The British-to-American Dictionary

right-track · 11-02-2010, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freebase Dali

I can sorta sympathize... I hear an embarrassing number of Americans (mostly see them on the internet, and particularly any place where there are a lot of Brits congregating... like here) speaking in British terminology and mannerisms, down to the spelling. While I really don't care to argue which version of English is the right one or not, I gotta say... I wish people would just stick to what's considered correct in their own country. It annoys me to no end when I hear some jackass who's never even been to Europe putting on some unnecessary show in order to... what, fleetingly make people thing they're not who they are? It can't be easier to speak and act in a way that isn't even native to your continent, much less your own life until you started getting enamored by people who couldn't really give less of a **** about whether you speak their jargon or not.

I guess it's all a personal choice, but I still think it's retarded.

We can laugh and joke at the cultural differences with spelling and pronunciation between our two countries, but I'd never seriously criticise American's for it.
The way I see it is the common language we share simply developed, or not in your case

, separately.
One language, taking slightly different directions from way back when, to present day.
Nowt wrong with that.
Why some people feel it necessary to mimic Anglo/English or certain Americanisms is beyond me.
One of the most attractive traits an American has is the way they speak/type...because it's different.
Why lose a strong and attractive identity characteristic for one that isn't yours?

Vive la différence!

VEGANGELICA · 11-02-2010, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freebase Dali

I can sorta sympathize... I hear an embarrassing number of Americans (mostly see them on the internet, and particularly any place where there are a lot of Brits congregating... like here) speaking in British terminology and mannerisms, down to the spelling.

Heh heh...you wouldn't happen to be talking about AwwSugar, would you? I'm always giving her a hard time for writing "favourite." I think it's kind of cute, though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojopinuk

Both terms are common in America but yeah, in England we never, ever use the word fall.

I didn't know this! I thought "fall" was universal in English.

Maybe in England you don't use the word "fall" for autumn because everyone would think you're talking about The Fall and get all confused.

Conversation:
Person A: "Isn't the fall great this year?"
Person B: "No, their music is atrocious, as always."
Person A: "Huh?"
Person B: "What?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by right-track

My lad says mom instead of mam.
He watches too much American TV.
I'm trying to get him out of the habit with a swift clip round the back of the head.

You say "mam" instead of mom?? I thought you British people say "mum" or "mummy."

I always wondered, if you *do* call your mother "mummy," what do you call a mummy (dead person wrapped up in cloth)?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urban Hatemonger

Knickers = Womens underwear
Pants / Underpants = Mens underwear

So women don't wear "panties" in Britain? Huh.

And if I talked about a man's pants over there, they'd think I was talking about his skivvies? Odd.

And what DO you say for "biscuit" to mean an American biscuit rather than a little cookie? Do you really say a boot of a car instead of the trunk of a car?

right-track · 11-02-2010, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VEGANGELICA

You say "mam" instead of mom?? I thought you British people say "mum" or "mummy."

"Mam" is commonly used in the north of England, particularly among the working classes. "Mum" is used and acceptable.
No-one I know above the age of 5 ever says "mummy".
There are exceptions to this rule, especially if you're looking to get your head kicked in.

"Mummy" is typically southern and upper/middle class and very gay.

TheCunningStunt · 11-02-2010, 06:04 PM

I use "mum", "mam" always sounded too common.

right-track · 11-02-2010, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCunningStunt

I use "mum", "mam" always sounded too common.

The Fascinating Turnip · 11-02-2010, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by right-track

I say immortalise that by making it his avatar.

right-track · 11-02-2010, 06:32 PM

Here's a short list of Americanisms that can really grate an Englishman's sensibilities.
Taken from The Telegraph;

1. “Happy Holidays.”
Translation: “Merry Christmas but I realise you might be Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Bahai, something even more exotic, agnostic or Godless and I don’t want to offend you.”

2. “Have a Nice Day.”
Translation: “I would like you to have a pleasant time today” or “I hate you” – or anything in between.

3. “You’re welcome.”
Translation: Meaningless Pavlovian response to thank you.

4. “Do the math.”
Translation: “Work it out yourself, stupid.”

5. “Let’s visit with each other.”
Translation: “We should spend time together.”

6. “How are you today?”
Translation: “We mean nothing to each other, but let’s pretend.”

7. “Good luck with that.”Translation: “You have no chance at all.”

8. “Oh my gosh!“
Translation: “I fear you may feel that taking the Lord’s name in vain is blasphemous.”

9. “Can I use your bathroom?“
Translation: “I would like to use your lavatory.”

