29 JULY 2013
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We met an elderly American last week in London who had never been to the UK and was very confused with her English English.
The elevator she has managed to translate into lift but it was rest room that had really defeated her.
She was aware of what a loo was but the sign outside some houses (and flats) really baffled her at first – TO LET (read as “to oil let”). Were the British that generous or needed to visit on a more regular basis than their American cousins?
Since we are now into the holiday period here are some conversions. English first.
aeroplane | airplane |
aluminium | aluminum |
aubergine | eggplant |
bill | check |
biscuit | cookie |
bonnet (car) | hood |
braces | suspenders |
candyfloss | cotton candy |
car park | parking lot |
casualty | emergency room |
chips | French fries |
garden | yard |
gear lever | gearshift |
ground floor | first floor |
There are many, many others but here is one of the best, an expansion from the above.
'An Englishman pays his bill with a cheque and an American pays his check with a bill'.
For a full listing try the OXFORD DIRECTORIES http://oxforddictionaries.com/words/british-and-american-terms
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