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UK to US
English Language Translations

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In theory, going to the UK means that an American doesn't have to worry about a language barrier. Yeh right! But some terms that the British use may not be familiar to you.

If you visit the UK the main language law to remember is to use 'Please' and 'Thank you' or 'Thanks' in every request or Transaction. Although many Americans & other Europeans may feel this is over polite, in the UK it is considered rude if you don't use these manners. You may get ignored if you don't say 'please' which may be annoying, especially if you've been in a line for a while!

Certain words in the States may have a very different meaning in the UK. Just to give you a 'leg-up' and help you keep up with your British 'mates' the British Council have provided a short list of some commonly used words in the UK that may seem foreign to you: We have added a few ourselves…

AGRO': aggravation. ("Don't give me any agro.")
BANGERS AND MASH: sausages and mashed potatoes. A common, filling and often tasty staple at most pubs.
BAP: bun/roll for sandwiches.
BIRD: women. (or a flying feathered animal).
BIN: garbage can.
BLOKE: a guy.
BLOODY: a swear word, similar to the American 'damn' but a bit stronger. o
BOG: Toilet - WC/Bathroom
BOOT: Car trunk or Heavy shoes/boots.
BOLLOCKS: similar to the American 'damn or sh*t but can also mean 'you lie', or 'you are talking cr*p'. WARNING: Americans should not use this word as the meaning depends on the expression of the word and the American accent can make it very insulting. (American Actors often get this wrong on US TV, much to English amusement!)
(the) BOX: Television.
BUGGER: similar to the American 'damn!' Can also be used as 'bugger all' meaning 'nothing'.
BUM: rear end, bottom.
CANTEEN: cafeteria.
CAR PARK: parking lot.
CHAT UP: flirt with, come on to.
CHEERS: Drinking greeting, as in 'hello.' Can also be used in lieu of 'thanks'.
CHIPPY: shop that sells fish & chips.
CHIPS: French fries.
COACH: bus.
CRISPS: potato chips.
CUPPA: As in "a cup of tea".
DOSH: cash/money.
DUVET: comforter or bed covering.
FAG: cigarette.
FANNY: in the UK 'fanny' refers to female genitalia. o
FIVER: five-pound note.
FLAT: apartment.
FULL STOP: a period (punctuation).
FOOTBALL: soccer. Football is called 'American football.'
FORTNIGHT: two weeks.
GARDEN: yard.
GAS: Natural Gas (Fuel), To Talk Too Much (GASSING). or Flactuence. (Break Gas)
HIRE: to rent.
HOOTER: car horn!
HOOVER: the action of vacuuming.
JUMPER: sweater.
KASI: Toilet - Bathroom
KNACKERED: tired, worn out.
KNICKERS: women's underwear.
LEG-UP: to give a helping hand.
LEG-OVER: To score - "get your leg-over!" (Use your imagination!)
LORRY: truck/18 wheeler.

You shouldn't use those marked "o" with people you don't know!

MATE: friend, pal.
MOTORWAY: highway.
NICKED: Stolen or to be arrested by the police. "You're nicked"
NOT BOTHERED/CAN'T BE BOTHERED: don't care. Ex. "I can't be bothered to go out tonight."
NUTTER: crazy person. Ex. "He's acting like a nutter!"
OFF LICENSE: shop that sells alcohol to go.
P's & Q's: means 'Please' and 'Thank Qs'. So "mind your P's & Q's," means you forgot to say 'please' or 'Thank you'!
PANTS: in the UK, 'pants' refer to underwear. So be wary of using 'pants' to describe your 'trousers'.
PETROL: gasoline.
PISSED: drunk.
PLONKER: idiot (a London phrase - see Wally).
PRICK: see WILLY, but very rude. o
PUB: Bar
QUEUE: a line. (for a bus or a queue of traffic).
QUID: a pound (£) in currency.
RING UP: the British don't "give you a call" they "ring you up".
RUBBER: pencil eraser.
SLASH: to go to the 'bog' or have a 'wee'.
SMART: fashionable/chic.
SNOG: to kiss.
SOD OFF: get lost.
SOLICITOR: a lawyer.
SORRY?: pardon me? Excuse me?
SORT IT OUT: figure it out.
TA: thank you.
TAP: Faucet
TAKE THE MICK teasing/taunting.
TAKE THE PISS: teasing/taunting. o
TAKEAWAY: take out food.
TEA: dinner. "Going to tea" often refers to going out for dinner.
TELLY: television.
TOILET - WC/Bathroom
TRAINERS: tennis shoes/athletic shoes.
TYRE: tire. As in the rubber wheel of a car.
UNI: university.
WANKER: jerk. Quite rude! o
WASHING UP: doing the dishes.
WALLY: to be a Wally is to be a bit stupid, or silly.
WEE: 'small' in Scotland (only), 'pee' in rest of UK.
WILLY: slang for penis. o
WONGER: money.(London phrase).

You shouldn't use those marked "o" with people you don't know!

 

There is a saying which goes…" the Americans and the English are basically the same - it's only the language that makes them different!"
"I hope this little language guide helps shorten the difference just a little. ". Mr Geoffreys - C.E.O. KGCGroup