10. “Not so much.”
Translation: “That’s completely wrong.” Used on me in classic fashion by a Clinton aide back in February.

MoonlitSunshine · 11-02-2010, 06:50 PM

Maternally related jokes over here are either "your mom" or "yer ma", but generally people would refer to their mother as mum or mam, depending on where they're from.

Unless you're my sister, who refers to our mother as Parental Unit 1, cause she's a bit weird like that.

duga · 11-02-2010, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by right-track

Here's a short list of Americanisms that can really grate an Englishman's sensibilities.
Taken from The Telegraph;

1. “Happy Holidays.”
Translation: “Merry Christmas but I realise you might be Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Bahai, something even more exotic, agnostic or Godless and I don’t want to offend you.”

2. “Have a Nice Day.”
Translation: “I would like you to have a pleasant time today” or “I hate you” – or anything in between.

3. “You’re welcome.”
Translation: Meaningless Pavlovian response to thank you.

4. “Do the math.”
Translation: “Work it out yourself, stupid.”

5. “Let’s visit with each other.”
Translation: “We should spend time together.”

6. “How are you today?”
Translation: “We mean nothing to each other, but let’s pretend.”

7. “Good luck with that.”Translation: “You have no chance at all.”

8. “Oh my gosh!“
Translation: “I fear you may feel that taking the Lord’s name in vain is blasphemous.”

9. “Can I use your bathroom?“
Translation: “I would like to use your lavatory.”

10. “Not so much.”
Translation: “That’s completely wrong.” Used on me in classic fashion by a Clinton aide back in February.

A lot of this is just sarcasm...something I'm sure isn't foreign to other fellow humans. I've never said let's visit with each other once in my entire life, nor has anyone ever said it to me. And just what is wrong with saying you're welcome? People in other countries don't have some kind of response to thank you?

I'll give you happy holidays, though. That's annoying as hell.

**Janszoon** · 11-02-2010, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duga

A lot of this is just sarcasm...something I'm sure isn't foreign to other fellow humans. I've never said let's visit with each other once in my entire life, nor has anyone ever said it to me. And just what is wrong with saying you're welcome? People in other countries don't have some kind of response to thank you?

Yeah, I've always found it... well... ironic that British people often seem to not be able to grasp American sarcasm and irony.

And you're right, who the fuck says "Let's visit with each other"?

Quote:

Originally Posted by duga

I'll give you happy holidays, though. That's annoying as hell.

Why does this bother people? New Year's and Christmas are a week apart, hence the plural "holidays".

11-02-2010, 06:04 PM	#64 (permalink)
TheCunningStunt love will tear you apart Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Manchester, UK. Posts: 5,107	I use "mum", "mam" always sounded too common. __________________ I don't feel and I feel great. Last FM

11-02-2010, 06:50 PM	#68 (permalink)
MoonlitSunshine Dat's Der Bunny! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ireland Posts: 1,088	Maternally related jokes over here are either "your mom" or "yer ma", but generally people would refer to their mother as mum or mam, depending on where they're from. Unless you're my sister, who refers to our mother as Parental Unit 1, cause she's a bit weird like that. __________________ "I found it eventually, at the bottom of a locker in a disused laboratory, with a sign on the door saying "Beware of the Leopard". Ever thought of going into Advertising?" - Arthur Dent

11-02-2010, 06:32 PM	#67 (permalink)
right-track Atchin' Akai Join Date: May 2005 Location: Unamerica Posts: 8,723	Here's a short list of Americanisms that can really grate an Englishman's sensibilities. Taken from The Telegraph; 1. “Happy Holidays.” Translation: “Merry Christmas but I realise you might be Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Bahai, something even more exotic, agnostic or Godless and I don’t want to offend you.” 2. “Have a Nice Day.” Translation: “I would like you to have a pleasant time today” or “I hate you” – or anything in between. 3. “You’re welcome.” Translation: Meaningless Pavlovian response to thank you. 4. “Do the math.” Translation: “Work it out yourself, stupid.” 5. “Let’s visit with each other.” Translation: “We should spend time together.” 6. “How are you today?” Translation: “We mean nothing to each other, but let’s pretend.” 7. “Good luck with that.”Translation: “You have no chance at all.” 8. “Oh my gosh!“ Translation: “I fear you may feel that taking the Lord’s name in vain is blasphemous.” 9. “Can I use your bathroom?“ Translation: “I would like to use your lavatory.” 10. “Not so much.” Translation: “That’s completely wrong.” Used on me in classic fashion by a Clinton aide back in February.