I went to England thinking I would be able to understand everyone perfectly; they spoke English, right? Wrong. British English and American English are very different, and on top of that, they have small phrasings and words that weren't anything I'd ever heard. However, as soon as I got the lingo down, living there became much easier, and I began to feel like a local.
- Quid = Pound (like buck = dollar)
- Half 10 = 10:30 (half = :30)
- Take Away = To Go
- Jumper = Sweater
- Pants = Underwear
- Trousers = Pants
- Loo/Toilet = Bathroom
- Cutlery = Silverware
- Chips = French Fries
- Crisps = Chips
- Fizzy Drink = Soda/Pop/Soft Drink
- Coach = Bus
- All Pear Shaped = It Went Wrong (the more wrong it went, the more you down play it - AKA: My car was on fire, so it was all a bit pear shaped.)
- Cheers = Thanks
- Hiya = Hello
- Lift = Elevator
- Car Park = Parking Lot
- Brekky = Breakfast
- Flat = Apartment
- Sauces = Condiments
Along with an altered language comes different etiquette.
- Walk on the left - no one else will, but they drive on the left, you should walk on the left
- Speak quietly - America is a loud place, and so we are all used to speaking loudly; London is shockingly quiet, and so it's important to keep your volume low and be aware of how loud you're being
- Talking on the tube - people don't talk on the tube, so if you do, be sure to be quite and courteous towards fellow riders
- Order at the bar - at most pubs you seat yourself and order at the bar rather than having a waitress come to your table; pick a table, have your table number if there is one on the table, and go up to the bar when you're ready to order
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