A Mid-Atlantic Handbook: American and British English

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Marko Modiano

A Mid-Atlantic Handbook American and British English

Studentlitteratur

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

The book block is printed on MultiFine Offset, licence no. 304 054

ISBN 91-44-61451-9 eISBN 91-44-03760-0  Marko Modiano and Studentlitteratur 1996 Cover art: Kjeld Brandt Printed in Sweden Studentlitteratur, Lund www-address: http://www.studli.se/ Printing/year

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Contents

Introduction 5

1 Pronunciation 9

2 Vocabulary 18

2.1 Reference List 22

2.2 Cross Reference 93

3 Spelling 107

4 Grammar, Punctuation, and Style 124

4.1 Grammar 124

Verbs 125

The Definite Article 126

Prepositions 126

Subject/Verb Agreement 127

Conclusion 129

4.2 Punctuation 129

The Hyphen 130

The Comma 130

Quotation Marks (Inverted Commas) 131

Letter Writing 131

4.3 Style 131

Tag Questions 133

Conclusion 133

5 Expressions and Proverbs 136

Differences: Weights and Measures 142

© Studentlitteratur

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Bibliography 144

Dictionaries 144

General 144

Index 147

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Introduction

Quite often, teachers advise students to keep the two major varieties of the English language separate, that is to say, to speak and write either American English or British English (referred to in the text as AmE or BrE). Recent findings suggest, however, that an increasing number of native speakers are mixing features of AmE and BrE, and furthermore, many, if not most sec ond language speakers in Europe and elsewhere have begun to speak a mix ture, sometimes called Mid-Atlantic English. Regardless of how one feels about this development, a good understanding of the differences between AmE and BrE will help students to communicate more effectively. This is true for the spoken as well as the written language. Please note that this book is written in American English. The differences between AmE and BrE are most apparent in pronuncia tion. Students, moreover, are often aware of differences in vocabulary, as well as spelling. Some people consider these dissimilarities to be of minor concern. Nevertheless, the differences between the two varieties are not always as unimportant as we would like to believe. Quite often, using American or British terminology in the wrong context can cause a great deal of misinterpretation. Confusion over weights and measures can have disasters effects. Spelling differences can unfortunately cause some people to assume that a word is incorrectly spelled, resulting in reactions which, with a little checking, can be avoided. Differences in punctuation can also cause misunderstanding. This book is intended to assist students when they are unsure of the meaning and usage of common words in AmE and BrE. This handbook, which has primarily been written with the beginning college student in mind, provides a basic introduction to the various similarities and differ ences in the two major varieties of the English language. First of all, there is a general introduction to the major differences in pronunciation. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is used for the phonetic notation of both AmE and BrE entries. In this chapter, the obvious features which distin © Studentlitteratur

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Introduction

guish standard American and British diction are pointed out. For example, the pronunciation of dance and France with the vowel sound /Å:/, is always British; an American would not reproduce this sound (the AmE pronuncia tion is /dæns/ and /fræns/). As to the sections on vocabulary and spelling, the vocabulary listing is arranged for easy reference, and a cross-reference listing is provided at the end of the chapter. There is commentary on usage as well as the particular idiosyncracies of the items (for instance, the grow ing phenomena of American usage becoming acceptable in BrE; the word billion being used in Britain as representing the standard American number). Furthermore, a note is made in those cases where an item would not be acceptable, i.e., Americans would not accept the word pavement as a synonym for sidewalk. Also, a British speaker might reject the AmE term derby hat as a synonym for BrE bowler hat, a term which Americans would most likely not recognize. As to spelling, Americans may consider BrE tyre to be a misspelling of tire. The British may reject spellings such as AmE vise for BrE vice, or AmE cooperate for BrE co-operate. On the other hand, it is now common that AmE industrialization is accepted in the UK (the BrE spelling has traditionally been industrialisation). While grammar and punctuation differences, as well as differences in weights and measurers can be organized in a straight forward manner, dif ferences in style are more difficult to isolate and define. For this reason, the discussion on style is short and is intended to act as a point of departure for further study. Besides the generally known differences in everyday conver sation, the AmE howdy as opposed to BrE cheers, less apparent but provoc ative differences in style are mentioned, such as the particular use of various words or phrases; the use of AmE I think as opposed to BrE I suppose, or the BrE use of shall where one more often finds the AmE usage to be will. It should be kept in mind that the English language is changing rapidly, and as a result, dictionaries and other reference material cannot be com pletely up to date. This handbook refers to broadly accepted definitions and usage, and is backed up by entries in the established reference material (see bibliography). Nevertheless, new advances in technology, for instance, as well as in other fast-moving disciplines, can cause disagreement with respect to interpretation and comparison. This handbook, however, is pri marily concerned with common language usage as it is found in everyday life. No effort has been made to include all of the significant differences between AmE and BrE. Instead, the items and discussions presented here are representative. An awareness of these differences will hopefully help make students more aware of the implications of a Mid-Atlantic form of the English language. Also, no attempt has been made to cover differences in 6


Introduction

regional dialects or accents. Instead, the focus is on the standardized forms of English as it is written and spoken in the US and Great Britain. Christer Geisler and Richard Hainsworth deserve mention for their valu able editorial commentary. Also, for their support and expert advice, a round of thanks to my colleagues at University College Gävle-Sandviken; Ragnar Aagård, Inger Bergström, Oliver St. John, Ingrid Westin, and Gabri ella Åhmansson. For Frances Mary Tarpey. Any and all errors are solely my own. Readers are encouraged to contact me to discuss possible distinctions and puzzlements which hopefully will lead to a better understanding of the differences between the two major varieties of the English language. Uppsala, Sweden 1996 Marko Modiano


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1 Pronunciation

The differences between AmE and BrE with respect to pronunciation are apparent to native speakers, but not always so clearly differentiated in the ears of the second language speaker. While the pronunciation of words like aunt and dance immediately tell us which form of the language is being used, there are many words which are pronounced in the same manner in both AmE and BrE. The recognition of a specific form of the English lan guage is often determined by listening to tonal quality, stress, and various characteristic differences in pronunciation. It is true that AmE has a distinc tive sound, as opposed to BrE, but it is also apparent that the similarities are far greater in number than the dissimilarities. Our point of departure will be a discussion of the two standard varieties with respect to the differences, without taking into consideration features of the language found in dialects and accents. Some comment on dialects and accents is, nevertheless, forthcoming. Commentary on what constitutes Mid-Atlantic usage will also be presented. Finally, there is a discussion of specific pronunciation examples. Here, common words which are pronounced differently in AmE and BrE are examined. Inhabitants of the US, where some 70% of all native speakers of the Eng lish language live, consider themselves to be speakers of English. The term American is foreign to their ears, and the notion that they speak with an accent an absurdity. Instead, Americans speak English and people from the UK speak English with a British or English accent. Many Americans are surprised when they come to Europe and discover that this order is reversed. In fact, most Americans are not aware of the fact that there are considerable dissimilarities between AmE and BrE, aside from some seem ingly minor differences in pronunciation, some vocabulary items, and a few spelling conventions. This is because Americans are not exposed to BrE in the way that the British and Europeans are exposed to AmE. Awareness of the differences between AmE and BrE is much greater in Europe. As many as 250 million people speak English as their first language in America. The English spoken in the US, where English has been spoken for more than 350 years, is in many respects closer to the language of Shake © Studentlitteratur

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speare than the BrE spoken in the UK today. This is because language groups cut off geographically from the mother country tend to be more con servative, and as such retain older features, while in the country of origin there is a natural inclination for the language to evolve at a quicker pace. Also, there are fewer dialects and accents among the geographically dis tanced group. The standard, which is often referred to as Standard Ameri can, or Standard American English (AmE), is spoken in many parts of the country, most notably in the west, and is the most common variety in the US. It is the language spoken by radio personalities, newscasters, many actors and actresses, public personalities, professionals, and educators. Dialects and accents,1 on the other hand, are not as distinctive or widespread in the US as they are in the UK. Among the most distinctive accents are those spoken in the New York and New Jersey areas, the South, and Boston. All of these accents are quickly recognized, and, for most Ameri cans, rather easy to understand. While there are dialects in the US, these dialects are spoken by relatively small groups and are associated with the former French speaking population or with immigrants (such as the dialects spoken in Louisiana and other parts of the South, as well as the language of some first-generation immigrants from Asia). In most cases, the second generation acquire more standardized varieties of the language. The national distribution of media in the US has created conditions where almost all of the inhabitants of the country are subjected to the same lan guage norm, and as a result, most Americans both speak and readily understand a standardized form of the English language. Moreover, the establish ment of AmE has not been based on prestige, educational snobbishness, or any conscious effort to promote a national standard. Instead, it has evolved naturally. Also, unlike BrE, speakers of regional accents are usually wel comed into public life, and presidents and public figures often speak with regional accents. Good examples of this phenomena are Presidents John F. Kennedy (Boston), Lyndon Johnson (Texas), and Jimmy Carter (the South). Mention can also be made of public figures such as Dr Martin Luther King and the Rev. Jessie Jackson, both of whom are good representatives of the language of the black community in America. In many cases, the English spoken in the US contains little which reveals the geographical origin of the speaker. That is to say, other Americans may find it difficult to make an educated guess as to a person’s home state, (nat urally, many people outside of the country will identify the speaker as someone who comes from the US). In those cases where the speaker does not have a pronounced regional accent, the diction is relatively clear, there is little rhythm, and the “sound” is distinctively “American.” 10


British English, on there other hand, is far more complex. One of the most notable differences is that the so-called standard, RP, or Received Pro nunciation, is spoken by as little as 3% of the population. Also, unlike AmE, most of the people in the UK speak with a regional dialect or accent. Let us begin our inquiry, however, with a discussion of marked RP. This variety, which has also been referred to as Queen’s English, King’s English, Public School English, Oxford English, Cambridge English, Mayfair Eng lish, etc., is the language of the upper classes. Children learn the language at home as well as at the “public schools”, which are in fact private institu tions, often with boarding facilities, where the upper and upper-middle classes send their children. Later in life, this tradition is further nurtured at Oxford and Cambridge. It is the domain of the aristocracy as well, and members of the royal family are expected to emulate this type of speech. Marked RP is the most “posh” variety of English in the UK, and, to varying degrees, in the Commonwealth. It is elaborate in both pronunciation and sentence structure, and there is even a list of lexical items which are used as opposed to words which are left to others (the so-called U, non-U debate). For example, in marked RP one would use the term scent, as perfume is considered to be less acceptable (or non-U). Traditionally, this form of Eng lish was used as an educational standard in Europe and elsewhere, but has now been replaced by other forms of the language in recent times (either AmE or BrE). As to unmarked RP, it is a more relaxed form of RP. It is good British English. It has less of the style and sound of marked RP, and certainly less perceived affectation. This variety is more common among older people. In Standard British English, (BrE), which is associated with the London area and the south-east, there are features of unmarked RP, but the usage is more informal. Some mention should be made of BBC English, which is the broadcasting standard, and while it constitutes good British usage, it is somewhat “unnatural” in the sense that it is associated with the sound pro duced when the voice is amplified. Furthermore, it is not advisable to use the added emphasis and rhythm of the broadcaster’s voice in everyday con versation. On the other hand, the recommendations for the pronunciation of specific words, especially proper nouns, which is published by the BBC, act as a guideline for speakers of BrE throughout the world. There are many regional accents and dialects in the UK, and it is more common for inhabitants of the UK to speak a regional dialect or accent than to speak BrE. In the rural areas of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the regional accents and dialects are the most common forms of the lan guage. In England proper, as well, there are accents and dialects spoken © Studentlitteratur

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throughout the country. In fact, there are literally hundreds of accents and dialects in the UK. While all of these varieties are classified as forms of the English language, they are of little use in a discussion of Mid-Atlantic Eng lish. The varieties which should be included in the discussion are, naturally, besides AmE, marked and unmarked RP, BrE, and BBC English. This is because the structures which are most likely to influence Mid-Atlantic usage can be found in these standards. It is far less likely that the features of regional accents and dialects would place well in Mid-Atlantic usage for the simple reason that they are fully comprehensible to a smaller group of people in both national and international terms. What constitutes Mid-Atlantic usage? This question does not as yet have any definite answer, and the field is open as to a standard with respect to this international form of the language. Nevertheless, a general outline of what can be expected from a Mid-Atlantic norm can be offered. First of all, let us qualify some fundamentals. With respect to lexical items, when an American says ta instead of thank you when speaking to a British person, or when an English person orders French fries instead of chips at an American restaurant, this is Mid-Atlantic English at its best. These same people may alter the spelling of specific words when corresponding. When they strive to speak Mid-Atlantic English they will not only attempt to accommodate their use of lexical items, but will also attempt to pronounce words in a manner which is familiar to the interlocutor. As a starting point there is a need to recognize those attributes of the lan guage which are exclusively American or British. BrE pronunciation is a good point of departure. While the English spoken in the UK contains many words specific to that culture, it is the pronunciation that is the most salient feature of the variety. At its extremes (such as marked RP, Cockney, and the regional dialects) the language contains hundreds of features that should be avoided by second language speakers of Mid-Atlantic English. With stand ard BrE, however, only those features overtly characteristic of the English language as it is spoken in the UK should be restricted. While British peo ple may not consider these sounds extraordinary, they are often noticed by other native speakers as well as by second language speakers as being dis tinctly British. One prevalent feature, (and a good example of this phenom ena) is the vowel sound /Å:/ in the BrE pronunciation of words like dance, and aunt. While the AmE pronunciation of these words may cause a similar response in the UK, the BrE pronunciation is strikingly British and, espe cially in the US, is considered peculiar. Something between the two extremes would place the speaker firmly in the folds of Mid-Atlantic Eng lish. Of greater interest, however, are those pronunciations which may 12


