Sunday, February 6, 2011

More British-American words

BRITISH                          AMERICAN
Close (Scottish)                Alley or side street
Hogmanay (Scottish)         New Year's
Glen (Scottish)                  Valley
Burgh (Scottish)                Town (pronounced 'burrow')
Queue                               Line up (e.g. bus queue)
Stone                                14 pounds (used in weight, e.g. I weigh 10 stone)
Sleeping suit                       Pajamas
Punter                                Customer (often derogatory)
Oi                                      Hey!
Chuffed                              Happy
Nappy                               Diaper
Trousers                            Pants
Pants                                 Underwear
Candy floss                       Cotton candy
Cuppa                               Cup of tea
Bog, wc, toilet                    Bathroom/restroom
Naughts & Crosses            Tic tac toe

1 comment:

  1. This is an interesting list. The British pronunciation of burgh is "burra" not "burrow" though. And although pyjamas can be referred to as "jim-jams" or "PJs" here in the UK, I've never heard of them being called sleeping suits before. Perhaps it's a regional thing then? (I'm from near London).
    By the way, I always found the American term "bathroom" pretty funny since there's usually no actual bath in there :)

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