10 American words that do not make sense in the U.K.
These American terms carefully confuse our British counterparts.
Thewords and phrases that make up the averageAmerican vocabulary May seem relatively easy to those born in the states. But the art of "speak American" can seem almostimpenetrable to foreigners. This is especially true forColumbia, Whose version of the English language has been perfected over the centuries. Of course, the Americans and the British share many words, but notalla. In an attempt to break down U.K.-U.S. Disparity language, we have compiled a list ofAmerican words It makes no sense to our neighbors across the pond. (Do not worry, Brits - we have useful translations to prevent you from getting lost completely).
1. Bachelorette
Invite your Columbia to your Palbachelorette Wherebachelor Party and they might not know what to pack, where you go, or even what is celebrated. Instead of using the words "Bachelorette" or "Bachelor" to describe the celebration which marks the end of hissingledom, The British prefer to call them man and female - are weddings "Stags" and "Hens", respectively. A "kite" is a bachelor party, while a "hen" is the female equivalent, according to theBBC.
Example: "Before youto marryI you throw an epic bachelorette party! "
2. Buck
This Americanism, used instead of the word "dollar"Is it not the one you're probably not heard from across the pond. This is mainly because a" buck "only refer toUnited States, Not sterling.
Example: "Can you lend me money for the vending machine I have no cash on me."
3. Talles
Instead of referring to athleticshoes with spikes in the soles as "tacques", you are much more likely to hear a British personSoccer or shoes rugby simply "football boots" and "rugby boots." The only time you might hear a brit using that word? When you refer to the tips themselves, not the pair of shoes as a whole.
Example: "The coach will not let you on the ground, unless you wear your cleats."
4. grilling
In America, your grillfood refers to exposing it to direct heat and intense. In Brits, the same act is typically called "grilling. "You can see where the confusion is.
Example: "forhaving dinner Tonight I think I'm going to grill salmon. "
5. Druthers
This Americanism is derived from the words "would have preferred," and it refers to the preference of a person in a case. According to the BBC, most Britons do not even know how to include thisstupid word in a sentence.
Example: "If I had my druthers, I would eat a big piece of cake right now."
6. Normalcy
Although there is an equivalent term in the U.K.., The suffix here is what is different. The British use "normal" instead of "normality" and they consider that the last alternative strange Americans.
Example: "After so much upheaval in my life, I just want some normalcy."
7. Carpetbagger
This word was invented by Americans to describe an opportunist who moved to NorthernierSouth after the Civil War. Centuries later, the word stillUnique to America, May refer to a "non-resident or a new resident seeking private gain of an area often by meddling in his business or his policies," according toMerriam Webster. But for the British, the word "tapisbagger" only excier the confusing look.
Example: "That the new senator seems to be an outsider and a tapisbagger."
8. arugula
According toFood and wine magazineThe Southern Italian immigrants in the United States in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries gave the Americans the word "Roque" to describe this leafy green. However, you will not find the word on the menus in the U.K.., Where "Rocket" (derived from "Rocket" French) is used instead.
Example: "Could you add some rocket in the salad?"
9. Backhoe
For Americans, backscatter shovel is an excavation machine consists of a bucket to dig at the end of an articulated arm in two parts which is usually used to move large amounts of material such as soil or rock. But if you pronounce that word in the U.K.., Do not be surprised if people are left scratching their heads. According to the British, call a digging device "hollow". (Come to think of it, they may be on to something ...)
Example: "We will use a rolling shovel to excavate the construction site."
10. Sidewalk
All American knows that a sidewalk is a paved area alongside a road road for pedestrians. However, in the U.K., "Sidewalk" means, well, nothing. With regard to the British, this area is called "a sidewalk".
Example: "In New York, you will have a lot of dirty looking mount your bike on the pavement."
And for more everyday things that confuse people outside the states, here's 30 things that the Americans make that foreigners think being super weird .
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