cause confusion, such as the BrE pronunciation of the word clerk. Here, the vowel is pronounced /Å:/ in BrE. This pronunciation, in AmE, is a man’s name. Many speakers of the English language will not understand that this word, with the BrE pronunciation, means someone who works in an office, often keeping records or accounts. In AmE, with the pronunciation /kl3:rk/, it means someone who works in a store (although it can also have the BrE meaning). Note also the pronunciation of the word Berkeley, as in Berkeley Square, a renowned square in Mayfair in London. Here again, Berkeley is pronounced BrE /'bÅ:kli/. In AmE the first syllable of this word rhymes with the AmE pronunciation of clerk /kl3:rk/. To use the BrE pronunciation of this word in reference to the acclaimed American university in California is not only considered incorrect in the US, it may also cause bewilderment. There are also many pronunciations which, although understood, never theless signal to your interlocutor that you are speaking BrE. With words like controversy, the BrE pronunciation /kEn'trÄvEsi/ is different from the AmE pronunciation /'kÅ:ntrEv3:rsi/, which is more accepted internationally. This is also the case for words like schedule, BrE /'Fedju:l/ and AmE /'skedGUl/, aluminium BrE /*æljU'mIniEm/, (spelled AmE aluminum /E'lu:mInEm/), laboratory BrE /lE'bÄrEtri/, AmE /'læbrEtC:ri/, leisure BrE /'leGEr/, AmE /'li:GEr/, and the proper noun Los Angeles, pronounced in BrE with an ending rhyming with Hercules. This pronunciation would rarely be used by an American. In AmE the ending of the word Angeles rhymes with the ending of the word hopeless. As to proper nouns, there are some common BrE terms considered unusual outside of the UK. Many second language speakers, as well as people who speak the language as a mother tongue, find words like the Thames, Grosvenor, Gloucester, and Leicester, as in Leicester Square, to be almost impossible to pronounce without instruction from someone who knows how to pronounce them (the correct pronunciations of these words are /temz/, /'grEUvnE/, /'glÄstE/ and /'lestE/). While features of the English language which are notably British are not part and parcel of Mid-Atlantic English, characteristics which are prominent in accents and dialects in the US should also be avoided when speaking and writing Mid-Atlantic English. When it comes to the standard variety in the US, however, when spoken at a moderate speed and with careful diction, most of the features of AmE fall within the parameters of what can be called Mid-Atlantic English. This is because AmE is so widespread internationally. Most second language speakers of English are familiar with AmE, find it easy to understand, and do not commonly associate it with the US when they hear it spoken by other second language speakers. For this reason, I have con centrated on the attributes of BrE when discussing features of the language © Studentlitteratur

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which should be avoided with speaking Mid-Atlantic English. In comparison to BrE, there are few features of AmE which cause misunderstanding in an international context, partly because of the large number of native speakers of AmE, and also because of the massive spread of the variety throughout the world via the media. More people today are exposed to AmE than ever before, and both the number of people encountering AmE as well as the extent of the exposure is on the increase. In international terms, a form of English which is comprehensible to the greatest number of people is a variety based on AmE which includes features of BrE, the extent of which is determined by the linguistic parameters of the interlocutor. A discussion of some common words which are often pronounced differ ently in America and the UK follows. In some cases, either variety is acceptable in both language groups, while in other cases each usage is restricted. Generally, the trend is for American pronunciation to influence BrE, while the opposite is not usually the case. This discussion is not meant to include all of the words which are pronounced differently, but is presented as a sample wherein a number of common distinctions are represented. Listed below are some common words with the vowel a pronounced /Å:/ in BrE as opposed to the AmE /æ/. As mentioned above, BrE dance and aunt are often referred to when discussing this distinction. Other words which fall into this category are:

aunt bath branch can’t2 dance fast France glass grass half laugh past path plant rather sample vast

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British English

American English

Å:nt bÅ:O brÅ:ntF kÅ:nt dÅ:ns fÅ:st frÅ:ns glÅ:s grÅ:s hÅ:f lÅ:f pÅ:st pÅ:O plÅ:nt 'rÅ:DE 'sÅ:mpEl vÅ:st

ænt bæO bræntF kænt dæns fæst fræns glæs græs hæf læf pæst pæO plænt 'ræDEr sæmpEl væst


Keep in mind that other speakers of the English language, especially those in the US, find this feature of BrE to be peculiar. When speaking MidAtlantic English, attempt to diminish the British quality of the /Å:/ in these words. Note the BrE convention of not pronouncing the l after the vowel /Å:/ in words like calm BrE /kÅ:m/, AmE /kÅ:lm/, and palm BrE /pÅ:m/, AmE /pÅ:lm/. In arm and hard, the BrE pronunciation /Å:m/ and /hÅ:d/ are lacking the r whereas this word is pronounced with the r in AmE /Å:rm/ and /hÅ:rd/. With the vowel e, in words such as leisure and zebra, there is an /e/ sound in the BrE pronunciations /'leGEr/, and /'zebrE/, whereas the AmE pronuncia tions are /'li:GEr/, and /zi:brE/. The vowel o, in hot BrE /hÄt/, AmE /hÅ:t/, body BrE /'bÄdi/, AmE /'bÅ:di/, and stop BrE /stÄp/, AmE /stÅ:p/, represents a similar distinctive British feature. A good example of a quality of BrE which, to some ears, is representative of the perceived affectation of RP is the BrE pronunciation of body. In words like agile, docile, and missile, the BrE pronunciation is distinc tively different from AmE. The ending, which has an additional syllable in BrE, is pronounced respectively, /'ædGaIl/, /'dEUsaIl/, /'mIsaIl/ and in AmE /'ædGEl/, /'dÅ:sEl/ and /'mIsEl/. Fertile, hostile, and futile have a similar dis tinction, with BrE /'f3:taIl/, /'hÄstaIl/, /'fju:taIl/ and AmE /'f3:rtl/, /'hÅ:stl/, and /'fju:tl/. In some pronunciation dissimilarity there is a difference in the initial vowel, as well as in stress, with the stress on the first syllable in the BrE pro nunciation and on the second syllable in the AmE pronunciation. For exam ple, the vowel a, as well as the stress pattern, is different in BrE adult, massage, and garage, pronounced BrE /'ædVlt/, /'mæsÅ:G/, and /'gærÅ:G/. The AmE pronunciations are /E'dVlt/, /mE'sÅ:G/, and /gE'rÅ:G/. An example of a word which has stress on the first syllable in BrE and on the second syllable in AmE is brochure (in this case, the initial vowel sound is the same). Keep in mind that you can encounter differences in a specific vowel, in spelling and in stress in the same word. For instance, BrE aluminium, /*æljU'mIniEm/, is pronounced differently from AmE aluminum, /E'lu:mInEm/. The BrE ver sion, which is spelled with an additional vowel, has an extra syllable, and the initial vowel sound is different. Also, stress is on the second syllable in AmE and on the third syllable in BrE. Another prominent feature in the difference between AmE and BrE pro nunciation is the absence or diminished prominence of the final /r/ sound in words such as bigger, letter, figure, nuclear, and leisure, pronounced /'bIgE/, /'letE/, /'fIgE/, /'nju:kliE/, and /'leGE/ in BrE and /bIGEr/, /'letEr/, /'fIgjEr/, /'nu:klIEr/, and /'li:GEr/ in AmE. On the other hand, there is the intrusive r, © Studentlitteratur

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which is very common in the better varieties of British English, that is to say, which is common in what in the UK is considered English of high quality (while the intrusive r is also observed in some varieties of AmE, it is not a feature of Standard American English). Here, it is common, for exam ple, for British people to add, at the end, an r to words like America if a word with an initial vowel follows, something which to some people in the US is considered peculiar. Also, there are a number of common terms in the English language which are pronounced differently in AmE and BrE, and it will serve the stu dent well to be aware of these distinctions. In this category, there are pro nunciations which are characteristically British and as such will most likely be noticed by speakers of AmE. With dynasty, for instance, the BrE pronun ciation is /'dInEsti/ while the word is pronounced /'daInEsti/ in AmE. The initial vowel is pronounced in an entirely different manner. Keep in mind, also, that the BrE pronunciation is not commonly used in the US, and that people there find the BrE pronunciation to be unusual. The pronunciation of issue, for example, also fits into this category. The BrE pronunciation /'Isju:/ is different from AmE /'IFu:/, but because this word is often pronounced quickly, and the distinction is less striking than, for example, the BrE pro nunciation of dynasty, many speakers of the language will not make a note of the difference. Jaguar, either in reference to the automobile or the ani mal, is pronounced differently in AmE and BrE, with the BrE pronunciation adding a syllable, BrE /'dGægjuEr/ and AmE /'dGægwÅ:r/. Again, the BrE pronunciation identifies the speaker geographically. In BrE, lieutenant is pronounced /lef'tenEnt/. Here there is an intrusive f which is not found in the AmE pronunciation /lu:'tenEnt/. The second vowel in BrE television /'telIvIGEn/ differs from AmE /'telEvIGEn/ in that the BrE vowel is long whereas the AmE pronunciation favors a short vowel in this type of con struction (compare telephone, telescope, etc). Finally, there are a number of proper nouns which are pronounced differ ently in AmE and BrE, and because these terms are used frequently in everyday speech, it is worthwhile to be aware of the distinctions. Some names of countries, such as Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia have a long vowel /eI/ in the syllables sla, and va in BrE and a short vowel /Å:/ in AmE. Moreover, keep in mind that there are many proper nouns that have peculiar pronunciation in British English (for examples, see above). It is less com mon in AmE for proper nouns to be pronounced differently than they are spelled (one of the exceptions is the place name, AmE Sioux City /su:/). Also, with common terms in both AmE and BrE there are silent letters, such as the l in salmon or the b in comb and lamb. 16


1. An accent is a characterized style of speech, usually associated with the particular sound of the language in a specific country, region, city or town, class, etc. For the most part accents are understandable to others who speak the same language. Dialects encompass not only the distinc tive sound of an accent but also include particular lexical items and eso teric grammatical constructions. It is common that dialects are incom prehensible to people who speak other varieties of a language. When dialects become sufficiently distinctive, they become separate lan guages. Thus, the Scandinavian languages, which were once much closer, have broken up into four main languages, Swedish, Danish, Nor wegian, and Icelandic. Yet, with spoken Swedish and Norwegian, for example, there are individuals who speak versions of these languages who can readily communicate with each other, and in fact, the differ ences in those cases seem to indicate two similar accents or dialects rather than two distinct languages. In Great Britain, for example, there are dialects which are further from each other in pronunciation, vocabu lary, and grammar, than standardized versions of Swedish and Norwe gian. It is much more uncommon to find people with such linguistic dis tance in the US. 2. With the contraction can’t (cannot or can not), while the single word can is pronounced strong form /kæn/ and weak form /kEn/ (the strong form is the most common in both the US and the UK), the contraction is /kÅ:nt/ in BrE and /kænt/ in AmE. Note the shift in the vowel in BrE clerk /klÅ:rk/ and clerical /'klerIkEl/.


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2 Vocabulary

There is substantial evidence that many American lexical items are becom ing standard usage in the UK. At the same time, BrE has little influence on the language as it is spoken in America. As a result, one can say that Amer icans in general will have little need to learn Mid-Atlantic English, unless of course they plan on living abroad. For Europeans, however, the situation is more complicated. There are many different varieties of English within the EU, and while BrE is spoken by the largest number of English speaking people in Europe, the number of people who speak AmE or Mid-Atlantic English is growing, and will soon reach parity among second language speakers. As a result, awareness of the differences between AmE and BrE with respect to vocabulary has, in recent years, received greater attention. Many educational establishments in Europe have gone beyond exclusive ly promoting BrE, and have adopted a teaching philosophy based on the multiplicity of the English language. In this expanded perspective, vocabu lary studies include both American and British items. This is because many lexical items in AmE and BrE are not understood by both native and second language speakers. One example is the common term lorry, which in BrE is the same as the AmE term truck. If one is speaking with someone who is not aware of what the term lorry means, (and this person could well be an American!), the European would then switch to the AmE term truck. Other terms, such as colliery and penultimate, are much more common in BrE, and a careful speaker of Mid-Atlantic English would be aware of the fact that speakers of AmE may not know the meaning of these words. When speaking to people who are more familiar with AmE, use the terms coal mine and next to the last. Furthermore, some BrE terminology may seem obscure or old-fashioned to people living outside the UK (indeed, saying cheerio instead of goodby may seem old-fashioned to people living in the UK). Such terms often occur in groups. Words like petrol, saloon, bonnet, and boot, all referring to automobiles (we could add motorcar to the list) suggest a British style of English. Your American interlocutors, as well as 18


many second language speakers, may not understand these terms, but instead better understand gasoline, sedan, hood, and trunk. The terms bonnet and boot, with respect to automotive vernacular, are virtually unknown to many speakers of the English language. In travel, something that most of us invariably do, there are many BrE terms that cause confusion with other English language speakers (espe cially Americans), as well as with second language speakers. Words like dual carriageway, return ticket, and through ticket are all often misunder stood. The term dual carriageway, as well as motorcar, are both seemingly old-fashioned. In AmE, highway and car or automobile are used. It is advis able to use the BrE terms when speaking with people from the UK, or perhaps the Commonwealth, and to use the AmE terminology when speaking to people outside of the British sphere of influence. The same can be said for return ticket and through ticket. These terms, for obvious reasons, can be misunderstood. I can personally recall requesting a ticket to London, and hearing the teller ask me if I wanted a return ticket. My reply was “how do you expect me to get there?” Obviously, I interpreted the term return ticket as meaning a ticket from London to the place from which I was traveling. The question being asked, naturally, was if a round-trip ticket was needed. The term through ticket is also at times confusing, and AmE transfer is more readily understood (see the listing for an interesting definition of BrE transfer). Other terms, such as aeroplane, while understood, sound to some people dated and reminiscent of World War II. In an international context the second language speaker would use airplane. On the other hand, the same person, when speaking to people from the UK, could use the BrE term. Other words that could cause a communication breakdown are the terms rubber, public school, pudding, and sweet. The first term is understood by many people as meaning a material that is used to make tires. In AmE it is a term for a condom and as such incorrect use may cause embarrassment. In BrE the term rubber is the equivalent of the AmE term eraser. Again, while the BrE term is acceptable in the company of British people, the AmE term is more appropriate with other interlocutors. Public school in BrE is a term that designates privately owned institutions (usually with boarding facili ties) which have a long history of educating the upper classes in the UK, and the term is loaded with class innuendo. The same term means schools that are owned and operated with government funds in the US. Conse quently, a good deal of confusion can occur if this term is used with people unfamiliar with the distinct BrE meaning and connotation. Finally, pudding and sweet are common terms in the UK for the AmE term dessert. Pudding, © Studentlitteratur

