An American's Guide to British Terms
So in my London City Guide, I mentioned how difficult it can be at times to say something as an American and be understood by a Brit. Because there are quite a few different terms between the two cultures that have the same meaning, I figured it would be best to jot down a translation of words commonly used in America that are known by different names in Britain. They are as follows:
American word
Backyard
Jello
Chips
Candy
Cookie
Freeway
Parking lot
Vacation
Math
Diaper
Pacifier
Sneakers
Pantyhose
Underwear
Pants
Liquor
Drugstore
Counter-clockwise
Leash (for walking the dog)
Sidewalk
Faucet
Bathroom
Sweater
Trunk (of a car)
College
Truck
Flashlight
Cabinet
Pound (as in UK currency)
Gas
Bar
Dessert
Rainboots
Apartment
Fanny pack
Cotton Candy
French Fries
Movie theater
Garbage can
Soccer
Elevator
Cell phone
Shopping Cart
British Translation
Garden
Jelly
Crisps
Sweets
Biscuit
Motorway
Car park
Holiday
Maths
Nappy
Dummy
Trainers
Tights
Knickers / Pants
Trousers
Alcohol
Chemist
Anti-clockwise
Lead
Footpath / pavement
Tap
Loo / Toilet
Jumper
Boot
University
Lorry
Torch
Cupboard
Quid
Petrol
Pub
Pudding
Wellies
Flat
Bumbag
Candy Floss
Chips
Cinema
Dust bin
Football
Lift
Mobile
Trolley
The list goes on and on and some of the terms are quite funny (I personally like the “Cotton Candy = Candy Floss” one). Honestly though, Brits will likely know what you mean if you slip up and say “Vacation” instead of “Holiday.” Very few of these terms can be horribly misconstrued to the point of insult so I’d bet that you could just wing it with your words and you’d likely be fine. And if you get chased through Trafalgar Square by a mob on Londoners after saying something they view as untoward, just blame me!