George Bernard Shaw supposedly once said that America and England are two nations divided by a common language. And, when it comes to words like "football," "toilet," and even "chips," Americans might get lost in translation. See how well you would get along on the other side of the pond.
It's slang for being bothered and agitated about something trivial and stems from the word “knickers,” a reference to women’s underpants.
"Going to the surgery" means you're making a routine office visit to the doctor.
Aubergine is what the Brits call eggplant. Endive is known as chicory, and zucchini is commonly referred to as courgette.
In the U.K., suspenders are garters, used to hold up stockings. Braces, what Americans call suspenders, are used to hold up trousers.
"Get your skates on" is a somewhat rude way of saying "hurry up." "To Let" or "For Hire" mean "For Rent." A porter is a doorman; a purpose-built block is a modern apartment building and a situation refers to a location.
She's a school crossing guard, who stands on the road's painted white stripes known as the zebra, or zigzag, crossing.
Boots the Chemist is a U.K. drugstore chain. A parade is a row of shops. A high street is a main thoroughfare. A level crossing is a railroad crossing.
It's fine to say toilet. Alternatively, ask for the loo or the WC. Powder room is also acceptable for women to say. Don't ask for a bathroom, as someone may show you to a room without a toilet.
Articulated lorry (a truck) is what Americans call a semi-trailer, or an 18-wheeler. The dual carriageway is a two-way highway with a central divider, and a tailback refers to a long traffic jam that could extend for miles.
Ironmonger is a name for a hardware store. The other words on this list may look funny, but they're in common use in the U.K.
You’re a Londoner, mate! You are happy to spell "flavour" and "colour" with that extra "u" and you’d blend right in on a morning commute on the Tube. Check your mail for that invite from Will, Kate and baby George to take high tea with Her Majesty the Queen.
You’re a hop, skip and a jump from calling yourself a Brit. You probably know that in the U.K. an elevator is called a lift and the second floor is called the first floor. Spending a few days eating fish and chips with proper Englishmen will give you that extra schooling you need to blend in with every regular bloke in the pub.
Your heart may bleed Brit, but your mouth says otherwise. British mums are fond of saying "Oh, dear" when a school exam mark isn't stellar. You may want to study (Brits would say "revise") a bit more. Pack an extra guide book on British English for your next trip across the pond.
You’d stick out like a sore thumb—or a “Yank”—in Britain. Just say "I beg your pardon" and smile a lot when folks are talking to you. You should start going to the local pub where you'll pick up the lingo in no time.