Friday, December 9, 2011

Britishisms...my apologies...Englishisms

I have learned a lot of new phrases since I've been here. Additionally, I have learned several "don'ts" of British English. I said I would keep a running tally, and where better to document than here. Some things I knew, some things I didn't....here they are:

Potatoes
UK crisps = US potato chips
UK chips = US steak fries
UK French fries = US fries

A clean apartment (a serious problem)
UK cleaning lady = US maid
UK maid = US mistress 

Clothing
UK trousers = US pants
UK pants = US underwear
UK braces = US suspenders
UK suspenders = US garters
UK stockings = US thigh highs

Geography
United Kingdom = England + Wales + Scotland + Northern Ireland + all those little islands
Great Britain = England + Wales + Scotland (basically the island)
England = England, not British - apparently English people do NOT like being called British

Dress-up
UK Fancy dress = US Costume party
e.g. "Courtney was a fool on Halloween in her fancy dress as a watermelon."





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