Language Differences between USA and UK
#33
Re: Language Differences between USA and UK
"A map?" said he, "Why, what have you spilled?"
True story.
#34
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Re: Language Differences between USA and UK
Don't be so sure. It works both ways. I remember when, not long after I moved to California in 1977, I got a bit lost so I went into a gas station (sorry garage) and asked the fellow behind the cash register (guy on the checkout) if he had a map.
"A map?" said he, "Why, what have you spilled?"
True story.
"A map?" said he, "Why, what have you spilled?"
True story.
#35
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
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
#36
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: Language Differences between USA and UK
Don't be so sure. It works both ways. I remember when, not long after I moved to California in 1977, I got a bit lost so I went into a gas station (sorry garage) and asked the fellow behind the cash register (guy on the checkout) if he had a map.
"A map?" said he, "Why, what have you spilled?"
True story.
"A map?" said he, "Why, what have you spilled?"
True story.
#37
Re: Language Differences between USA and UK
mobile phone, instead of cell phone is one that comes to mind.
#38
Re: Language Differences between USA and UK
It's amazing the number of people who travel between the US and UK each day and can make themselves understood. Personally been doing it for almost 20 years.
Last edited by lansbury; Jun 23rd 2014 at 5:34 am.
#39
Re: Language Differences between USA and UK
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?)
#40
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#41
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Re: Language Differences between USA and UK
This is a bit rude, sorry...but the expression that always used to make me giggle here is 'he's so spunky!' and the Otis spunkmeyer cookies.
There, I've put you all off your breakfast now.
There, I've put you all off your breakfast now.
#42
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Posts: 41,518
Re: Language Differences between USA and UK