19

2 Vocabulary

in AmE, is a sweet dessert that has a smooth consistency. Sweet, on the other hand, can refer to how something tastes, but is also used in BrE as a term for AmE candy. Since there is room for a good deal of misunderstand ing, the more common term dessert is recommended when speaking with people who are not familiar with British culture. Note also, that in the UK pudding is used by the upper classes (a U-term), while sweet is considered more common (non-U). There are words in AmE that do not meet the requirements of Mid-Atlan tic usage, that is to say, which are at times obscure or confusing. First, the large amount of slang, as well as off-color language, which has been pro moted internationally through American technology and the film industry, is not always good communication. With technological jargon, these terms should only be used when speaking with people who work in the same field. As to general slang, and youth slang, such terms are usually esoteric and will often cause misunderstanding when used in an international context. The popularity of off-color language, which is the norm rather than the exception in American films, has unfortunately caused many second lan guage speakers to falsely believe that such usage is acceptable. Such lan guage requires, however, a keen sense of timing, something that many sec ond language speakers lack. Because of the potential for misunderstanding which is associated with the use of four-letter words, (something more potentially hazardous in cross-cultural exchange), both native speakers and second language speakers are advised to avoid off-color language in the international context. If we look at common AmE terms which are either obscure or prone to misunderstanding, we find our list conspicuously slim. This is because the American film industry has introduced AmE to a wide international audi ence, (the monumental spread of written material has also had considerable influence). Nevertheless, there are words that should be avoided. First, many political terms are not always readily understood. Words such as cau cus, ticket, and gubernatorial, are better avoided. Instead, one can use phrases such as “meeting to select a candidate,” “list of candidates endorsed by the party,” and, with respect to “governor” a usage which clearly shows that the word is indended as an adjective. The term condominium, which is used to describe a large apartment, often consisting of two floors in a building or in semi-detached form, and privately owned, came into use in the US in the 1970s. While many countries have similar terms of ownership, this word has not gained international acceptance and as such is not readily understood by large groups of both native and second language speakers. 20


The idiomatic expression, “to table a proposal,” has a different meaning in AmE and BrE. In AmE it means “to postpone,” usually without stating a specific date for dealing with the proposal. In this context the phrase is usu ally considered negative to those who would like the proposal to be dis cussed. In BrE, the expression means “to bring up for discussion.” In such cases, where a well known piece of language can easily cause misunder standing, a speaker of Mid-Atlantic English will avoid using the phrase. Another example of a word having a different meaning in the two varieties of English is the term pavement. In BrE it is the equivalent of AmE sidewalk. In AmE, however, this term means the street itself, where the cars pass. While there is some evidence that the AmE definition is making headway in the UK, it is likely that the incorrect use of the term, (that is, intend ing one meaning when your interlocutor interprets the other), could cause some confusion. If one spends a good deal of time looking, one discovers many terms that either have different meaning in AmE and BrE, or are domestic property in either the US or the UK and are not common interna tionally. Such language should be avoided when speaking Mid-Atlantic English to people not familiar with the terminology. There are many words which are AmE in origin and style. While most speakers of BrE understand the meaning of these terms, they are more often used by speakers of AmE. Words and expressions such as cloud nine, coffee shop, blind date, death row, downtown, and to eat crow, belong to this cate gory. (These terms mean to be elated, a restaurant, a date with someone you have never met, a prison ward reserved for condemned prisoners, in New York, the lower end of Manhattan where the financial district is located, otherwise, the city center, and when caught making an erroneous statement, being forced to regret or retract it.) While the expression cloud nine would most likely go unnoticed when used in Britain by a speaker of BrE, these and other Americanisms are received with some skepticism in the UK. If one wishes to conform to British societal standards while in the UK, it is advisable to avoid using too many overtly AmE terms. Neverthe less, despite the resistance in the UK to adopt such terminology, the speed at which features of AmE are becoming common usage in BrE is increas ing. The differences in vocabulary between AmE and BrE are considerable, and students should learn to distinguish between the two. Keep in mind, furthermore, that other varieties of the language also have an influence on the English language. Australian English is now creating a distinct set of terms that are coming into fashion, such as “this is my shout” meaning “please let me pay for you,” as well as terms such as down under and the © Studentlitteratur

21

2 Vocabulary

bush (meaning Australia and “in the wilderness”). While these terms are to some extent “slang” usage, they are nevertheless commonly used and for that reason deserve recognition. Keep in mind, as well, that there are a number of terms borrowed, for example, from the English of other English speaking countries, from the English of countries where the language is spoken as a second language, and from foreign languages.

2.1 Reference List The following list discusses distinctions between common American and British usage. Remember that, in some cases, failure to recognize the differ ence in meaning can cause considerable misunderstanding. When the number (1) comes at the beginning of the listing, this indicates that both terms not only mean the same thing, they are also readily understood, and sometimes used, by lay-people in both America and the UK. In these cases, such as AmE fall and BrE autumn, the words are listed here because it is clear that Americans prefer to use fall, while in the UK it is more common to say autumn. When the number (2) introduces the listing, this indicates that there are two different terms for the same thing in AmE and BrE, and that the terms are not interchangeable. For example, with AmE about-face and BrE about-turn, the BrE term is not used in the US (although it may be understood in context), and the AmE term is not commonly used in the UK. Despite this difference in preference, the use of these terms does not usually cause communication problems. That is to say, Americans will usually understand the BrE term in context, and the British will usually understand the AmE term. The number (3) indicates listings which are more compli cated, and which cause breakdowns in communication. A good example here is the term à la mode. In BrE this refers to something in fashion, something is à la mode. On the other hand, in AmE, this refers to a helping of ice cream which is served with some other dessert, such as apple pie. In AmE one could then order apple pie à la mode. Another example from this cate gory is BrE bomb for AmE hit. The BrE term, in the theater, is used to indi cate that a production has been a great success. This term in AmE, however, means that a performance was not successful at all. Category (3), as such, indicates lexical differences which are far more complicated than the other two categories, and which have a greater potential for disturbance in crosscultural communication. It should also be mentioned that more often than not the AmE term is used internationally. A great many common words in the UK are not fre22


2.1 Reference List

quently used in the US, nor are they used to any great extent among popula tions which speak English as a second language. Examples are BrE boxing day, building society, and zebra crossing. The international terms, which are also the AmE usage, would be 26 December, savings and loan associa tion, and crosswalk. Also, there are a great many differences in military titles. As an example, BrE midshipman (AmE ensign) is listed. For those students who require more information, the standard college dictionaries usually have long listings which designate differences in AmE and BrE titles for the army, the navy, and the air force. N.B. The BrE items are listed first because it is more common that students come upon British terminology which needs clarification, whereas the defi nition of the American words is usually better understood. The letters fol lowing the category indicate the part of speech intended, n = noun, v = verb, adj = adjective, adv = adverb, interj = interjection. At the end of the chapter there is a cross-reference listing with the AmE terms arranged alphabetically. British English

American English

2n

abattoir slaughterhouse The BrE term abattoir, as well as AmE slaughterhouse, denote the place where butchers kill, cut, prepare, and package meat to be sold in the marketplace. The BrE term is unknown to Americans, while the term slaughterhouse is commonly understood on both sides of the Atlantic. Furthermore, the term slaughterhouse is used in the UK.

2n

about-turn about-face In military marching, the term used to order soldiers to turn and face the opposite direction. Both terms also used figuratively.

1n

accelerator Automotive term.

1n

accommodation room and board When the term accommodation is used in AmE, it is sometimes written and spoken with an s (accommodations).


gas pedal

23

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

3n

accumulator battery In electrical engineering these words are commonly used. The BrE term accumulator is confusing to Americans. In the US, the term may be interpreted as meaning a place where liquids are stored. The word, when understood as a synonym for battery, would most likely be in cases where people have a technical or electronic background. British people readily recognize and understand the AmE term battery, which is commonly understood internationally.

2n

acetate overhead Clear plastic film which is placed on an overhead projector for writing purposes or to show illustrations. The term transparency is also used. The AmE term also denotes the expenses incurred in the manufacturing of a product. See overheads.

1n

advert ad Although these terms are often listed as informal, they are com monly used. In spoken English the BrE term advert would proba bly not be used by Americans.

2n

advocate public defender As in law. These terms are used for public employees who defend in the courts people who have been accused of committing a crime. Advocate, in both AmE and BrE, is a general term which indicates that someone represents a special interest or idea. The use of advo cate as a synonym for AmE public defender, however, may cause communication problems in the US.

1n

aerial antenna Terms referring to automobile radios and television. The BrE term is understood in America, but considered old-fashioned. The AmE term antenna is readily understood in Britain. The term antenna is also used to describe the sensors protruding from the heads of vari ous insects.

2n

aerodrome airfield The BrE term aerodrome is considered old-fashioned and is not comprehensible to most people in the US. Airfield is commonly understood and used internationally.

24


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

1n

aeroplane airplane This BrE term is considered old-fashioned in America. Airplane is listed in British dictionaries as AmE. Also, airplane is the common term internationally.

2n

afters dessert Americans would most likely not understand the BrE term. The word dessert is common in both languages. See pudding and sweet.

2n

agony aunt Dear Abbey Someone who gives advice in a newspaper column (also known as an agony column in the UK, and as a lonely hearts or advice col umn in the both the US and the UK). The BrE term agony aunt is not used or commonly understood in the US.

1n

air hostess

3 adj, adv

à la mode à la mode In BrE, something in fashion, fashionable, etc. In AmE, dessert which is served with ice cream, such as apple pie à la mode. The BrE meaning is not commonly used in the US, and it may be mis understood.

2n

Alsatian German Shepherd Many Americans do not understand this BrE term (people familiar with dogs in the US are more likely to recognize the term). The AmE German shepherd, which is used internationally, is not read ily recognized in the UK.

2n

American football football Americans may not know what American football is! This is because it is a foreign term to them. Instead, they distinguish between football, which is an American game, and soccer, the international game. As such, AmE soccer is synonymous with BrE football. See football.


stewardess

25

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

3adj

angry/furious mad In some cases, these terms are synonyms, and have the same mean ings in both AmE and BrE. Remember, however, that the BrE term mad denotes a deranged mental state, usually in a healthy person (for people with serious mental health problems, other terms are used, such as insane, etc.) While the BrE meaning of mad is also used in the US, it is more common that Americans say crazy. See mad.

2n

anorak parka A term for a type of raincoat. The BrE anorak, although not a totally foreign term in America, is unknown to some people. This is also true for the AmE parka, which is familiar to some British peo ple. Anorak is generally a shorter coat than the American parka, which extends below the knees.

2adj

antenatal Before birth.

2adj/ adv

anticlockwise counterclockwise It is uncommon for Americans to use the term anticlockwise.

1n

arm stem Referring to a pair of glasses, the BrE arm would be understood in context, but not commonly used in the US.

2n

arse ass Although Americans understand the BrE arse, they would not use it. In turn, the AmE ass is not often heard in British conversation. See bum.

2n

articulated lorry semi Terms used to denote large trucks which often haul two trailers at the same time. The BrE term is not in use in the US, and most Americans would not have a clue as to the meaning.

2n

assessor claims adjuster These somewhat specialized terms belong to the insurance indus try. The BrE assessor is a general term to an American ear.

26

prenatal


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

assurance life insurance At first glance this seems to be matter of spelling, however, the sin gle BrE assurance is associated with contractual agreements that cover disability or death. This type of coverage is referred to as AmE life insurance. In AmE the single term insurance is usually modified by an adjective such as car insurance, fire insurance, etc.

2n

aubergine eggplant People interested in food would recognize both of these terms, but for the general public, aubergine may be difficult to understand in the US. Egg plant is understood by many people in the U.K. Fur thermore, both aubergine and egg plant are understood by English speaking people worldwide.

1n

autumn

2n

baby-minder baby-sitter The BrE term baby-minder sounds odd to an American, and may cause communication problems. Baby-sitter, however, is used on both sides of the Atlantic, and is a common international term.

2n

baby tooth milk tooth The BrE term baby tooth is understood internationally, while the AmE term milk tooth may not be as readily understood.

2n

backchat back talk Indicates an abusive or disrespectful reply. People in the US are not familiar with the BrE term.

2n

backcloth back drop A stage term for the scenery painted on a canvas and suspended at the back of the stage. The BrE term backcloth, as well as the AmE term back drop, are usually understood in context.

