London Local Custom Tips by Elena_007

Theses are a few English to American translations.

Yes, there IS a difference. I was amazed at our differences in general conversations, and often had to admit that I was an American, and didn't understand. (much to their amusement). Although the opposite was true as well, because after I would explain the American equivalent, my friends in the UK had never heard of such, either.

Anyroad, (American meaning, Anyway) I have a funny little story to tell ...

I was speaking with someone from England on the telephone, and he really needed to go to the restroom. AKA: "loo." I said to him, "We can speak later, go, to the loo." Then I burst into laughter because I thought of the American saying, "Toodle loo!", meaning, "Goodbye." He couldn't understand WHY I was laughing at him for needing to go to the loo, and thought I must be daft. Then, I told my son the tale, and he didn't understand what was so funny, because he had no clue of what was a "loo." After I explained the differences in our dialect, he also found it to be quite amusing, and now tells the story to his friends.

I have put together a little "Dictionary" for your entertainment, of words that I actually heard whilst in England, some of which I wondered, "What?!?"

afters (sometimes called pudding): dessert eaten after a meal, hence the name.

bin (actually dustbin shortened): trash can, a container in which to properly dispose of litter or rubbish.

car park: a parking lot, an area designed as a place to park your vehicle.

dressing gown: equivelant to an American robe worn around the house before getting properly dressed.

elastoplast (or sometimes referred to as plaster): American band-aid for covering minor cuts (wounds) to stop the bleeding, and keep out germs.

fag: cigarette (See the following web-site for a hilarious explanation)

Want a fag?

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Website: http://www.english2american.com

gutted: seriously disappointed or a feeling of despair.

homely: UK- comfortable and pleasant, such as a home should be.
homely: USA- Not very pretty, unkempt, or downright ugly even.

indicator(s): turn signal(s) or sometimes referred to as "blinkers."

jumper: a sweater (not the outdated over-all skirt thing), hence you will hear men saying they may need a jumper in case it turns cold.

knackered: completely exhausted after a hard day of work, or perhaps fun. (Another copyrighted explanation of it's dual meaning that you may want to check out before actually using it in conversation is below.) I would advise you take a look before you actually embarrass yourself in a foreign country, and not even know it. Click on the link or copy/paste URL into browser:

Curious?

http://www.english2american.com/dictionary/k.html#knackered

loo:the restroom, bathroom, ladie's / men's room, etc. In England, it is also known as the WC (And you will notice motorway signs and wonder possibly... WC?) It is a water closet! (funny to this American! Please see the following for a detailed explanation of the reasons for the name "loo." (And a good laugh!)

To the loo

http://www.english2american.com/dictionary/l.html#loo

mean: UK- cheap, as in being a miser with money.
mean: USA- a person of contemptuous nature, perhaps jealous, and revengeful.

natter: to have a natter is a chat similar to gossip. Although men tend to think only women natter or gossip, and men engage in conversations, I beg to differ.

off-licence: an American liquor store. (USA spelling off-license) Since you can buy alcohol in most any shop in the UK, I would imagine their business is sparse.

pavement: UK- (What Americans call the sidewalk)
pavement: USA-(What Brits call Tarmac)

(Confusing, because Americans think of Pavement as the Tarmac, NOT the sidewalk!)

.

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Website: www.english2american.com

queue: an orderly line of people patiently waiting their turn. In America, as well as the UK, it is only polite to respect the order of the queue (line). Please don't be rude!

rubbish: garbage or trash to be thrown away. (preferrably in a bin or trash receptacle)

shattered: either very tired, (similar to knackered) or emotionally drained, in a hopeless or helpless, depressed state of mind.

tea: UK- the evening meal or a cup of hot tea.
tea: USA- a cup of hot tea or a glass of iced tea.

underlay: the carpet padding underneath the carpet.

vest: UK- What Americans call an undershirt, T-shirt.
vest: USA- What Brits call a waistcoat.

wally: A friendly, joking way of calling someone silly, or daft.

yonks: a long time, either minutes, hours, or years, depending on use. (waiting for yonks)

zed: UK- the last letter of the alphabet, pronounced, "zed".
(Z): USA- same as above, only pronounced, "zee".

