English to English

            One of the strange things that I encountered when I was in the UK was that even though the people around me were speaking English, I still had trouble understanding them.  Part of the reason was the different accents, but a lot of it had to do with the different words they had for things.  I’m sure people who have traveled to other English speaking countries like Australia have also experienced this.  Even if you travel outside of your area in this country you will find people who have unique ways of saying things.  I still look at people funny who say that they want to drink some pop, instead of soda. 

            Below I have some English to English translations for the UK culture.  Some are ones that I picked up on while I was there, some I learned from movies and books, and others I looked up on the Internet.  Some are pretty common and most people know them, but others might surprise you.  These are only a few, and you can Google many more.

Key: UK word – US word

Loo – bathroom

Jumper – sweater

Biscuit – cookie

Drink driving – drunk driving

Loft – attic

Rashers – bacon

Cooker – stove

Hob – top of the stove/burner

Bum bag – fanny pack

Nosh – food

Telly – TV

Fairy cake – cupcake

Bin – trashcan

Jam – jelly

Jelly – jello

Pants – underwear

Barbie – grill

Tomato sauce – ketchup

Lounge – living room

Chips – french fries

Crisps – potato chips

Bonnet – car hood

Boot – car trunk

Pudding – any kind of dessert

Garden – front yard

Trainers - sneakers

Snooker – billiards/pool

Fanny – uhh … a female body part

Sources: www.effingpot.com