2v

backcomb tease Term used to describe a way of combing the hair so as to increase volume.


fall

27

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

3n

back garden backyard While both terms seem to be mutually understood, there is a differ ence in definition. In BrE, the term backyard denotes an area behind a house which has a concrete, asphalt, or stone surface. In AmE, a backyard is almost always the area behind a house which is covered with a lawn. Back garden, on the other hand, would indi cate, in AmE, a place behind a building where vegetables, fruit, flowers, trees, or bushes are grown (sometimes arranged in a man ner which is meant to be aesthetically pleasing). Back garden in BrE is simply the space behind a house which belongs to the prop erty.

1n

back space backspace key As on typewriters and computer keyboards.

2n

badge button Here, the reference is to small metal or plastic object which is worn to show membership, express a thought, exhibit sympathy for a cause, etc. The term badge in AmE is often used for an official symbol.

2n

baking tray

1n

bandage gauze The term bandage, in both AmE and BrE, denotes the dressing for a wound or injury. In BrE, bandage is a specific term which describes the actual roll of cloth which is used to wrap the injury. In AmE bandage is a general term used to describe many different types of dressing, and gauze is a specific term for a thin roll of cloth used to wrap injuries. See plaster.

3n

banger jalopy BrE banger is slang. The most commom definition of BrE banger is as an informal term for sausage. It is also a synonym for AmE jalopy; an old broken-down car. Thirdly, BrE banger is used for some forms of fireworks. Americans are not familiar with the BrE term in these capacities. In fact, the word banger has negative sex ual connotations in AmE.

28

cake tin


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

3n

bank holiday public holiday The majority of people in America do not know what a bank holi day is. In Britain it is an official holiday, not falling on a Saturday or Sunday, when banks and other business are closed. See holiday.

1n

bar chart bar graph Illustration of statistics, with a line-up of rectangular shapes.

2n

barman bartender Although both terms are mutually understood, an American would most likely not use the BrE term. Also, the term barmaid is not used in the US.

2n

barrister lawyer Terms used to describe legal council. In AmE, there is only one term. In BrE however, there are two. A solicitor may advise and represent a client, but only a barrister may defend the client in cer tain courts. The AmE lawyer includes both functions. The term barrister is not used and usually not understood by Americans. Also, lawyer is the common international term. See solicitor.

2n

bathing costume swimsuit/swimming suit BrE swimming costume is also used. These terms are mutually understood, but Americans would most likely find the BrE term to be old-fashioned. Note also that bathing suit is used in both AmE and BrE.

1n

beachchair

deck chair

1n

beauty parlour

beauty shop

3n

bedsitter studio apartment The terms are not mutually understood. In BrE, the tern studio flat is used as well. The terms denote a small apartment with only one room besides the kitchen or kitchenette and the bathroom. See flatlet.

1n

bellboy See porter.

2n

big wheel Ferris wheel These two terms are mutually understood in context.


bellhop

29

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

1n

bill check In common usage, Americans usually ask for the check in a restau rant, while the British would usually request the bill. For use of terms as currency, see note. For another definition of AmE check, see tick.

1n

billiards pool For many people these two words designate two different games. As a general reference, however, the game is referred to as billiards in the UK and as pool in the US.

3n

billion million/trillion The British have adapted the American definition of billion as meaning one thousand million. Otherwise, the traditional meaning of BrE billion is AmE trillion.

2n

“Bird” “chick” These two slang terms are commonly used, primarily by men, and mean “girl” or “young woman,” who is usually understood to be single. Many Americans do not readily recognize the BrE term. Also, for some people, these terms are considered derogatory.

2n

biro ballpoint pen The BrE biro is not understood in the US. Ballpoint pen, on the other hand, is a common term in the UK, the US, as well as internationally.

3n

biscuit cookie Some confusion can occur with these terms. In AmE the term bis cuit can indicate what in BrE is referred to as a scone. The BrE term cake, however, especially in the plural cakes, is also used in the UK as a synonym for AmE cookie. As such, these terms indi cate a small pastry which is usually round and can be eaten in one or two bites. See sweet biscuit.

1adj/ adv

“bloody” “damn” These two terms are recognized as “off-color” language and as such

30


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

such should be avoided. While the term damn is generally used by English speaking people throughout the world, the term bloody is rarely used by Americans. On the other hand, bloody is a household word in the UK. 2n

blowlamp blowtorch A high-temperature welding device for heavy industrial use. See also torch.

2n

Board of Trade Department of Commerce These are official terms used for government agencies. While the American term is more recognizable as a federal organization, the British term may not clearly indicate to some English speakers that this represents an organization whose jurisdiction covers the whole of the UK.

2n

“bobby” “cop” Two slang terms for police officer. The British term is never used in the US.

3n

“bomb” a “hit” BrE bomb, when used in reference to entertainment, indicates a success, or what in AmE is referred to as a hit. On the other hand, AmE bomb is used to describe a theater presentation, concert, per formance, or film that is a failure. The use of the BrE term in America will cause considerable confusion.

3n

bonnet hood A term which designates the lid over the engine compartment of an automobile. The BrE term bonnet is a term in the US used to indi cate an old-fashioned hat worn by women (this meaning is also in use in the UK). In AmE, the term bonnet is never used to indicate the lid of the engine compartment. Some British people may not recognize the AmE term. (Hood is also a slang term in AmE for gangster.)


31

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

2n

booking clerk ticket agent Americans would not use BrE booking clerk, preferring instead booking agent.

1n

bookshop

3n

boot trunk The BrE term boot is not understood in the US as the rear baggage compartment of an automobile. Instead, this term in AmE is used to indicate a high shoe which covers the ankle. The AmE definition of boot is also common in the UK, but it should be pointed out that in both AmE and BrE, trunk indicates an extremity used by ele phants for breathing and eating, as well as the body of a tree.

3n

bootblack shoe shine boy Americans may not understand the BrE word (it is not listed in some American dictionaries). Also, the BrE term may be inter preted as meaning something else in AmE. The AmE term is selfexplanatory.

2n

bowler hat derby hat Both terms are uncommon in the US, simply because this type of hat is rarely worn in America. On the stage and in period pieces in motion pictures, this term may be used, but for the most part it is old-fashioned in AmE. In BrE bowler hat is often used, both to describe a common hat worn by British men, and when describing a stereotype businessman in the Financial District of London, more commonly referred to as the City.

3n

Boxing Day December 26 Boxing Day is a legal holiday in Britain, and falls on the day after Christmas. In the US it is usually a holiday as well, commonly referred to as the day after Christmas. Americans do not recognize the BrE term, (and may, incorrectly, believe that it is associated with the sport of boxing).

32

bookstore


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

3n/v

braces suspenders An article of clothing, usually worn by men, consisting of elastic straps drawn over the shoulders and attached to the top of the pants as a means of holding up the garment. In both AmE and BrE, this term is also used to denote structural supports. It is also a verb and as such indicates that one should prepare oneself to hear bad news or withstand physical impact. The BrE term, in AmE, is often used to indicate a wire apparatus used to make teeth straight (in BrE the singular brace is preferred, while the plural braces is rare). When used to describe an article of clothing which holds up pants, BrE braces is not understood by Americans. The AmE term, as well, may not be understood by British people when used for this pur pose.

2n

brackets parenthesis While many Americans and British people will understand both of these terms, which indicate punctuation that sets information off from the main text, ( and ), the Americans would most likely not use the BrE term. The term round bracket is also used. In both AmE and BrE, however, the term “square brackets” is used to indi cate the punctuation [ and ].

3n

brainstorm temporary insanity The BrE term refers to a short period of disorder, when a person acts irrationally. Brainstorm, however, in AmE refers to a sudden realization which is the seed of a great idea. This is called brainwave in BrE. To actively work together with others in the pursuit of a great idea is called brainstorming in both AmE and BrE. See brainwave.

3n

brainwave brainstorm A sudden realization which is the seed of a great idea. Americans will most likely not understand the BrE definition of the BrE term, (that is to say, Americans will most likely interpret BrE brainwave as a term used to describe mental activity). See brainstorm.

1n

bread bin

bread box

1n

brickfield

brickyard


33

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

2n

British Summer Time Daylight Savings Time In context, these terms should be understood on both sides of the Atlantic.

3n

building society savings and loan association The BrE term is not commonly understood in the US. BrE building society may be misinterpreted by some people as meaning a com pany which builds buildings.

3n

bum ass The BrE term bum is commonly used in the UK when discussing a person’s backside. As a synonym of ass it is uncommon in the US. AmE bum, on the other hand, means a homeless unemployed person who randomly moves from place to place (and may have a drinking problem). As such, the AmE usage is pejorative and is often used as an insult. See arse.

1n

bunker sand trap The terms denote a sandy patch on a golf course which is intended to be an obstacle.

1v

burgle burglarize While both terms are mutually understood, Americans do not use the BrE term.

1n

call box/telephone box phone booth/telephone booth Both terms are understood in AmE and BrE, but Americans would most likely not use the BrE terms. Instead, it is more common in the US to use phone booth or telephone booth.

1n

camp bed cot The BrE term would seem odd to an American, and they may ask for a description. AmE cot, in BrE, is a small bed for an infant or young child.

1n

campsite

compground

1n

candidature

candidacy

2n

candyfloss cotton candy Americans may not understand the BrE term. Also, another BrE term, cotton floss, is not used or readily understood in the US.

34


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

3n

caravan trailer These terms are confusing to both American and British people. The BrE term caravan, in AmE, indicates a single-file line of vehi cles or pack animals which travel over roads or rough terrain. Car avan, in BrE, denotes a home which is pulled by a car which has sleeping facilities and a kitchen.

3n

caretaker janitor This term, which indicates someone who cleans and takes care of a building or a piece of property, can cause some confusion. BrE caretaker, in AmE, is used for someone who works in a mortuary, addressing the needs of deceased persons being prepared for burial. Note also that custodian is also used in both AnE and BrE. See undertaker.

2n

car park parking lot/parking garage Although the BrE term is not commonly used in the US, it will most likely be understood in context.

1n

cashier

3v

cashier discharged These terms are used to indicate that a soldier was been ordered to leave the military. Here, it is more common that BrE cashier is used for officers, while AmE discharged is a more general term. BrE cashier is not commonly used or understood in the US. See invalidated.

3n

catapult slingshot The terms denote a small Y-shaped piece of wood or other material which, together with a rubber-band, is used to hurl stones at an object. The BrE term, in AmE, is used to designate a device which, in antiquity, was used to sling large projectiles in battles (the forerunner of the cannon). As such, the BrE meaning is lost to Ameri cans.


teller

35

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

1n

chambers office The terms are used to describe the working quarters of people in the legal profession (in BrE, the solicitor’s chambers and in AmE, the lawyer’s office). While the BrE usage may be understood by Americans (who, unless accustomed to British English, would con sider it old-fashioned), it would not be used by them. Otherwise, the British readily understand the AmE term. Note that a judge’s quarters in the court house are referred to as the judge’s chambers in AmE.

3n

Chancellor of the Exchequer Secretary of the Treasury Terms used for officials at the highest levels of the government. Americans would most likely not understand the BrE term.

1n

Chartered Accountant Certified Public Accountant A professional designation for an accountant. The terms would most likely be mutually understood (in short, referred to as a CPA). It is also common in BrE to refer to a chartered accountant.

2n

chat show

talk show

1interj “cheers” thank you This slang expression in BrE, cheers, which can mean thank you, is commonly used in the UK. It is also used as a toast in both AmE and BrE. While Americans do not use the term as a form of thank you, they would most likely not have trouble accepting it. See “ta.” 3n

chemist druggist/pharmacist chemist’s shop drug store/pharmacy The BrE term chemist is not used in the US for druggist or phar macist. Instead, in AmE, it is used in a broader sense for people who are trained to work with chemicals. Americans may not understand that a chemist’s shop indicates a drug store.

1n

chest of drawers bureau These terms denote a common piece of furniture.

3n

chips

36

French fried potatoes (fries)


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

Americans may not recognize chips as a synonym for AmE French fries. Nevertheless, they understand what fish and chips is (which is available in the US and which is referred to as fish and chips). The AmE term is the more common internationally. 1n

Christian name See surname and given name.

first name

1n

cinema movie theater In some situations, these terms are used on both sides of the Atlan tic. For the common pastime of going to a theater to see a film, however, most British people refer to this as a cinema, while most Americans use the term “movies,” or “movie theater.” Also, the term cinema film is used in the UK while motion picture is more common in the US. Film star is more frequently used in the UK, while movie star is used in the US.

3n

City, the (London)

1n

classified ad

1v

clean your teeth brush your teeth Clean your teeth is not common usage in AmE.

2n

climbing frame jungle gym The BrE term might be understood in context in the US, but is not used there. The same may be true for the AmE term if used in the UK.

2n

cling film plastic wrap The BrE term is not readily understood in the US, while the AmE term is understood internationally.

Wall Street (N.Y. financial district) These terms indicate the districts of London and New York where large banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies are located. The terms are often used as symbols of capitalism, or of money, and of the power such institutions wield in national and international economies. Such associations are more commonly made internationally with the term “Wall Street” (used recently as the name of a major motion picture) than with the term “the City.”


want ad

37

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

3n

close dead-end A close, in BrE, is a street which is closed at one end (the term is usually only used in the postal address). The term dead-end, on the other hand, is used to describe a street which does not allow through traffic, and is not used in postal addresses. While dead-end is sometimes used in BrE, BrE close is not in common use in the US. The term cul-de-sac, taken from French, is common in both AmE and BrE with respect to residential areas. Other terms used in the US and the UK are dead-end street or dead-end road. Note that dead-end is spelled with a dash in AmE and as two words in BrE.