I once said, "Nice Z car!" but in the UK, it is a "Zed."

A bonus for some, an effort for others:

willie: UK- (Well, if you live in the UK, Surely, you know this one!)
willie: USA- A nickname for William or the dolphin in the film, "Free Willie."

If you are an American, and don't know, you will need to look it up in the dictionary provided below. (A treasury of little known differences in our "English" language(s), and humourous / humorous definitions throughout). I highly recommend this site for American English translations and a good laugh.

Another funny story, Someone from the UK told me once they had to go cook their tea. As an American, I asked,"Don't you just add water?"

In America, it is thought that tea is the kind you drink, not eat. I was then told I needed to learn how to cook properly!

Tea, as you now know is the evening meal,and preferably not instant. (just add water) I hope you have enjoyed this bit of information, Perhaps you've heard or will hear some of these sayings in the future.

More "TransAtlantic translations" listed alphabetically after the American Observations and Pubs tips.

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Website: http://www.english2american.com

You really are taking the mickey, aren't you?

A way of making lighthearted fun of someone in a particular situation, similar to, "You must be joking!"

As an example, I used to not answer the phone, (on purpose) when a certain English gentleman rang, only because I knew he would leave a message, and I could hear his dashing voice again later.

Only he knew at the time, I was expecting his call, so his message would be... "You really are taking the mickey, now aren't you, sitting there with the phone in your hand, thinking I will leave a message!"

There is a slightly different phrase meaning the same thing, a bit more rude, but meant in a joking sort of way. Beyond taking the mickey, there is taking the p*ss, and is often used in general conversations in England.

See Definition

http://www.english2american.com/dictionary/t.html#taking

Being pissed in England means being drunk, not mad or angry, and p*ss artists are known to have aquired the art of being nearly constantly pissed. (drunk)

Of course we both share the other meaning, to urinate, but if you were to say to an America, "I'm pissed!" it would seem almost like fighting words, and you may be told to calm down, don't let it upset you, etc.

Being mad in England isn't angry at all. It is meant as silly, crazy, daft, over the top, insane, etc.

It could be said in a friendly tone, such as, "Are you mad, woman?" to someone wanting to set the alarm, just to see if the sun will rise, instead of rain clouds, whilst on holiday (vacation).

Or, it could be taken to the other extreme by saying something like, "That dreadful bloke just killed his own Mum, He's mad, I tell you, absolutely mad!"

It is said, that if you hear a word you have no clue of it's meaning, more than likely it means "idiot" in a friendly sort of way. Insults are hilarious, it might seem in England. Mostly all in fun if amongst friends, though.

See the website below for the most commonly used insults circulating in the UK.

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Website: http://www.english2american.com/dictionary/cat_insults.html

A fortnight is the equivalent of two weeks time. Americans are fortunate IF they can accumulate a fortnight for their yearly vacation time, where most in the UK automatically receive almost twice that for holiday time off each year, without regard to number of days worked in advance.

A cupboard is a kitchen closet, but a wardobe is a clothes closet.

A peckish chap or bloke is a hungry gentleman.

Nosh is grub or food.

A biscuit or "bickie" (often called digestives on the package) is known in America as a cookie, such as a Ginger Snap, not the fluffy, mouth watering scone like accompaniments that Americans smother in gravy, add apple butter to, or just butter, served with any meal. My favorite (favourite)are garlic and cheddar cheese biscuits from Red Lobster. MMMMmmm!!!

A fairy cake is a cupcake.

An ice lolly is a popsicle.

Bangers are sausages often prepared in a well known English dish called "Bangers and Mash." (Mash pototoes & sausages)

Toad in the hole is another English dish made with bangers (sausages) and yorkshire pudding. (a type of bread pastry roll)

Bubbles and Squeak is another English dish consisting of potatoes and cabbage stir fried, and got it's name from making bubbling and sqeaking noises whilst cooking.

