the differences between the American & British uses of the English language

[Jazzy]

I've noticed the differences between the American & British uses of the English language. I thought this might be a fun thread to share those differences. Please feel free to add to the list so we can all learn and have some fun.



I'll start with a few:





Banger - The good old British banger is bigger and fatter than the American breakfast link sausage.



Boob tube - One of the more descriptive articles of ladies clothing, the boob tube is an elasticated tube that covers the boobs. In the US some people call the TV a boob tube.



Crisps - Salt and vinegar, cheese and onion, beef, smoky bacon. Crisps are called chips in America.



Knickers - This is what we call a ladies' panties in the US.



Next......

 

[The Dragon Master]

Bangs - These are called fringes in the UK.

 

[Jazzy]

Trainers - Short for training shoes. US would call them sneakers.

 

[The Dragon Master]

Pants - Called trousers in the UK

 

[Jazzy]

Fag - Probably the most famous troublesome word for Brits in the USA. cigarettes.

 

[Evil Eye]

cigarettes.

Hehe, or a bundle of sticks.

 

[Jazzy]

Car park - Parking lot. Normally uncovered.

 

[Kasynlie]

American English - hood

British English - bonnet



American English - trunk

British English - boot



American English - truck

British English - lorry

 

[Jazzy]

Big dipper - The big dipper in the US is the roller coaster

 

[Novax]

US: Trash Can

UK: Bin

 

[Scout]

US: Color

UK: Colour



US: Favorite

UK: Favourite

 

[Sam.]

US: Diaper.

UK: Nappy.

 

[MrMetroid]

UK: Dummy

US: Pacifier

 

[Crusader]

Football, a sport where you kick the ball



American Football, a sport when you run with the ball in your hands

 

[Nebulous]

Its not called American Football its just called Football.

 

[Corleone]

US: Can't

UK: Con't



lol UK people say can't, but it sounds like con't.

 

[Sam.]

UK English: Chips

US English: Fries

 

[Crusader]

US: Can't

UK: Con't



lol UK people say can't, but it sounds like con't.

Everyone I know is able to say can't.

 

[Rapunzel]

Fag - Probably the most famous troublesome word for Brits in the USA. cigarettes.

Lol! Not so! THE most troublesome word is......ahem..............fanny.

Which to you means bottom / butt / derriere / behind.......



I am SO not telling you what it means in English......

 

[Rapunzel]

Fag - Probably the most famous troublesome word for Brits in the USA. cigarettes.

Although.........if you want to borrow a cigarette from someone or ask them if they can give you a cigarette, you say..........wait for it................Can I bum a fag?