American words

[NMAmy]

I love the fact that the British always tell you to "mind" something--as in "mind the gap" and "mind your head." It sounds so polite. My husband is British and I can usually translate what he's trying to tell me but when he tells me to "mind that car," it just doesn't convey the same sense of urgency that "hey, watch out for that car" does. It's the one phrase I've insisted he adjust!

I've also noticed that he becomes "extra English" when we go to visit his family. Although his whole family has different accents. It's no wonder we Americans get confused. His parents have Yorkshire accents, one brother and his family have extra posh London accents, another brother lives in Lancashire and has a totally different one!

 

[silverka2002]

Soda = pop

 

[Firefly777]

^Actually, both words are used here. It really depends on where you are. Where I live, most call it pop. But I know in other parts of the country, they call it soda or soda pop.

 

[TheTexasKid]

As an American I find this thread quite interesting. Though, as an American I have to do the opposite of what most of you do. I have to translate American words into English words, when ever I visit the U.K.

The edge of the road, if it is paved, is actually the curb. An gutter in the U.S. is usually a waterway built by the side of the road or street to carry off excess surface-water, and is usually considered part of the road or street.

If one needs a flannel, while one can ask for a face-cloth, the most common term to use is the word washcloth.

Though, unlike most hotels in Europe, where I have stayed, there should already be some in the bath or bathroom. They are usually those little pieces of cloth folded on the counter next to the basin or sink or hanging up on the towel rack. The medium pieces of cloth hanging up or folded on the towel rack in the bath or bathroom are usually known as hand towels in the U.S. And those large pieces of cloth hanging up or folded on the towel rack
in the bath or bathroom are usually known as bath towels in the U.S. Of course, these are not to be confused with the large piece
of cloth, which is usually draped over the tub in the bath or bathroom. This is usually known as a bath mat and is to be put down on the floor before one gets in or out of the tub or shower, as they are there to absorb any excess water from the tub or shower, and thus make the bathroom floor less wet and slipperly.

I hope this has been of some help, and for any of you coming over here this year, may your stay over here be as enjoyable as my stays have been in the U.K. and the rest of Europe.

As for the use of the word toilet in the U.K., I have found that they are also called waterclosets or more likely abbreviated as w.c.s.

 

[AlanUK]

Cilantro = Coriander Leaves

Took me a while to work out whilst I was on holiday and lacking an internet connection. It's worth knowing if you buy a recipe book whilst in the US.