And the phrase 24/7 is now very common over here for all the time or everyday.

Duncan, whilst I understand that many North American usages derive from an older form of English than that spoken in the UK, and whilst you are correct in identifying the differences in the specific words, I think the actual examples you use do not follow that rule. According to my Chambers, both neighbour and labour derive from Old English ("neahgebur"and "labour" respectively) and honour derives from French ("honeur"). Still it was interesting checking it out

I love this thread! Having read the whooooooole thing, I didn't see mention made of these: <BR>1. US mad=angry, UK mad=insane <BR>2. US mean=unkind, UK mean=stingy

OR <BR>UK US <BR>chips=fries <BR>crisps=chips <BR>biscuit=cookie <BR>scone=biscuit <BR>crumpet=? <BR>?=muffin <BR>tart=hooker <BR>ground floor=first floor <BR>knickerbockers=knickers <BR>van=pickup <BR>pickup=hooker <BR>fag=cigarette <BR>poof=fag <BR>wally=jerk <BR>momentarily=for a moment <BR>in a moment=momentarily

RE the above. Crumpet is one of those words (like fanny and fag) that causes much hilarity. Apart from being a small tea cake it also means attractive women. Eg "this is a great bar, its got wall to wall crumpet".

And the famous <BR> <BR>Knocked up-- <BR> <BR>US -pregnant <BR>UK- awakened <BR> <BR>So if the desk man asks "what time would you like to be knock up" , do not hit him with your purse!

Forgive me if this was asked already, I didn't read all 105 posts. I love to watch Jamie Oliver "The Naked Chef", and he always says "Pukka" and "Tukka". Actually his show is no longer called "The Naked Chef", it's now called "Pukka Tukka". Can someone tells me what they mean? Thanks!

Hi sandi, <BR> <BR>I know Pukka is anglo Indian "slang" for superior or genuine, Maybe Tukka is food?? You know like Tuck Boxes , the goody boxes that boarding school kids take with them or the Tuck shop where they can pick up snacks!

"pucka" is Anglo Indian for thoroughly good. <BR>"tucker" (it's a pronunciation thing) is Australian for food

It's very simple. <BR>Refer to anything that's marginally above mediocre as "brilliant". <BR>Finish all discussions by saying "At the end of the day, it's (fill in your opinion)...", shrug, then order another pint. <BR>While browsing stores, if you see something inexpensive, pick it up and say loudly: now that really is cheap as chips! <BR>BTilke <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Great thread! Here's one more - I'll be in London in November. A Brit co-worker (female) said I should be sure to go to Selfridge's for my smalls as the quality of their smalls was well known. After much discussion in the lunch room (caff?) we learned she meant womens' underwear, specifically panties. I definitely plan to go to Selfridge's and ask for smalls!

It can get confusing over here-my favorite words come from my northern husband.Cobs/rolls are barmcakes,Sandwiches are butties,mithering means dithering or being <BR>indecisive.Yawping means yelling,pants are trousers,clemmed means cold.Seriously though,just be yourself,if people know you are a visitor they will normally go out of their way to help you.Have fun on your trip.

Several years ago, there was a book written about the British rhyme scheme and how they used words to mean other things. <BR> <BR>Two instances used in the book: <BR> <BR>a raspberry (the sound that is made when you stick your tongue out and blow) is a tart which rhymes with fart, the sound that is made <BR> <BR>Oliver Twist was named that because it rhymed with fist <BR> <BR>Does anyone remember the title of this book or its author? Or did I dream all of this?

Anna ([email protected]) last wrote (on 4/16/01) that she had been in an auto accident and broke 3 ribs and a leg. <BR>Anna, PLEASE write again if only to let us know you have recuperated from your accident. <BR>I so enjoyed all your posts and you had me laughing out loud. <BR>I'm sure I am not alone when I ask you to check in with us again, please.

I assume you already have tried sending an email to that address? Did it come back 'unsent', or did it 'send' and you just haven't gorren a response?

Responding to 'aaa'....no, haven't sent an e-mail to Anna because I didn't want to impose. <BR>Just thought I'd try using this Forum to see if she or her sister or someone else who might know her (or of her) would respond. <BR>She sounded like such a charming lady and I surely enjoyed her contributions to this thread. Thanks for your advice, however; perhaps I'll do that one of these days.

just topping another great read... =)

ttt

Great thread. Still waiting to see if anybody can tell us where the term 'hob' comes from (range/stovetop. Thanks!

United Kingdom English for Americans:<BR><BR>http://www.hps.com/~tpg/ukdict/<BR><BR>Selected Vocabulary Differences <BR>Between British and American English: <BR><BR>http://www.uta.fi/FAST/US1/REF/usgbdiff.html