A rasher is a slice of bacon, but is more similar to a slice of ham. Streaky is what is known as American bacon.

Eggy bread is French toast

Jelly is flavored (flavoured) gelatin, like American jello.

Jam is like preserves, (also known as jam in the US).

Runner beans are green beans.

Mushy peas are English peas mashed up
usually with butter, and are of a creamy texture, and are often sold at a chippie. (Fish and Chips shop)

Prawns are Shrimp.

A steak and kidney pie is almost like a beef pot pie, and popular in England, but I think a steak and ale pie (preferably Guinness) is much better, without the kidneys.

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When someone says they are on the blower, it means they are on the telephone.

A teller is the cashier at any shop, not just a bank teller, as in America.

A game of Bat is known as Table Tennis or Ping Pong in the US.

A game of Rounders is a baseball game.

A public school in England is known as a County Counsel school.

If a student offers you glue, he or she is referring to chewing gum.

English are taught maths, as Americans learn math.

A tap is the faucet, (hot and cold) and also, a tap is used for dispensing fine ales and such, like Guinness, served in pubs everywhere in England. In America, there is usually only one tap with hot, cold or warm running water. In England, I noticed there are mostly two. There is no warm water, because there are mostly either hot or cold taps.

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Pubs are a GIANT part of Londoners daily life. Pubs have a wonderful atmosphere with a much more intriguing aspect about them than any American bar scene. Locals come to relax, unwind with a nice meal, possibly with a good bitter, ale, or lager. Some even drink Jack Daniels (Tennessee Whisky), which REALLY surprised me!

There is definitely an abundance of "Old World charm" in most pubs in England. I am no expert pub crawler, by any means, and actually I am a lightweight when it comes to alcohol, but the attitude just seems to magically transform, almost instantaneously, upon entering a nice, friendly pub.

There is this awesome site I found when searching for the address of Wetherspoons in London. (See Restaurant Tips for info on Wetherspoons). You can search by the pub name, address, postcode, nearest tube station, etc. It is similar to VT as it has ratings and reviews from the patrons who visited the pubs. You may even refine your search to include extras such as Big screen TV's, dartboard, pool table, live music, Sunday roast dinner, car park, etc. The list is extensive, but those are a few basics.

Like VT, it is not neccessary to be a member to view the details. If you are looking for some information about a great pub in London, or anywhere else in the World, this will do all the work for you. All you need do is decide which pub best suits your taste.

Cheers!

P.S. For more details, please see my Nightlife tip.

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Website: www.beerintheevening.com

A few differences I noticed whilst in England, with regard to the language barrier, (well, usually understandable with a little effort) are as follows:

First, and foremost, ALL Americans are considered "Yanks." It matters not which part of the US you reside, as I now consider myself a "Southern Yankee."

Continuing on in no particular order, random observations, if you will ...

In England, you hire a hire-car, not rent a rental car.

A landord lets a flat, not leases an apartment, and therefore one may have a flatmate, instead of a roommate.

A solicitor is an attorney, not a door to door salesperson.

A pushchair in England is the equivalent to a baby stroller, not a wheelchair, as you might guess.

A dummy is the equivalent to a baby pacifier, so you may hear, "Give that child a dummy, please!"

A Zimmer in the UK, is known in the US as a walker, a device to help the elderly get around easier. "Zimmer" is the popular brand name of such.

A thief nicks your belongings more often than steals something, although in England, they do know the meaning of stealing. I, on the other hand, was clueless about nicking.

In England, they post mail and wait for the postman. They do not mail letters and wait for the mailman.

A zebra crossing is actually a pedestrian crossing. There are no zebras running loose in London, or anywhere else in England. It is known as this because of the black and white stripes designating the area to cross the street.

A motor is an automobile. A motorway is an interstate, or highway. A dual-carriageway is a divided highway.

