What British words do Americans not understand?

British Words & Phrases Americans Don't Understand
  • Chips: Fries. ...
  • Crisps: Chips. ...
  • Pudding: The dessert course. ...
  • Biscuit: Cookie.
  • Lolly: Popsicle.
  • The Local: The friendly neighborhood pub that not even the smallest villages are without. ...
  • Cuppa: A cup of tea. ...
  • Rashers: Slices of cured ham.


What words do Americans British use differently?

Here are some of the more common variations.
  • Brits use "re" while Americans use "er." ...
  • Brits add a "u" where Americans don't. ...
  • The Brits often use an extra "l." ...
  • Americans use a "c" or "z" where Brits use an "s." ...
  • Americans drop the "e" before "ment" in words like "judgment." ...
  • Aluminum/Aluminium. ...
  • Ate. ...
  • Herbal.


What are American words that confuse Brits?

15 American Words & Phrases That Confuse Brits
  • Arugula | © Tim Sackton/Flickr.
  • Pants | Public Domain/Pixabay.
  • Jams & Jellies | Public Domain/Pixabay.
  • Pool Table | Public Domain/Pixabay.
  • Cilantro | Public Domain/Pixabay.
  • Pacifier | Public Domain/Pixabay.


What words cant British people say?

Words like half (and similarly, calf) are difficult for Brits to say in an American accent, mainly because the 'a' sound is so vastly different from what they are used to. So instead of saying HAAHF, they should be pronouncing it HAY-AHF.

What do Brits call drunk?

Pissed / Pished

Strictly speaking, “pissed” (or “pished” in Scotland) is a swear word and you shouldn't use it in a formal, professional or school context. However it is probably the most commonly used word in the UK to describe being drunk. If you spend any time in the UK, you will hear it all the time.


23 British Words Americans Don't Understand | 🇬🇧 UK vs USA English 🇺🇸



What is a very British thing to say?

I'm knackered – I'm tired. Cheeky – Mischievous or playful. Bloody – This is a very British thing to say – meaning very. I'm pissed – Not meaning the regular “angry”, in British talk it actually means you're very drunk and is used quite a lot when you are out drinking with friends.

What is the weirdest British word?

The 40 Quirkiest British Slang Words Every American Should Know
  • of 40. Bagsy. Shouting bagsy is the equivalent of claiming shotgun on the front seat or dibs on the last cupcake. ...
  • of 40. Bloke. ...
  • of 40. Bog Roll. ...
  • of 40. ​Botched. ...
  • of 40. ​Budge Up. ...
  • of 40. Cheesed Off. ...
  • of 40. Chin Wag. ...
  • of 40. Chips.


What words do Americans struggle to say?

Here are the top 30 words Americans struggle to pronounce
  • affidavit [af-i-dey-vit]
  • almond [ah-muh nd, am-uh nd]
  • beget [bih-get]
  • cache [kash]
  • caramel [kar-uh-muh l, -mel, kahr-muh l]
  • coupon [koo-pon, kyoo-]
  • croissant [French krwah-sahn; English kruh-sahnt]
  • epitome [ih-pit-uh-mee]


What do British say when upset?

You often hear Americans say that they are “pissed”, meaning that they are angry or annoyed. British people also use the phrase “pissed off”, which means the same thing.

What English words do Americans not use?

The UK and America are two nations divided by a common language.
...
Synonyms for British Words Americans Don't Understand
  • Fringe: Bangs. ...
  • Jumper: Sweater.
  • Trainer: Sneaker.
  • Dummy: Pacifier.
  • Plaster: Band-aid.
  • Nappy: Diaper.
  • Hole-in-the-Wall: ATM.


What is the hardest American word to say?

The word onomatopoeia is a jumble of vowels and is probably the most difficult English word to pronounce. It is pronounced [on-uh-mat-uh–pee–uh], and it defines a word that imitates a sound.


What is hello in British slang?

Hiya! This is a very common way of saying “hello”, especially in the North of England. It is also used a lot in text messaging.

How do you say sorry in British?

A way to be polite
  1. It is no lie that the Brits pride themselves on their politeness and use sorry as a way of showing good manners and courtesy. ...
  2. There are a number of other ways to say sorry the British way when being polite:
  3. “I beg your pardon”
  4. “I apologise”
  5. Tip: Saying sorry can save you from embarrassing situations.


What is British slang for angry?

Narked. Cheesed off, irritated. If you're in a bad mood you might be labeled as narked or even a bit narky.


What's the hardest English word to say?

The Most Difficult English Word To Pronounce
  • Rural.
  • Otorhinolaryngologist.
  • Colonel.
  • Penguin.
  • Sixth.
  • Isthmus.
  • Anemone.
  • Squirrel.


Why can't Americans say squirrel?

WHY do Americans pronounce 'squirrel' as a monosyllable? According to R J Pickles: 'It is the result of a genetic speech defect where the tongue, when rolling a double 'r' in anticipation of the 'e', goes into a spasm which can only be relieved by the pronunciation of an 'l'.

What is America's longest word?

It is the chemical name for titin, the largest protein known. The longest word in the English dictionary however, is the 45-letter word "pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis", which refers to a lung disease. Doctors call it "P45".


What is the British slang for pretty?

Bonnie. Used in Scotland, this word means "pretty" or "beautiful", and is normally used in reference to a woman. Some think it has its origins in the French word bon, meaning "good".

How do you say cool in British?

Dynamite/Wicked

Dynamite is used for awesome and cool. Wicked too is used to convey the same meaning.

What is British slang for disgusting?

Minging

This is British slang for “disgusting” or “gross.”


Why do Brits say bloody?

Bloody. Don't worry, it's not a violent word… it has nothing to do with “blood”.”Bloody” is a common word to give more emphasis to the sentence, mostly used as an exclamation of surprise. Something may be “bloody marvellous” or “bloody awful“. Having said that, British people do sometimes use it when expressing anger…

What is a British word for yes?

Synonyms of 'yes' in British English

Yeah, alright, I'll come. sure. okay. aye (Scottish, informal) affirmative (formal)

How do British say good day?

Bore da (bore-eh-dah) - Good Morning. Nos Da - Good Night. Diolch (dee-olch) ("ch" pronounced like gargling water) - Thank you.


How do British greet girls?

In Britain one kiss is generally enough. The usual formal greeting is a 'How do you do?' and a firm handshake, but with a lighter touch between men and women.