Advice on British English to Americans

Telly, adverts, bloke, chuffed and soft drink are all common words explained in an article in today's Washington Post (here), designed to prepare US visitors to the London Olympics in a few months' time. If you're coming for the first time you'll hear some words that you think you know, but that have a different meaning here eg a cracker (a great thing), chips (fries), subway (underpass), cheers (thank you), gutted (upset) and pants (underwear item or an adjective meaning 'bad').

 

Here's the article.

 

Comments

[John]

Funny piece, Susan, as is the Post article behind it. I'd also offer it to Londoners seeking to avoid the traffic and congestion of the Olympics by coming to the US. In the latter instance, read it in reverse.

[John]

Susan,

Could you help with a real-time question a friend and I were tossing back and forth today. At issue is "curb" vs. "kerb". One source I went to even listed "Kerb" as both American/Canadian AMD British.

Any guidance or opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[John]

Sorry "...AND...."

[Virtual Linguist]

Thanks for the comments, John. Regarding kerb vs curb. In the UK the edge of the pavement (sidewalk) is a kerb. It's always spelled that way. There is also the verb, to curb, with a corresponding noun, that means 'to limit' eg curb violence in films or a curb on violence in films. Not sure what the Canadian preference is, I'm afraid.

[abercrombie ropa]

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[country house plans]

You may need to peg the corners of the sheet to four chairs and ask the group to sit underneath but this could convey a summery relaxed portrait.

[scottsdale periodontist]

While it doesn't prevent coffee stains from forming on the backs of your teeth.

[mining recruitment specialists]

Thanks for the reminder. It's probably good to do some research before going to London so you are aware of the English words for the terms you tend to use everyday.