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louannabraham · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

Are you talking about differences like "storm in a teacup"/"tempest in a teapot"? Things that might be said in one country but not understood (or understood differently) in another? If so, I think it's a great idea! I enjoy learning about differences like that.
Louann

carolan · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 52

Yes, that is what it is for, Louann. JohnUs wrote to Todd and me asking if a section could be set up for this, and, as ever, Todd obliged!

Enjoy!! Laughing

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louannabraham · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

Thanks Carol. OK, JohnUS, what did you want to know? As an American living in the UK, I do know at least some of the words and phrases that are different between the 2 countries.
Louann

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bestpi · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 33 Location: Tucson Arizona USA

** UK Language Warning** Terms are used here in explantaion not for their seemingly vulgarity so please! If your going to read this plan on having your panties in a bunch to begin with.

You've been warned.

Now louannabraham,

The idea is that if we post the phrase in the subject line then any new Yanks can read up and not step out of line. And vise versa!

For instance, and I got myself in a bit of hot water with this one.

Fanny in the US is the opposite side of things. So when I said she got her fanny smacked it created an uprorar. Understanding of course now that I've got the English anatomy figured out.

Another such term "Panties in a bunch" is American but I was chastised even more for saying "Panties' than for saying "Fanny" louannabraham. So I figured this can save a whole lot of people a whole lot of trouble.

So I will go and start a thread for Storm in a teacup or tempest in a teapot so we keep it all nice and orderly.

louannabraham · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

Hi John,
I'll leave it for others to comment on the less than polite phrases. It isn't an area I know much about. But with anything else, I'll do my best.

I've always enjoyed learning about the words that are used in both countries, but with different meanings. Like:

US UK
jelly jam
Jello jelly
cookie biscuit
biscuit scone

Or colourful (note British spelling!) phrases like:
over the moon, meaning very happy
chock-a-block, meaning tightly packed (like a traffic jam)

And how about some of you Aussies sharing some strine? (I'll let one of you explain what strine is

)
Louann

bestpi · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 33 Location: Tucson Arizona USA

Thanks, those are very helpful.

A few that got me also were:

US UK
eraser rubber
rubber gumi
diapers napies
napkin Serviette
Sanitary Pad Napkin

I am surprised when ever you have to ask yourself, are we really speaking the same language?

louannabraham · Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

I remember reading a quote from someone--I don't remember who--saying that England and America are "two countries divided by a common language". Laughing

Louann

bestpi · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 33 Location: Tucson Arizona USA

AH! I love it. No truer words have ever been spoken.

John

carolan · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 52

It was George Bernard Shaw. And true indeed!

I remember too - UK sidewalk, UK pavement - n'est ce pas?

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