You say ‘Tom-ate-to’, we say ‘Tom-at-toe’….
and other common language differences between our Nations.
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| The Red, White & Blue of both our flags is the same which ever way you say it! |
By British Diva
The moment you set foot in the wondrous land of America there’s a language difference- we British call it soil & not dirt, or sod as our American cousins do! In fact the word sod when used over here in the UK; albeit in a different context, as is considered a minor swear word!
There are a plethora of slang words which one could include, but this is a mere selection of what I think you may come across. I’ve also included some ‘Disney speak’ for your extra enjoyment & information.
American*********************British
Everyday
- Pound Sign # – Hash Tag #
- Vacation – Holiday
- Airplane – Aeroplane
- Bill ($) – Note (£)
- Elevator – Lift
- Cell Phone – Mobile
- Restroom – Toilet
- Bathroom – Toilet
- Purse – Handbag
- Pocketbook – Wallet
- Mail – Post
- Mailbox – Postbox
- Fanny Pack – Bum bag
- Sidewalk – Pavement
Vehicles
- EVC – Mobility scooter
- Parking Lot – Car Park
- Gas – Petrol
- Trunk – Boot
- Hood – Bonnet
- Motorcycle – Motorbike
- Bike – Bicycle
- Truck – Lorry
Household
- Skillet – Frying pan
- Broil – Roast
- Grill – BBQ
- Tub – Bath
- Trash or garbage – Rubbish
- Trash or garbage can – Dustbin
Mealtimes & Good Times
- Dinner – Tea
- Supper – Tea
- Appetiser – Starter
- Entree – Main Meal
- Dessert – Pudding or Afters
- Check – Bill
- Hamburger – Beefburger
- Chips – Crisps
- French Fries – Chips
- Cookies – Biscuits
- Soda – Soft drink e.g. Coke or Sprite
- Lemonade – still cloudy lemonade
- Libations – Alcoholic Drinks
- Host or Hostess – Waiter or Waitress
- Zucchini – Courgette
- Eggplant – Aubergine
- Cotton Candy – Candy Floss
- Creamer – Milk for coffee
- Spritzer – White wine & soda
Disney Speak
- ADR – Advanced Dining Reservation
- DDP – Pre-paid Disney Dining Plan
- Mousekeeping – Housekeeping Service
- Cast Member – Disney Employee
- Hidden Mickeys – Mickey °o° shapes hiding all around you
- Ticket & Transportation – Transport Hub
- EPCOT – Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow
- Extra Magic Hours – Extended park opening exclusive to Disney guests
- Imagineer – Creative thinker & engineer
- Magical Express – Disney bus transportation to & from Orlando International Airport
- DVC – Disney Vacation Club (Timeshare Villa ownership)
- Character meal – mealtime where you are joined by Disney characters
- Resort Mug – Resort exclusive insulated refillable mug & souvenir
I do rather think that our British lingo is spreading ever further into everyday American conversation as can be seen in this rather interesting BBC Britishisms article.
G’day! thanks for your comment, I love that we all speak English, but it’s certainly said sometimes with a totally different meaning!