Language & Cultural Norms

There's English... and then there's English!

Have fun deciphering the differences in lanugage and culture that might at first come across as quirky or indecipherable to Americans. Words and phrases whose usage differs from American English or are just plain joyful to know include:

Clothing: The most useful thing to know may be that what Americans mean by "pants" means "underwear" to the British. Try saying "trousers" instead.
Bikes: A "bike" is called a "cycle"
Cars: A "parking lot" is called a "car park"
Restrooms: The "restroom" is more precisely referred to as "toilets" in public areas
Phones: A "cell phone" is called a "mobile phone"
Texting: The letter "x," originating from symbols "x o" or "kisses and hugs," is used in the UK for written correspondence to convey fraternal affection. It is wonderfully useful and adds great warmth to an otherwise cold medium. So don't worry Americans, it's not a blooming romance!
Shopping: Unlike in the U.S., "Closing time" does not mean you'll get served as long as you are in the store before the official time. Instead it means "be prepared to help the sales reps start wrapping up to leave the store 15 minutes ahead of closing time and most of the sandwiches you'd like to purchase are sold out a few hours ago" =) "Jokes"! Don't worry Americans, with time you'll get used to taking with good humor the daily opposite of "have it your way"
Additional words, phrases, and phemomena: Smart Dress ------ You're a star! ------ Can do ------ Chips ------ Curry ------ Pidge ------ Proper ------ Well ------ Jokes/Joker ------ the letter "T"(i.e. pronouncing water) ------ Bare ------ Sik ------ Allow ------ Hench ------ Fit ------ Fail ------ Bruv ------ Blud ------ Safe ------ Zed ----- Haych ----- Queue/Queuing (this latter phrase is applicable just about every other minute in the UK. If you're ever not sure of what to do with yourself, just try queu-ing =)

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