12:01 pm
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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.
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 12:18 pm
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Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

Here's an expression - sort of

Trash bag vs bin liner.
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 12:37 pm
  #27  
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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.
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 12:40 pm
  #28  
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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.
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 12:53 pm
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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.
 
Old Jun 22nd 2014 | 1:07 pm
  #30  
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Default Re: Language Differences between USA and UK

'She bangs' in English is 'She fringes'.
 


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