1n

clothes peg

2n

coach bus Americans may have difficulty recognizing the BrE term as a syno nym for bus. Instead, they may imagine a coach to be a smaller vehicle. BrE coach denotes a more comfortable vehicle which is often used for longer trips, while the term bus is more commonly used in the UK for local transportation. In AmE, there is only one word for both of the BrE terms. Note BrE coach station and AmE bus station. The BrE term also indicates, in both varieties, a person responsible for the training of athletes in individual and team sports.

3n

cobweb spider web The BrE term cobweb, in AmE, refers to the dust and dirt that accu mulates in older spider webs in abandoned houses or in attics and cellars. Note that AmE spider web is one word in BrE, spiderweb, while it is two words in AmE.

1n

cock rooster The BrE term is avoided in AmE because cock is a common slang term in AmE for penis.

1n

COD COD COD in BrE means “cash on delivery,” and in AmE it means either “cash on delivery” or “collect on delivery.”

38

clothespin


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

1n

coffin casket Both words are in use in the US, while coffin is more commonly used in the UK. Casket is also a common term for a wooden box or crate in both AmE and BrE.

2n

colliery coal mine The term coal mine is also used in the UK, but the BrE term col liery is not commonly used or understood in the US.

2n

commercial traveller traveling salesman Americans may not understand the meaning of the BrE term, which is not in use in the US.

1n

company firm Company is preferred in the UK, while Americans often refer to a company or business as a firm, especially when it is a professional enterprize.

3n

condom rubber While condom is standard English and is understood by English speakers all over the world, the AmE term rubber is slang. On the other hand, the AmE term, in BrE, is a synonym for AmE eraser, an implement used to remove writing (of a lead pencil). The incor rect use of these terms can cause confusion. See rubber.

2n

conker chestnut While BrE conker is not commonly used or understood in the US, chestnut is in everyday use in the UK.

2n

conscript draft/draftee The BrE term may not be comprehensible to some people in the US.

2n

constable police officer The BrE term is not used in AmE, and Americans may not understand that BrE constable refers to a police officer. Another AmE term is law-enforcement officer.


39

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

2n

constituency electorate Americans do not use, and may not understand the BrE term. Another common AmE term is congressional district, which refers to the US Congress.

2n

cooker stove The term cooker is not used in AmE and while understood in context, it may cause some confusion.

2n

cookery book

3n

cornflour cornstarch Most likely, these terms will be understood by people who have an interest in cooking. Nevertheless, there is a potential for misunder standing.

2n

cosh blackjack A heavy hand-held weapon. The BrE term is not recognized in the US.

3n

cot crib The BrE term is used differently in AmE. Americans may not rec ognize cot as a term which indicates a small bed for an infant. See camp bed.

1n 2n

cougar

2n

court card face card These are terms for playing cards which picture a king, queen, or jack. The BrE term court card is not commonly known or used in the US.

2n

cravat

2n

creche day-care center The BrE term, taken from French, is not commonly known or used in the US (note the unusual pronunciation /kreF/.

40

cookbook

panter courgette zucchini Many Americans do not understand that courgette is another term for zucchini.

ascot


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

1n

credit account charge account There may be some confusion with these terms.

2n

crisps potato chips Americans do not understand the BrE term. See potato crisps.

2n

crotchet quarter note Terms used in music, and understandable to those who are well trained in their field.

1n

current acount checking account These terms are understood on both sides of the Atlantic, but there may be some confusion with the specific usage.

1n

curricula vitae résumé The terms, especially curricula vitae, denote a record of academic achievement, and are used by scholars when applying for grants or positions. The term CV is also used. cutlery silverware The BrE term may be understood by Americans as indicating knives used for carving a large piece of meat.

1n

2n

daylight robbery highway robbery A derogatory term which indicates that the price of something is far more than it is worth.

2n

deafaid hearing aid The BrE term may not be understood in the US.

1n

deposit account

2n

detached house private home The BrE term is not used in the US, and may cause some confu sion. In general, the AmE term is “house.” Most private homes are BrE detached houses in the US. See semi-detached house.

2n

dialing code area code The AmE term is winning terrain in Britain as well as internation ally. The BrE term dialing code may cause some confusion in the US. The term prefix is also used in the UK. See telephone code.


savings account

41

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

3n

diary calendar These terms can be mutually understood. For the use intended here, they denote a book listing the days of the week with which a person organizes their schedule, appointments and other responsi bilities (such as lists of telephone and fax numbers). Confusion can occur because the term diary, in both AmE and BrE, is commonly used for a daily account of a person’s life, which is recorded in a book with blank pages.

3n

dinner jacket tuxedo These terms may cause some confusion. BrE dinner jacket and Ame tuxedo denote a black or white formal jacket which is worn, for example, at dinners, receptions, and weddings. Tails, a term used in both AmE and BrE, is a formal jacket, usually black, with tails (the term tails is sometimes confused with the term tuxedo in the US). In the UK, such a suit, for example, in shades of gray, is referred to as a morning dress or morning suit.

1n

directory inquiries

2n

dirigible blimp The BrE term may be difficult for some Americans to comprehend.

3n

dispensing chemist licensed pharmacist See chemist. The BrE term is not readily understood or used in the US. There, people may associate the term with someone selling chemicals wholesale, or else with someone conducting research in chemistry.

1n

docker/dock worker longshoreman Both terms are clearly understood in AmE. The AmE term may not be clear to some British people.

3n

domestic science home economics A subject studied in secondary and upper-secondary schools, relat ing to the running of a household. BrE housecraft is also used in the UK. The BrE terms are not used or readily comprehended in the US.

42

information/directory assistance


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

Downing Street, No. 10 White House, the The residence of the British Prime Minister and the US President, respectively. The British address is not common knowledge to many Americans, while most British people are aware of the impli cations of the term the White House, (meaning the seat of the exec utive branch of the American government).

3n

draughts checkers The BrE terms draughts, as well as draughtboard, are not used or understood in the US, while AmE checkers and checkerboard are common international terms.

2n

drawing pin tumbtack The BrE term is not readily understood or used by Americans.

3n

drawing room living room The BrE term is not readily understood or used by Americans. Another term for BrE drawing room is lounge. This term, as a verb, is used in both AmE and BrE for standing or sitting in a relaxed manner. See front room.

2n

dressing gown bathrobe Most speakers of AmE would understand the BrE term, but may consider it to be old-fashioned or overly formal. The AmE term bathrobe is more common internationally.

2n

druggist pharmacist See chemist, dispensing chemist. Both terms are understood in context in the US.

3n

dual carriageway highway The BrE term is considered old-fashioned and not entirely clear to many Americans. The American term is understood internationally. See motorway.

3n

dumbwaiter lazy susan When used to denote a large rotating plate set in the center of a table for dining purposes, the BrE term may cause some confusion in the US, and the AmE term may not be understood in the UK either. Also, in both BrE and AmE the term dumbwaiter denotes a small elevator used to transport food.


43

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

2n

dummy pacifier These terms denote a small rubber device which infants have in their mouths as a means of appeasement. While the BrE term may be understood by Americans, it is not commonly used in the US.

1n

duplicator

2n

Durex Trojan Two common terms for condom. See rubber.

1n

dustbin See rubbish bin.

2n

dustcart gargabe truck Americans may be confused by the BrE term.

3n

dustman

trashman/garbage collector/ sanitation worker These BrE terms may cause difficulty for some Americans. In AmE, dust is not a synonym for trash, but instead is used, for example, to describe the remains of an open fire, or the material found under beds and in corners when cleaning. As such, many Americans are perplexed by the terms dustbin, dustcart, and dustman.

1n

earth Electrical terms.

1n

elastic band rubber band The BrE term is not used in the US, but may be understood in context.

3n

endorsement violation These terms are used for less serious infractions of the law, such as those which are monitored by a traffic officer. The BrE term, however, is not understood in this respect in the US, but instead may be interpreted as indicating approval, support, or official certification.

2adj

engaged/engaged tone As in telephones.

44

mimeograph

trash can/garbage can

ground

busy/busy signal


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

estate agent

real estate agent/realtor

2n

estate car station wagon An American would most likely not understand the BrE term.

1n

excavator

steam shovel

1n

exclamation mark

exclamation point

3adj

ex-directory unlisted The BrE term may cause confusion for some Americans, while the AmE term is most likely understood in context in the UK.

1n

exhaust pipe See silencer.

tail pipe

2adj

express delivery

special delivery

2n

ex-serviceman

veteran (vet)

2n

face flannel washcloth The BrE term is not used in the US, and is not clearly understood. Another term, face cloth, is used and understood in both AmE and BrE.

3n

fag cigarette BrE fag is slang usage. Furthermore, the BrE term in AmE is a slang term for a homosexual and for this reason is both easily mis understood and offensive. In the US, use the AmE term.

3n

fancy dress party costume party The BrE term is not used and in some cases not understood in the US. It may be misunderstood as meaning that one should be welldressed.

1n

Father Christmas

Santa Claus

2n

fête

fair

1n

filling station See petrol station.

gas station


45

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

1n

fire brigade fire department The BrE term may seem old-fashioned to Americans.

3n

fireraising arson The BrE term is not used or readily understood in the US.

3n

first floor second floor These words often cause confusion. In BrE, there is a ground floor, followed by a first floor. In AmE, the ground floor is also referred to as the first floor. Thus, BrE first floor is second floor in AmE. (N.B. It is rare that an American building, for superstitious reasons, has a 13th floor [which in BrE would be the 12th floor]).

1n

First World War See the Great War.

World War I

1n

fish finger

fish stick

2n

fish slice spatula The BrE term is not used or readily understood in the US.

1n

fitted carpet wall-to-wall carpet While Americans may understand the BrE term, they do not com monly use it.

2n

flat apartment Many Americans understand the BrE term, but do not use it. The AmE term, however, is readily understood in English throughout the world. Flat as a noun also designates in AmE the BrE flat tyre, a term also used in AmE but with the AmE spelling tire. Flat is also used in BrE as meaning a battery which is without electricity (AmE empty or dead).

3n

flatlet studio apartment In BrE the term studio flat or bed-sitter is also used. The term flatlet is not used and will most likely not be understood in the US. See bedsitter.

2n

flatmate room mate The BrE term is not used in the US.

46


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

flick knife

switchblade

2n

flip-flop thongs Many Americans would understand the BrE term in context.

1n

flipper

fin

2n

fluff

lint

3n

flyover overpass The BrE term is not understood in the US. Instead, the term flyover is used to describe what takes place when an airplane passes over for observational purposes.

2n

fob watch

3n

football soccer While British people usually understand the AmE term, they do not use it. BrE football is, in AmE, a term for a different game, one which is more like British rugby, and which, for the most part, is rarely played outside of the US (this game is called American football in Europe). The American game of football, along with baseball and basketball, is a national sport. See American football.

3n

Foreign Office

2n

Foreign Secretary Secretary of State Terms used for officials at the highest levels of government. While the terms are quickly understood on both sides of the Atlantic, they are not interchangeable.

2n

fortnight two weeks Many Americans understand the BrE term, but rarely use it.

pocket watch

Department of State/ State Department Many people on both sides of the Atlantic understand these terms, but Americans would not use the BrE term unless referring to the British institution, and the British would not use the AmE term to describe their institution.


47

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

1n

founder member charter member These terms are understood on both sides of the Atlantic, although not everyone is aware of the full extent of the distinction. Understood to be a prestigious form of membership, it is a title given a member who is instrumental in starting an organization. The BrE term is more self-explanatory.

1n

freightliner See goods train.

freight train

2n

French bean

green bean

2n

French windows

French doors

2

Friesian Holstein Type of milk cow. These terms are known to those in the business of milk production.

3n

fringe bangs As a synonym for bangs (hair hanging over the forehead), the BrE term is not commonly understood in the US.

1n

front room See drawing room.

3n

frontier border These terms can cause some confusion. Americans rarely use the term frontier to mean the line between two countries. Instead, Americans often use the term frontier to mean unchartered, unex plored areas. Outer space was referred to as the “new frontier” by John F. Kennedy. The AmE term is commonly used internationally.

3n

fruit machine one-armed bandit The BrE term most likely not understood in the US, and may cause confusion. This device is also known as a slot machine.

1n

frying pan

2n

full stop period The BrE term is not common usage in the US, and may prove diffi cult for some Americans.

48

living room

skillet


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

funfair amusement park The BrE term funfair is most likely understood in context in the US, but Americans do not use this word.

3n

garden front yard/back yard/yard These terms are usually understood, but there can be some misun derstanding. Americans usually consider a garden to be a place where vegetables, flowers, and possibly fruit, are grown. The American term front yard usually suggests an expanse of grass, known as a lawn, which is not as common a feature of British homes. See back garden.

2n

garden party

lawn party

2n

garden roller

lawn roller

1n

gear lever

stick shift/gear shift

2n

gents men’s room/rest room Although mutually understood, Americans do not generally use the term gents when referring to the men’s room. There are also a number of slang terms commonly used on both sides of the Atlan tic. BrE loo, and WC are not common in the US, and may not be understood. AmE John, head, and can, may or may not be compre hensible to British people. See toilet.

2n

girl guide

2n

given name first name The BrE term, while seemingly understandable, is not always com prehensible to Americans. See Christian name and surname.

2n

glandular fever

2n

goods train freight train The AmE term is making some headway in the UK. Also, it is more common in the UK to refer to goods, as opposed to the AmE use of freight. See freightliner.

1n

goose pimples


girl scout

mononucleosis

goose bumps

49

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

2n

go slow slowdown As in labor disputes. The BrE term is not used in the US.