A speed camera is a camera that takes your picture as you go speeding by, a crime punishable by fines, and points off of your driving license. Locals will be notified by post (mail) and must pay dearly, or if a visitor, driving a hire-car, your credit card will be charged. Signs warn in advance that look like a camera. Do not get flashed!

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Website: http://www.english2american.com

The English do not refer to their "yard" as we do in America. Any sign of greenery in an area outside one's home or cottage is known as an English garden. Most are very fond of their gardens, which can be quite elaborate and stunningly beautiful, and would probably consider it an insult if you were to say they had a lovely back yard.

In England, they tend to refer to some foods as being, "Gorgeous!" For instance, Cream Tea or Stilton cheese is "just Gorgeous"

In America, we tend to refer only to scenery or the opposite sex as "Gorgeous." I never would imagine a meal being such, until now.

Cream tea would actually be, "Gorgeous" if served on a beautiful serving tray, with a lovely tea set, perhaps hand-painted with dainty roses on the tea cups and saucers, with a matching tea pot, made of the finest bone China in England.

Normally, though, unless in a "posh" environment, it is served on everyday dinner ware, and although delicious, I wouldn't go as far as saying "Gorgeous."

It is not just simply cream in your tea. Besides, the English use milk in their tea, and perhaps cream in their coffee. They use double cream or custard on various desserts. Mmm!

Cream tea consists of tea, of course, and scones with strawberry jam served with clotted cream. (Don't let the name frighten you, it is nothing like "clotted milk, or buttermilk") It is actually quite scrumptious, and "gorgeous" if enjoyed in a lovely Beer Garden.

No, they don't grow beer in a garden. It is the outside garden area in which to enjoy your beer, or cream tea, even. Either, a pleasant experience, I can assure you.

In America, a garden is considered a small crop of fruits or vegetables, mainly, but a botanical garden is filled with flowering treasures to behold, and not eat.

Most likely, an English meal or snack could be summed up as either, "Not Bad" (meaning good), "Gorgeous", or "Not Brilliant!"

For a "Gorgeous" presentation of English Cream Tea ...
Click here

http://www.heathmagic.de/Clotted.jpg

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arse: Yes, you guessed it, only difference in usage would be someone in the UK saying, "I can't be arsed", meaning "I can't be bothered."

bangers: sausage. Most commonly used when referring to bangers and mash, which is a very English dish consisting of sausages and mash potatoes.

bitter: a proper English beer, not to be confused with lager, which is weak by comparison.

blag: to convince someone of giving or doing something for nothing, as in blag a ride to work. In US, they would bum a ride, but since bum means something entirely different in England, you would NEVER hear that expression.

bloke: a man, fellow, guy, or male. You would not refer to a male friend as a bloke, it is more reserved for some bloke you don't know. (A Joe Public in England or sometimes referred to as a "Joe Blow" in America). Please, don't go around saying, "Hi blokes! How are you?"

blow off: The act of breaking wind, also known as chuffing. To blow someone off in America could best be described as ignoring them, not farting on them. To complicate things further, someone in the UK who is chuffed, is very happy, meaning something very different than chuffing.

Bob's your Uncle!: Ta Da! There you have it! Similar to an American expression, "That's how the cookie crumbles!"

bog: another slang name for toilet, although the loo is used more frequently. A loo roll, or a bog roll, is a roll of toilet tissue in the US.

bonnet: the hood of a vehicle.
boot: the trunk of a vehicle.
hood: in the UK, a hood is a convertible top.

boozer: a pub. Fancy a pint?

bottle: nerve. To lose someone's bottle is like losing one's nerve.

braces: suspenders in the UK.
braces: metal grid-like covering teeth for straightening purposes in the US. (in UK-brace)

bugger: multi purpose Brit word. An inoffensive insult. You little bugger, you!

bum: what you are sitting on as you read this. The body part that makes contact with the chair, your derriere, or rear end. (among other less polite words). What Americans call bums, in the UK, they are called tramps.

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Website: http://www.english2american.com