Friday, May 8, 2009

English Language Tutorial

There are a lot of funny words/phrases that they use over here in the UK. Even though we are all speaking English, sometimes it is practically impossible to understand what people are saying. Some seem really strange, but they do actually use them instead of the "American" words we are used to!

English - American

nappy = diaper
lift = elevator
pushcart/buggy/pram/carriage = stroller
ice lolly = popsicle
fizzy water = soda
lemonade = Sprite or other lemon-lime soda
chips = fries (as in fish & chips)
crisps = chips (as in potato chips)
top-up = fill-up or refill (I need to top-up my pay-as-you go phone)
having a laugh = making a joke
nicked = stole
candy floss = cotton candy
motorway = highway/freeway
sleeping policeman = speed bumps
manor coach = station wagon
trolley = shopping cart
let = rent
hash sign = pound (#) sign (I guess because their pound sign is for money!)
hob = stove
post = mail
garden = yard/backyard
cheers! = catch-all word that can mean thanks, good-bye, great, etc.

I'm sure there are more; this is what I could think of for now!

I wanted to include some pictures, but we have temporary pay-as-you go mobile internet (until our real internet can be connected in 3 weeks!) that is SO SLOW. Doing much else besides checking email is practically impossible. I can't complain too much - we were without internet for a week and I quickly realized how technology dependent I am. At least now I can check the weather and email!

5 comments:

Lulu said...

Wow...just 3 more weeks!
Those words made me laugh, essecially the chips and crisps...there's no way i would ever get that straight. lol

Laura said...

What an experience you guys are having. It is interesting that even though it is the same language there are so many differences. I hope that Lincoln will be able to remember your time over there as well.

Karen said...

Cheers for a new post! I look forward to having an ice lolly with Lincoln!

Doug & Stef said...

I am the same way - I die without for even a few hours!

Dani said...

I went to a British international school and there were still a couple of those that were new to me. What a crazy experience. I've heard that sometimes moving to the UK is harder for ex-pats because they don't expect it to be as different as ex-pats do when they move to a different-language country. Anyway, Ryan's the expert so I'm sure you guys already know all that. :)