2n

government, the Administration, the The BrE term, the government, refers to the Prime Minister and his cabinet, that is to say, to the people who are in control of the coun try in political terms, and who are the decision makers. This same term in AmE is a general word which encompasses all of the gov ernment agencies, such as, for example, the tax authorities, the mil itary, and the bureaucracies responsible for social welfare. This term also includes elected officials, Congress, civil servants, and law enforcement agencies. For the BrE meaning of the govern ment, Americans use the term the Administration, which refers to the President, advisors, the cabinet, and other organizations which are closely related to the President.

1n

gramophone phonograph/turntable The term gramophone, in both AmE and BrE, now sounds somewhat old-fashioned.

2n

greaseproof paper

3n

Great War, the World War I A BrE synonym for the Great War is BrE the First World War. Americans may not be familiar with BrE the Great War, and as such confuse it with World War II (usually referred to in BrE as the Second World War or even “the War”). See First World War.

1v

grill

broil

2n

grocer’s shop

grocery store

3n

ground floor See first floor.

first floor

2n

guard As on trains.

conductor

3n

guard’s van caboose The BrE term is not readily understood in the US. Caboose, as well, is not a common term in the UK.

50


waxed paper

2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

gundog

bird dog

2n

hairgrip bobby pin The BrE term is not used or understood in the US. Both terms denote a flat hairpin which is put into the hair to hold it up.

2n

hair slide

1n

hall hallway This word, in BrE, is commonly used for a large room or building where people congregate. It is also customary to refer to the living room of a palace or mansion as a hall, especially in buildings of historical interest. As a synonym for corridor, however, it is more customary to use the term hall in the UK, whereas hallway is often used in the US.

2n

hall of residence dormitory Student housing, in AmE, often referring to college and university students.

3n

head master/mistress principal While Americans would most likely not use the BrE term head master, they would probably understand its meaning in context. The term mistress, however, in AmE, is used to describe a married man’s secret lover.

2n

high street main street British people understand the AmE term, and while Americans may recognize the BrE term high street, they would most likely not realize that it is the equivalent to AmE main street. It is possible that they may interpret the term as meaning that it denotes a street on the top of a hill, or running along high ground.

2n

hipsters hiphuggers A type of pants, usually worn by females, popular in the 1960s. The BrE term is used in the US as a slang term to describe people who are in fashion and who have a wild lifestyle.


barrette

51

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

3v

hire rent In AmE, the term hire is used when offering someone employment. You get hired. Rent, on the other hand, is often used to denote the use of something, often a car, for a limited amount of time, at cost. You rent an apartment in AmE, while you may let a flat in the UK. Also, you hire a car in the UK. See let.

2n

hire purchase installment plan These terms, which designate a purchase which is paid for over a period of time, may not be mutually understood.

3n

hoarding billboard These terms are used for large advertisements placed on the sides of buildings or along a road or highway. While the AmE term is understood internationally, the BrE term hoarding is more obscure and is not understood in the US. The word has other meanings as well. See dictionary.

2n

hockey

3n

hold-up traffic jam The BrE hold-up is a common term for a robbery in the US. It can also indicate that a person has been delayed in AmE. As a synonym for AmE traffic jam the BrE term would most likely not be understood in the US.

1n

hole As in golf.

3n

holiday vacation The term holiday in AmE indicates specific days when employees do not work as a means of honoring specific people, events, etc. There, a three-day holiday means weekends when either the Friday or the Monday is a legal holiday. On the other hand, when people are free from work, and often travel, they are on vacation. The BrE meaning of holiday has this same definition. See bank holiday.

52

field hockey

cup


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

holiday-maker vacationer Designates people who are on vacation. Americans would not use the BrE term. BrE day-tripper is used for someone who travels to a vacation spot or place of interest for the day. There is no equivalent for BrE day-tripper in AmE.

2n

Home Office Department of the Interior Designation of a government agency. The BrE term may not be understood in the US.

2n

home rule independence The BrE term is used when former colonies become independent and sovereign states.

2n

Home Secretary The Secretary of the Interior Terms used for officials at the highest levels of government. While the terms are quickly understood on both sides of the Atlantic, they are not interchangeable.

2n

home straight home stretch As in horse racing. The last leg of a race.

3n

houseman intern Term used for young doctors in the training period which will qual ify them as licensed physicians.

1n

house trained housebroken Referring to pets (primarily cats and dogs).

2n

hot flush hot flash Sensation experienced when excited or over-exposed.

2n

ice lolly Popsicle Flavored ice on a stick. Note that some American dictionaries list AmE Popsicle as a proper noun.


53

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

3n

ill sick The terms ill and sick in AmE are general terms used when someone is in poor health, or has a cold, sore throat, or stomach problem (AmE under-the-weather is also used). Sick and ill are interchangeable in AmE. For more serious diseases, common AmE terms are in poor health, having health problems, etc. Rigid guardians of the language in the UK may feel that these two terms have specific meanings. The distinction, however, is now breaking down in the UK. Nevertheless, British people often say, when they are going to throw up, that they are going to be sick, whereas they use ill when they are not well.

1n

indicator switch

3n

industrial action strike The BrE term is not commonly known in the US.

2n

industrial estate

industrial park

1adj

inflammable

flammable

2n

Inland Revenue Internal Revenue Service Americans, who generally do not know the BrE term, would not use the word unless referring to the British institution, and the Brit ish would not use the AmE term to describe their institution.

2n

interrogation mark question mark The BrE term may not be clearly understood in the US.

1n

interval

3v

invalidated discharged To be officially released from the armed forces. The BrE term, which is not used for this purpose in the US, is, in general terms, a negative word (meaning no longer valid). Compare AmE dishonorable discharge. See cashier.

1n

inverted commas quotation marks While many Americans would understand the BrE term, they would most likely not use it. The AmE term is readily understood in the UK.

54

turn signal lever

intermission


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

1n

jacket sleeve Term used for record or CD cover. Most commonly associated with long-playing (33 rpm) records.

3n

jawbreaker tongue twister A word or short phrase which is difficult to pronounce. The BrE jawbreaker denotes a type of hard candy in AmE.

1n

jeweller’s shop

2n

John Bull Archie Bunker Denotes an ignorant and politically incorrect individual who is known for derogatory language and behavior. While people in the UK are often familiar with the AmE term because of the popularity of the TV program, most people in the US are unaware of the meaning of BrE John Bull.

1n

jug

2n

jumble sale rummage sale Americans may not be familiar with the BrE term. They would, however, know that it referred to a sale.

3n

kiss of life, the

artificial respiration/ mouth-to-mouth resuscitation The term kiss of life is not used and not commonly known in the US. Artificial respiration may sound overly technical to some peo ple in Britain.

3n

kit bag duffle bag The BrE term is not used and not commonly known in the US. BrE kit bag is equally obscure in the US, where it may be misunder stood to indicate a smaller container used for more specific pur poses (for example, perfaining to food or to personal hygiene).

3n

knuckle-duster brass knuckles A crude weapon held in the hand which inflicts serious injury. The BrE term may be understood in context, but knuckle-duster is an uncommon term in the US, and may be misinterpreted as implying that it is something which causes injury to a person’s knuckles.


jewelry store

pitcher

55

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

3n

labour exchange employment office In BrE, the term job centre is also used. Note that the BrE labour exchange may be a confusing term to some people in the US.

1n

labour union

3n

ladder run Term used to indicate a rip or tear in nylon stockings. The BrE term is not known or used in the US, and is potentially misleading. See stand.

3n

ladybird ladybug The BrE term is not readily understood in the US, and may incor rectly be associated with former US President Lyndon Johnson’s wife (as Ladybird was the First Lady’s nick-name), or with some species of bird.

2n

launderette

1n

laundry basket hamper The term linen basket is also used in the UK.

trade union

laundromat

lavatory rest room/bathroom The BrE term lavatory (which is preferred by the upper classes over the more common toilet), is used in the UK for the room where the toilet is housed, (in AmE, the term toilet more com monly refers to the toilet bowl itself). In general, it is becoming rare for Americans to use the word lavatory when referring to the room where the toilet is housed (the more common terms in the US are bathroom and rest room). See toilet 1v

lay (a table)

3n

lead leash It is doubtful that Americans would understand the BrE term.

3n

leader editorial BrE leader is not commonly known or used in the US. BrE leading article is also used in the UK.

56

set (a table)


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

3n

left luggage officice baggage room The term checkroom is also used in the US. An American may mis takenly interpret left luggage office, however, as a place where lost luggage is stored. See luggage.

3n

lemon squash lemonade The BrE term is not used or readily understood in the US. The term lemonade, in the UK, denotes a carbonated drink which is lemon flavored.

2v

let rent The word let is not commonly used in AmE, although it is sometimes used to indicate that a property can be rented or leased. See hire.

1n

letter box See postbox.

mailbox

2n

leucotomy

lobotomy

1n

life jacket

life vest

1n

lift elevator While many Americans have become accustomed to this BrE term, and as such understand it, they do not use it.

1n

lightning conductor

lightning rod

1n

Limited, Ltd

Incorporated, Inc.

1n

litterbin

wastepaper basket/trash can

2n

litterlout

litterbug

1n

little finger pinky Note that the term little finger is also common usage in the US.

2n

liquidizer blender People in the US may not recognize the meaning of BrE liquidizer.

2n

liver sausage

liverwurst

1n

lodging house

rooming house


57

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

1n

long jump broad jump An athletic event in which an individual tries to jump as far as pos sible.

2adj

longsighted

2n

Lord Chancellor Attorney General Terms used for officials at the highest levels of government. BrE Lord Chancellor is not a commonly understood term in the US, and most people in the US are not aware that it is the British equiv alent to AmE Attorney General.

3n

lorry truck Most Americans do not know what a lorry is, except that it is a name in the US, and would not associate the term with a motor vehicle. The term truck is understood by English speakers on an international scale. (Note that rig is also used in AmE.) See articu lated lorry.

1n

lost property/ lost property office

lost and found

2n

lounge bar

saloon bar

3n

lounge suit

business suit

1n

luggage baggage The AmE baggage is becoming more common in the UK.

3n

luggage van baggage car The part of a train where baggage and other parcels are stored. These term may cause some confusion. A luggage van could be misunderstood in the US to mean a cart placed in an airport or train station where baggage is left for the passengers to collect.

2n

mackintosh

58

farsighted

raincoat


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

3adj

mad crazy BrE mad denotes someone who is acting unusual. AmE crazy has the same meaning. Note that in general mad in AmE is synony mous with angry. Americans sometimes use the word mad with the BrE meaning, and crazy is also a common term in BrE, where it is synonymous with foolish.

1n

magistrate judge The BrE term sounds old-fashioned in the US.

2n

magnate tycoon The AmE term is well known internationally. The BrE magnate, on the other hand, may not be readily understood in the US.

2n

mains electrical outlet/socket Term for an electrical socket in the wall. The BrE term is not com monly used or understood in the US (communication may improve if the term is qualified, for example, as in electrical mains). See power point.

2n

maize corn BrE maize is not in use in the US. Corn, on the other hand, is understood internationally. Note also AmE corn on the cob. See sweet corn.

1n

managing director

president/CEO/chief executive officer The BrE term is not used in the US, and the AmE term president could be confused with the political term in the UK. CEO is now commonly understood internationally. Note that you should avoid the abbreviation of Managing Director, MD, as this can be confused with the common designation for a physician (i.e., medical doctor).


59

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

2n

manor house mansion There is a difference in connotation. The BrE term manor house indicates an older structure which is associated with the landed gentry, an upper-class style of living in the UK. Mansion, however, in AmE, can also indicate structures which are large and which are usuallly owned by wealthy people. As such, the AmE term man sion is to an extent a question of size. The term mansion can also be used in BrE to refer to a palace inhabited by people who are not aristocrats.

3n

marching orders walking papers Term used in the military to indicate that one must leave the serv ice. Often used in the working world to indicate that someone has been asked to leave a place of employment. BrE marching orders may be misunderstood in the US as meaning that someone has been drafted, or has been ordered to participate in something.

1n

marks

2n

maths math Americans may have some difficulty with BrE maths, but should, in context, comprehend the term. Note also that mathematics is equally common in the US.

2n

mature student adult student Terms used to describe older persons returning to higher education after a number of years have passed since they were students.

3adj

mean stingy/cheap BrE mean, as a synonym for AmE stingy, is not as common in the US as in the UK. Mean, in AmE, is more often used as a general term for cruel behavior.

1n

megaphone bullhorn The BrE term megaphone is also in use in the US. Common in the UK is BrE loudhailer, which is not used or understood in the US.

2n

merchant bank investment bank Specialized terms best understood among individuals working in the world of finance. The BrE term is not commonly used in the US.

60

grades


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

1n

midshipman ensign Both terms designate someone training to be an officer in the Navy. These terms are readily understood by people familiar with naval terminology.

2n

mileometer odometer Instrument in an automobile used to record the number of miles or kilometers traveled. The British term is not used in the US.

3n

milk float dairy truck The BrE term is not used or commonly understood in the US. It may be misunderstood as denoting a drink made of milk and ice cream.

1n

milk tooth

2n

minced meat hamburger (meat) Americans may have difficulty recognizing the BrE term. Also, the AmE hamburger may be confused with the famous American dish which consists of two pieces of bread, a grilled patty of meat, let tuce, onions, pickle and tomatoes, and katchup, mustard, and/or dressing. Also, ground beef is also in use in the US.

2n

minim As in musical notation.

2n

Minister of Agriculture Secretary of Agriculture Terms used for officials at the highest levels of government. While the terms are quickly understood on both sides of the Atlantic, they are not interchangeable.

1n

mobile library

2n

motorcar car While these terms are readily understood by both Americans and British people, Americans find the term motorcar, which they do not use, to be old-fashioned.

