So here I was in the USA and I had a major problem being understood. I had no problem understand american English because we all watch american movies and TV shows, but the basic american does not watch British TV programmes and apart from Harry Potter not a lot of British films. In a effort to elaborate about barriers to communication I wanter to find a list of basic basic language.
So I thought a quiz would be appropriate I will write below a list of words and see how many you can get right/translate into American English.
So here I was in the USA and I had a major problem being understood. I had no problem understand american English because we all watch american movies and TV shows, but the basic american does not watch British TV programmes and apart from Harry Potter not a lot of British films. In a effort to elaborate about barriers to communication I wanter to find a list of basic basic language.
So I thought a quiz would be appropriate I will write below a list of words and see how many you can get right/translate into American English.
Pavement = sidewalk
Rubbish=trash
Bin=Trash can
Lift=Elevator
Pop=soda
Continental Quilt=duvet
Nets=lace curtains
Lolly pops=suckers
Lorry=18 wheeler
Boot (car)=Trunk
Petrol=Gas
Toilet=potty
Grill=broil
Buggy=stroller
Pyrexial=febrile
Giving seting=iv tubing
Maths=math
Drawing Pin=thumb tack
Rubber=eraser
Tick=check
Full stop=period
Tights=panty hose
Trousers=pants
Braces=suspenders
Car Park=parking lot
Off licence
Biscuit=cookie
Jelly=jam
Jam=jelly
porridge=oat meal
Knickers=underwear
No-o-o-o-o-body expects the Spanish Inquisition!
I fear I may be dating myself. But I'm a lonely, lonely man, and I need to date somebody.
I think I'd have gotten about half of the list, or maybe a bit more.
Regional usage within the US can get pretty interesting, too. I live in WV, but I'm in spittin' distance of western MD and southwestern PA, each of which has its own peculiar dialetic. So you'ns can just ret up those gum bands and put 'em in a poke.
Specializes in acute rehab, med surg, LTC, peds, home c.
This post is hilarious. I love every Brit I have ever met--they have such a different sense of humor--but I do have trouble understanding them! I think the pubs there must be filled with really clever, funny people, are they?
This post is hilarious. I love every Brit I have ever met--they have such a different sense of humor--but I do have trouble understanding them! I think the pubs there must be filled with really clever, funny people, are they?
that sense of humor stays with you. I came here from England when I was 4 but raised by British parents..My friends still have trouble understanding "My Humor"
Specializes in Med/Surg/Ortho/HH/Radiology-Now Retired.
This post is hilarious. I love every Brit I have ever met--they have such a different sense of humor--but I do have trouble understanding them! I think the pubs there must be filled with really clever, funny people, are they?
Well, their sense of humour pales somewhat when the Aussie's are beating them in the cricket!!!! :chuckle
i loved this post. very cool! i didn't know many from the list & besides those the only word i have really heard is using "trolly" for "shopping cart"!!:wink2:
The competition between Australia and England is pretty fierce. Both countries take the mickey out of each other all the time over the cricket. There's always an ongoing teasing between Aussies and the Pome's ("prisioner of mother england" is how that term came about, as Aust was founded and settled by the english, mostly convicts ) Soooo ... they call us colonials or convicts, and we call them Pome's! It's just one of those quirky weird things only them and us understand! lol It's that humour which they and us share. If you read up on the history of the settlement of Australia, you will come to know how/why Australia and England are so closely connected. The Queen of England is also the Queen of Australia. Most of us Aussie's (especially the baby boomer generation)are descendants of English, Irish, Scottish immigrants.
:chuckle:D Pretend all you like m'girl .... all I'll say is .... ASHES! :chuckle
nursemike, ASN, RN
1 Article; 2,362 Posts
No-o-o-o-o-body expects the Spanish Inquisition!
I fear I may be dating myself. But I'm a lonely, lonely man, and I need to date somebody.
I think I'd have gotten about half of the list, or maybe a bit more.
Regional usage within the US can get pretty interesting, too. I live in WV, but I'm in spittin' distance of western MD and southwestern PA, each of which has its own peculiar dialetic. So you'ns can just ret up those gum bands and put 'em in a poke.