British equivalent to American words (or vise versa)

M

madpsi

Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2006
Messages
83
Location
Scottsdale, AZ USA
I thought it'd be fun to catalog(ue) things that have different names on both sides of the pond. I'll start with as much as I know. Please don't turn this thread into a BE vs. AE war. This is more of a learning tool. :)

AMERICAN = BRITISH

Scooter = Invalid Carriage
Hood = Bonnet
Trunk = Boot
Car Parts = Part Fitments
Idiot/Loser = Spanner
Wrench = Spanner
Parking Lot = Car Park
Goes like hell = Goes like the clappers
Semi = Laury/Lorrie (sp)
Windshield = Windscreen
Apartment = Flat
Friend/Buddy/Bro = Mate/M8
Alarm/Buzzer = Bonger
Guy/Dude = Bloke
Drunk = Pissed
Cigarette = Fag
Zero = Naught/Not
Shitload/Crapload = Shedload

I'm sure there's a lot more out there, post up if you have some...
 
We use fridge in the US.
 
Well I don't think "Fag" is universaly acepted in the UK, I was in Sommerset some time ago and "Going for a fag" as I put it raised some eyebrows.

What about

Slut - Slag
Zipxode - Postcode
Gas - Petrol

and I am not sure about this one but from chats in the internet, Americans didn't know what I was going on about

First name - Christian Name
Last Name - Surname
 
Great stuff!

For the record, in the US:

Slag = Residual metal from casting metal parts, or from welding.
Zipxode - Zip Code

The first/christian last/surname thing is new to me also...
 
Surname thing is not new to me but that may be because I have researched last names online.
 
There are a lot when you put your mind to it.

Potato Chips - Crisps
Candy - Sweets
Soda - Pop
Draft - Conscription
Snickers - Trainers

Some things are oddly the same though, how about

We won the war of 1812 and We won the war of 1812. :D
 
American - British
Mall - Shopping Center
Sidewalk - Path
Chips - Crisps
Fries - Chips
 
madpsi said:
Also, feel free to correct if you notice any misappropriated terms as well...
Click to expand...

Idiot/Loser = Spanner
Alarm/Buzzer = Bonger

They are more slang terms depending on which part of the country you are from. The Bonger thing is acully new to me and I am English

LoL don't want to start a depraved chat about womans underwear but.

Pantyhose - Tights
Garterbelt - Suspenderbelt
Panties - Knickers
 
Sweater - Jumper
 
Just a few corrections.
Car parts - Car parts
Semi-Lorry or Artic
Sweater - Jumper or Pullover
Sidewalk-Pavement

and a few extras

Purse-Handbag
Stolen-Nicked
Elevator-Lift
 
Is "robbed" still "blagged?"
 
Blind_Io said:
Is "robbed" still "blagged?"
Click to expand...

depends where in england your from, theres blagged, nicked, maced, stole, chored etc
 
A few more just off the top of my head.

Washroom - Toilet
Sofa - Settee
Soccer - Football
Flatbad Truck - Pickup Truck
Carry Out - Take-a-way
Motel - Hotel
Diner - Cafe
Freeway - Mototway
Intersection - Junction
Stove - Cooker
Pacifier - Dummy
Diapers - Nappies
 
zaybxcwd12 said:
Motel - Hotel
Click to expand...
Actually motel and hotel are two different things. Motel (Motor Hotel) is hotel by side of the highway out of town and they don't usually have many floors, usually one or two. Hotel is well a hotel, in a city or a town.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top