2n

motorist driver Like motorcar, the BrE term is understood but considered old-fash ioned in the US. British people use and recognize the American term.


baby tooth

half note

bookmobile

61

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

1n

motorway highway/expressway/freeway The BrE term is understood but not used in the US, where it is con sidered old-fashioned. See dual carriageway.

2n

moving staircase escalator While the BrE term would most likely be understood in context, the term is not used in the US. Both terms used and understood in the UK.

1n

mudflap splash guard Rubber flap mounted behind the wheels which keeps mud and water from splashing onto the vehicle or onto other vehicles.

3n

mudguard fender Device on a bicycle which covers the wheels. The BrE term, when used in the US, may be interpreted as meaning a rubber flap attached to the bottom of a bicycle fender which keeps mud and water from getting on the cyclist. AmE fender, on the other hand, may be interpreted in BrE as meaning parts of the front of a fireplace, or the material hanging from the sides of a boat to protect the vessel when it is pulling up along other vessels or docking. Note that BrE wing as the area of a car which houses the wheels, is AmE fender. See wing.

1n

muesli

1n

music hall vaudeville BrE music hall and variety are sometimes used in the US, while the term vaudeville is not as common in the UK. All of these terms were more in fashion at the turn of the century.

2n

nail varnish nail polish Americans may not readily understand the BrE term, which they do not use. Varnish, to Americans, is a form of paint or lacquer which is clear or yellowish, and is often used to protect wood which is exposed to the elements.

2n

nappy diaper These terms may cause confusion. BrE nappy is not used in the US.

62

granola


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

national service military service While the AmE term is self-explanatory, the BrE term may not be readily understood in the US. See conscript.

1n

newsagent

newsstand

1n

newsreader

newscaster

2n

nosebag For horses.

feedbag

2n

note bill One refers to a 5 pound note and a 5 dollar bill. While the terms are understood, they are not interchangeable. Thus, one would not refer to a 5 dollar note.

1n

notice board

3n

nought zero The BrE term is not used or commonly understood in the US.

2n

noughts and crosses tick-tack-toe Americans would not understand the BrE term noughts and crosses, and some British people may not understand the AmE term for this simple game.

2n

numberplate

1n

nursery school preschool Both terms are commonly used in the US. See creche.

3n

off-license liquor store The BrE term is not understood in the US.

2n

okra A type of food.

3n

outhouse outhouse In BrE this term denotes smaller buildings used for various pur poses, usually adjacent to a farm or a house. In AmE the term is used for an outdoor toilet.


bulletin board

license plate

gumbo

63

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

1n

overheads overhead Denotes the total fixed cost for producing and selling a product. The AmE term also denotes the plastic transparent film used with an overhead projector.

2n

paddling pool wading pool Denotes a shallow pool of water which is often warmed and is suitable for infants and small children.

3n

pancake crêpe The term pancake, in AmE, means a thick batter which is warmed up on a frying pan and served at breakfast with butter and maple syrup. Crêpe, on the other hand, is of French origin and is lighter and thinner, and usually served for lunch or dinner.

3n

panda car patrol car The BrE term is not used or recognized in the US.

3n

pants underpants/panties The first definition of pants in both AmE and BrE is as a synonym for trousers and slacks. In BrE, however, a second and common use of the word is for undergarments worn around the waist and upper legs, for men underpants, and for women, panties. Underpants and panties, which are familiar terms in AmE, are referred to as underwear or underclothes. See trousers.

1n

paper knife

2n

paraffin kerosene (kerosine) BrE paraffin denotes a type of oil. AmE paraffin is used for the wax material candles are made of (BrE paraffin wax). AmE Kero sene is a thin oil often used as a fuel. This usage is the common usage in English speaking countries excluding Britain.

2n

paraffin wax See paraffin.

1n

parent company subsidiary Denotes large companies which own subsidiaries.

1n

parcel

64

letter opener

wax

package


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

parting part As in a boy or man’s manner of wearing his hair. While the BrE term will most likely be understood in context, the progressive form is not used in the US for this meaning.

2n

patience solitaire AmE solitaire, in BrE, means a piece of jewelry which usually has a single diamond. BrE patience, in AmE, is understood to be both the quality of being patient, as well as the card game. With respect to the card game, BrE usage is patience, and AmE is solitaire.

3n

pavement sidewalk These words can cause considerable confusion. The term pavement in AmE means the area of the street on which vehicles pass. For the area alongside the street, which is usually set higher than the street, and which is designated for pedestrians, this is referred to as the sidewalk in AmE. British people readily understand the AmE term. Many Americans will be confused, however, if someone uses the term pavement when referring to the pedestrian walkway.

3n

pavement artist sidewalk artist The BrE term may not make sense to some people in the US because of the difficulty with the word pavement. See pavement.

2n

pay packet See remunerate.

pay check/pay envelope

2n

peach stone See stone.

peach pit

2n

pedestrian crossing crosswalk The term pedestrian crossing is less common in the US when com pared to AmE crosswalk. It is a self-explanatory term and is understood internationally. The AmE crosswalk is often readily understood in Britain. See zebra crossing.

2n

pelmet valance Refers to the hanging of curtains and interior decorating.

2n

pen friend


pen pal

65

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

1n

penknife

pocketknife

2n

pepper pot/pepper box

pepper shaker/pepper grinder

2n

perspex plexiglass The BrE term is not used or quickly understood in the US.

2n

petrol gasoline, gas The AmE terms are readily understood in context throughout the English speaking world. Petrol, on the other hand, is understood by some people in the US, but it is considered old-fashion.

2n

petrol cap See petrol.

gas tank cap

2n

petrol gauge See petrol.

gas gauge

2n

petrol station gas station Like petrol, BrE petrol station is often understood but not used in the US. Filling station is used in both AmE and BrE.

2n

physical training PT physical education PE Designation for exercise period at schools. While the terms are quickly understood, the abbreviations PT and PE may cause diffi culty.

1n

pig hog The term pig is the common term in both AmE and BrE. The AmE hog is used in the US, and although the British will usually recog nize the term, they do not use this word. Also, AmE hog is a slang term for motorcycle.

1n

pigsty

pigpen

1n

pigtails

braids

2n

pitch field A term common in sports, such as BrE football pitch. Out of context, the BrE term may not be understood in the US.

2n

plait

66

braid


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

3n

plaster band aid BrE plaster is not understood in the US when used to designate a small bandage which covers injuries. Plaster, in AmE, is a white chalky material used in the construction industry, and to make a cast for broken bones. For a bandage, BrE plasters is also used in the UK. Note also that in AmE the term bandage usually refers to a larger dressing for wounds.

1n

plaster cast

cast

3n

plasticine

play dough

2n

PLC public limited company Inc. Many Americans do not recognize the BrE PLC as a designation for a company. Like BrE Ltd, which is a shortened form of Limited, Inc., represents various types of businesses.

2n

plimsolls sneakers BrE trainer is also used. The BrE term is not in common usage, nor is it commonly recognized in the US, and the AmE term is not commonly used in the UK.

3n

Plough Big Dipper Terms used for a constellation. The BrE term Plough is not used or understood in the US.

1n

pneumatic drill

1n

pocket money allowance Money given to children by their parents on a regular basis. The term pocket money, in AmE, is used to describe smaller sums of money found in a person’s pockets.

1n

police station

station house

1n

polo neck

turtleneck

2n

polystyrene

styrofoam


jackhammer

67

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

1n

porridge oatmeal In AmE, porridge is a general term used to designate hot dishes often served at breakfast. Oatmeal, on the other hand, is a breakfast dish comprised of oats. Porridge, in BrE, is a hot breakfast dish made of oats, and is a synonym for AmE oatmeal.

1n

porter

doorman/bellboy

1n

post

mail

2n

postal code, postcode zid code While AmE zip code is the only form in use in the US, the BrE term is more suitable for international communication because BrE postal code is self-explanatory.

1n

postbox See letter box.

mailbox

2n

poste restante

general delivery

2n

postgraduate graduate College terminology. Refers to study after taking the first three or four-year degree. Note also the AmE term postdoctoral, which is used to describe advanced studies beyond a doctor’s degree.

1n

postman

mailman

2n

postman’s knock Children’s game.

post office

2n

potato crisps potato chips While most British people know what potato chips are, they prefer the BrE term. Americans, on the other hand, do not usually know what the terms crisps and potato crisps mean. See crisps.

1adj 2n

potty-trained toilet-trained pouf/pouffe hassock The BrE terms are not commonly known or used in the US. The BrE term is also used in the UK as a derogatory word for male homosexual.

68


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

power point electrical outlet/socket Term for electrical connection in the wall. The BrE term is not used or commonly understood in the US, although it should be understood in context. See mains.

1n

power station

2n

pram baby carriage While baby carriage is understood in the UK, the BrE term pram is not well known in the US. The term baby buggy is also used in the US. (Note that pram is short for perambulator.)

2n

precinct precinct In BrE this term is often used for designating a shopping area, such as a shopping precinct (in AmE, shopping district). In AmE, this term is often used in association with police work or city adminis tration, such as police precinct and school precinct.

2n

précis summary Academic terminology. Denotes a summary or a short report of other scholarly work. The BrE term is not commonly used in the US.

2n

press-up A form of exercise.

2n

prison governor warden While Americans will most likely understand the BrE term in context, it is unlikely that they would use it. This is also true with respect to the AmE term in the UK. See warder.

2n

pub crawl bar hopping A pub crawl in the UK indicates that two or more people frequent more than one or two pubs in an evening, taking a drink at each establishment. Bar hopping, on the other hand, is less common in the US for several reasons, one being that bars are not always so close together. Also, while going on a pub crawl is considered a pleasant thing to do in the UK, going bar hopping in the US has a negative connotation among some people.


power plant

push-up

69

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

3n

public school private school These terms can cause some misunderstanding. Public school in BrE denotes institutions which are privately owned and which tra ditionally cater to the upper-classes. These institutions, which promote Received Pronunciation, carry with them a great deal of pres tige. The term public school in AmE indicates an educational establishment which is owned and operated with public funds (as such, something ordinary). The BrE term is used on both sides of the Atlantic, and has a different meaning in the US and the UK. Private school, on the other hand, is understood internationally as meaning educational establishments which charge tuition and are privately owned and operated.

3n

pudding dessert Pudding, in AmE, is a sweet dessert that is usually boiled, steamed, or baked, and has a soft, smooth consistency. AmE dessert, on the other hand, is simply a term used to describe cake, ice cream, pie, or some other dish which is served after the main meal, often with coffee. Seeing as there is room for a good deal of misunderstand ing, the more common term dessert is recommended when speak ing with people who are not familiar with British culture. A BrE synonym is sweet. The term dessert is understood internationally. See afters and sweet.

2n

puppy fat baby fat The BrE term would most likely be understood in context in the US, although it may sound odd to some people.

2n

pushchair stroller Terms usually understood in context.

2n

quaver As in musical notation.

eighth note

2n

quay

wharf

2n

queen’s evidence

state’s evidence

70


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

3n

queue line The BrE term is common in the UK, where line is recognized as a synonym. Americans, on the other hand, may not understand what the term queue means. Cue, in AmE, has the same pronunciation, and is used to denote either the white ball in pool or the stick which is used to hit the balls on a pool table. Some confusion can occur.

2n

“quid” “buck” These two slang terms are commonly used, primarily by men, and designate one unit of the common currency. A quid is one pound sterling and a buck is one US dollar. Many people in the US do not recognize the BrE term.

1n

racecourse

racetrack

1n

railway

railroad

2n

rapids whitewater The BrE term is also commonly used in the US. The AmE term is most likely understood in context in the U.K.

2n

rates property tax While AmE property tax is self-explanatory, the BrE term rates is not understood by many people in the US.

2n

reach-me-down hand-me-down Clothes going from an older brother or sister to a younger brother or sister.

2v

read study In the UK, it is common that people use the verb read when dis cussing the subjects which they are studying (for example, BrE “I am reading chemistry this term”). This usage, while understood in the US, is considered peculiar. While you may “read chemistry” in the UK, you “study chemistry” in the US.


71

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

2n

Reader Associate Professor These academic titles are reserved for college and university teach ers and researchers who have made considerable advances in their field after taking the Ph.D. The BrE term Reader is not commonly used or understood in the US. For BrE Senior Lecturer, Assistant Professor is used in the US, however, while Senior Lecturer is a title often used by scholars who do not have a Ph.D. in the UK, AmE Assistant Professor is only used by scholars who have taken a doctorate. The general term lecturer, a lower distinction, is used in both the UK as well as in the US.

2n

real property

real estate

1n

rear light

taillight

1n

receipt

sales slip

2n

recorded delivery

registered mail

1n

recreation ground

playground

2n

robin red-breasted thrush For those interested in ornithology, these terms are recognizable on both sides of the Atlantic.

3adj

redundant laid off These terms can cause some confusion. They indicate the loss of employment because of lack of work. In BrE, a worker is made redundant, while in AmE, a worker is laid off. The AmE term may imply that the workers will be reemployed in the future. Neverthe less, the term, in practice, means that someone, or a group of peo ple, have lost their jobs. The term redundant has another, more common meaning, in both AmE and BrE: superfluous, to do something more than is required, as in unnecessarily repetitious. This more common meaning is what the word redundant denotes in AmE. Most people in the US do not know that BrE redundant is a synonym for AmE laid off. The British usually understand the AmE term, especially in context.

2n

reef knot

72

square knot


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

1n

reel For thread as in sewing.

spool

2n

refectory cafeteria Room in schools where pupils eat their meals.

1v

register, to Terms used in hotels.

2n

relief benefit A part of personal income which is exempt from taxation for vari ous reasons. Also related to AmE terms such as tax exemption and reduction. The BrE term has an association with charity or foreign aid in AmE.

1n

remainder

3n

removal man moving man/movers People in the US may find the BrE term odd, associating it with someone who takes something away. In general, the word could have a negative connotation in AmE. Some people, nevertheless, will understand the meaning of the word in context.

2n

remunerate pay The BrE term, which is not commonly used in AmE, will most likely sound unnecessarily formal when used in the US. Pay, which is common in both the US and the UK, is used and understood internationally. See pay packet.

3n

return ticket round trip ticket These terms, for obvious reasons, can be misunderstood. The BrE term, which means a ticket both to a place, as well as a ticket back to where you start your journey, is not well understood in the US. Americans may assume that BrE return ticket means a ticket back to where one begins a journey, which is illogical (how do you get there?). The AmE term, which is more self-explanatory, is gaining ground in the UK, and is understood internationally.


check in, to

balance

73

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

1v/n

reverse charge(s) collect call The BrE term, which is also used in the US, is a verb, while the AmE term, which is also common in the UK and internationally, is used as a noun, (i.e., you make a collect call, but you ask if you can reverse the charge).

1v

ring call The verb used to describe the act of making a telephone call. Both terms are commonly used in AmE.

3n

ring spanner box end wrench The BrE term may not be understood in the US (where it may be associated with other tools, such as the implement used to unscrew an oil filter).

1n

rise raise As in “increase of salary.” Probably not worth mention in speech. In written English, however, people in the UK and the US may react when encountering the foreign version.

2n

roller blind

shades

1n

roller towel

towel roll

2n

roll of honour

honor roll

2n

roundabout traffic circle Most people will understand both of these terms when used in context. The BrE term, however, in AmE, means “not direct,” as in the expression, “he explained it in a roundabout way.” While the BrE term is not used in the US to describe a circular traffic junction, it should, as is noted above, be understood by most English speakers when used in context. The AmE term is self-explanatory. Also, BrE roundabout is a synonym for AmE and BrE merry-go-round.

2n

roundabout merry-go-round The BrE term is not used in the US, although it would most likely be recognized when used in context. Merry-go-round is common usage in both AmE and BrE. AmE carousel is another familiar term for merry-go-round in the US.

74


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

3n

round robin round robin In BrE this term denotes a document or letter of complaint or policy which is signed by a number of people and delivered to an offi cial body. In AmE, it is a form of competition in which all partici pants meet each other.

2n

rowlock

3n

rubber eraser These terms can cause some difficulties in communication. The BrE term rubber is a common term in the US for condom. Also, Americans do not recognize the term rubber as a synonym for eraser. The term eraser is understood internationally as a piece of rubber-like material which is used to rub out what has been written by a lead pencil. Also, in AmE the term rubber is sometimes used as a synonym for galosh, a rubber covering for shoes when it is wet outdoors (galosh is used in both AmE and BrE). See Durex.

1n

rubbish

garbage

1n

rubbish bin See dust bin.

trash can/garbage can

1n

rucksack backpack The term backpack is used on both sides of the Atlantic. Rucksack, however, is known in America but only used occasionally.

2n

runner beans

3v

rusticate expel/dismiss To be forced to leave college or university because of poor aca demic achievement or as a disciplinary measure. The BrE term is not used or commonly understood in the US, and may cause bewil derment.

2n

safebreaker safecracker A criminal who is good at breaking into safes.

1n

sailing boat See yacht.


oarlock

string beans

sailboat

75

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

1n

salmon lox The term salmon, (note the silent l), is the common term in both the UK and the US. Lox, on the other hand, is used by some ethnic groups in the US.

2n

saloon car sedan BrE saloon car is not used in the US, and Americans do not understand what the word designates. The term sedan is often understood internationally.

2n

saltcellar

salt shaker

2n

sand pit

sand box

2n

sanitary towel sanitary napkin These terms denote a product used in feminine hygiene. The BrE term may be misunderstood in the US, as the term towel is associ ated in the US with larger pieces of cotton cloth used for drying purposes in the kitchen and the bathroom.

2n

scent perfume The BrE term scent is not commonly used in the US as a synonym for perfume.

3n

school-leavers high school graduates The BrE term is not used or quickly understood in the US, and may be associated with dropping out of school.

2n

scone See biscuit and sweet biscuit.

biscuit

1n

scout

guide

2n

scrap paper scratch paper There may be misunderstanding as the BrE term, in the US, may be associated with trash, something to be thrown away.

1n

sea ocean In AmE the understanding is that oceans are larger bodies of water, while the term sea, such as the Mediterranean Sea, is reserved for smaller bodies of water. In BrE, the term sea is generally used even for larger bodies of water.

76


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

1n

see-saw

teeter-totter

1n

Second World War, the

World War II

2n

sellotape Scotch tape While people in the US will recognize that the BrE term denotes some specific type of tape, they may not know what type of tape is indicated.

2n

semibreve

2n

semi-detached house duplex/town house Americans do not recognize the BrE term semi-detached home. One reason is that this type of housing, while common in the UK, is not common in the US. British people, on the other hand, may not know what a duplex or a town house is.

2n

semiquaver As in musical notation.

sixteenth note

2n

semitone As in musical notation.

half step

2n

serviette napkin The BrE term serviette is not commonly in use in the US, and many Americans do not know what this word means. Both table napkin and napkin are used in the US. In the UK table napkin (U) is preferred by the upper classes, while serviette (non-U) is used by common people.

2n

setsquare

2n

settee couch The BrE term is considered old fashioned in the US.

1n

shareholder

stockholder

1n

shift key lock As on a typewriter keyboard.

shift lock key

1n

shop

store


whole note

triangle

77

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

1n

shop assistant

sales clerk

1n

shopkeeper

storekeeper

1n

shopping centre shopping mall Note that the AmE spelling of shopping center is different from the BrE spelling. Shopping center is also commonly used in the US.

1n

short hand typist

stenographer

1 adj

shortsighted

nearsighted

3n

sideboards sideburns The BrE term is not used in the US to designate hair growing on a man’s face in front of his ears and protruding downward an inch or so. Instead, this term (without the s) designates a piece of diningroom furniture in AmE. British people will probably understand the AmE term sideburns as being a synonym for sideboards.

2n

sidelight parking light Denotes small lights placed in the fender and under the headlights. People in the US may misunderstand the BrE term, confusing it with AmE blinkers (in BrE winkers). On the other hand, the AmE term may prove confusing to people in the UK.

2n

silencer (car) muffler (car) The term silencer, in AmE, is commonly used for a device which, when attached to a gun or rifle, muffles the sound of the weapon when it is fired.

2n

single ticket one-way ticket While Americans understand the BrE term, they do not use it. Also, British people understand the AmE term.

2n

skirting board

baseboard

2n

ski stick

ski pole

2n

sleeping partner As in business.

silent partner

1n

sleeve jacket Term used for the packaging of 33 or 45 rpm records, and, more recently, for the CD “cover.”

78


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2v

slimming diet, to/dieting While Americans will most likely understand the BrE term in context, they do not use this word to designate a period of time in which an individual attempts to reduce their weight. The AmE term is understood internationally.

2n/v

snigger snicker Word denotes a sarcastic or disrespectful facial expression and laugh. Note that these words are used as both verbs and nouns.

1n

social security welfare The BrE term social security is also a common term in the US. There it means the fees which employees pay for their state and federal social insurance, such as medical benefits and pensions. The term, in AmE, can also be used as a synonym for welfare. AmE welfare, on the other hand, is used for relief payments made to people who are economically disadvantaged.

2n

solicitor/barrister lawyer The two BrE terms are not used or readily understood in the US. Solicitor is a term for council which assists a client in a number of legal matters, but may not appear in the upper-level courts. Barris ter, on the other hand, is a prominent order of legal council, and barristers may appear in the higher courts. The AmE term denotes legal council which has both functions. Also, the AmE term is more common internationally. See barrister.

2n

sonic bang

2n

spanner monkey wrench/wrench Americans will probably not readily understand the meaning of the BrE word spanner or adjustable spanner, although they may understand the meaning in context. The AmE term monkey wrench may be difficult to understand for some British people.

2n

spring onion scallion Such terms are understood by food enthusiasts, but in everyday language the simple term onion is used. The AmE term may not be understandable to some British people.


sonic boom

79

2 Vocabulary

1n

British English

American English

spring roll

egg roll

2n/adj squint cross-eyed The AmE term (an adjective), is also commonly used in the UK. BrE squint (a noun), is not understood to be a synonym for crosseyed in the US. In both AmE and BrE, squint (as a verb), means to to focus with almost closed eyes on something in the distance. Also, BrE boss-eyed, which is a slang term in the UK, is not understood in the US. 1n

staff faculty College terms which designate teaching personnel (or the persons employed in a department). Both terms used and understood in AmE and BrE.

3n

stalls (theater) orchestra These terms denote sections of the theater where there are seats for the audience. In BrE, stalls denote the area in front of the orchestra pit. This area is called orchestra in AmE. For some people, these seats are considered superior to other seating areas. The term stalls, when used with an American, may be misunderstood, as the Amer ican may incorrectly understand such seats to be inferior (horses live in stalls, an association which does not infer advantage). Also, people in the US may associate the term stalls with an area where spectators stand as opposed to sit.

2v

stand (for office) run (for office) While these terms are mutually understood, an American would most likely not use the BrE term, and the same is true for British people, who seldom use the AmE term. See ladder.

2n

standard/form grade The British designations for the various levels of primary and/or secondary education are not readily understood in the US.

1n

starter

first course

1n

stock exchange

stock market

80


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

1n

stone pit As in fruit, such as cherry, peach, and plum, etc. AmE seed and BrE pip are also used for the things found in fruit.

1n

store department store The distinction here is breaking down, and these terms can be heard on both sides of the Atlantic. Store, naturally, is the common term in the US for BrE shop.

3n

street, the See pavement.

pavement

2n

strip cartoon

comic strip

2n

Subscriber Trunk Dialing direct dialing (STD) Americans do not understand or use the BrE term STD dialing, and do not generally understand what a trunk call is, unless they read a lot of Agatha Christie. See trunk call.

3n

subway underpass These terms can cause some confusion. The intended meaning here is a pedestrian tunnel under a road or beneath a railroad line. A subway in AmE can also indicate a transportation system which often runs on tracks underground, and is used in urban areas. Both underpass and subway in BrE denote a road or passage beneath a road or railroad line.

3n

supply teacher substitute teacher The BrE term is not used in the US. It could cause confusion as the term appears to imply that the teacher is involved in some capacity with supplies, which is not the case. The AmE term is self-explana tory.


81

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

3n

surgery practice/doctor’s office These terms can cause misunderstanding. In AmE the term surgery is used exclusively for the act of surgical operation, usually when a patient is anesthetized. A surgeon is a specialist. On the other hand, the term surgery is commonly used in BrE to denote the office in which doctors receive patients for consultation and minor treat ment. The BrE usage is not understood in the US. In the US, patients refer to office or clinic.

2n

surgical spirit

1n

surname last name See Christian name and given name.

2n

swallow dive

swan dive

2n

swede

rutabaga

2n

sweet dessert Sweet, which in both AmE and BrE can mean how something tastes, is also used in BrE as a term for AmE dessert. The BrE term pudding is also used in the UK. Americans would never use the term sweet to designate a dessert. The term dessert is understood internationally. See pudding and afters.

1n

sweet corn See maize.

3n

sweet biscuit cookie These terms seem to be clear enough, but, nevertheless, some confusion can occur. For starters, Americans would not use the BrE term. In AmE a biscuit is bread or a small cake which is hard and usually contains baking powder. Thus, Americans would interpret a sweet biscuit as a biscuit which contains sugar. A cookie is something else; usually round or square, they are small pieces of cake which are often sweet and do not contain large amounts of baking powder. While British people often understand the AmE term, they frown on using it. See biscuit.

1n

sweet potato

82

rubbing alcohol

corn

yam


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

sweets candy Americans understand and occasionally use the BrE term. Candy, on the other hand, is the common international term.

2n

sweet shop candy store While Americans would understand the BrE term in context, they would not use it. Candy, on the other hand, is understood interna tionally.

2n

Swiss roll jelly roll The BrE term may not be easily understood in the US.

2v

“ta” (informal) thanks Thank you is standard English. In the UK, however, it is common to say ta or cheers as a way of thanking someone. While cheers is understandable, but not used in the US, the use of ta is foreign to an American ear. Nevertheless, in context, it may be understood. See cheers.

3v

table, to (bring up for to table (postpone) discussion) The expression, “to table a proposal,” has a different meaning in AmE and BrE. In AmE it means “to postpone,” usually without stating a specific date for dealing with the proposal. In this context the term is often considered negative to those who would like the proposal to be discussed. In BrE, the expression means to “bring up for discussion.”

2n

tailboard tailgate In reference to the back opening of a car or truck, the BrE term is unknown to most people in the US. Note that AmE tailgate, as a verb, is used to designate when one motor vehicle is following too closely behind another.

1n

takeaway

takeout

2n

tankard Mug for drinking beer.

stein

1n

tap

faucet


83

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

2n

taxi rank cab stand/taxi stand These terms are commonly understood when used in context. Americans do not usually understand, however, that the BrE term rank is a synonym for BrE queue or AmE line.

3n

tea (informal) evening meal/dinner/supper Naturally, tea is a common drink which is a part of British culture. In the working and middle classes, however, the term is used as a synonym for the evening meal. This can cause considerable confu sion, as when Americans are invited to tea, and as a consequence expect to be served tea, perhaps with pastries or some other light food, such as scones and jam. These people are then surprised when they find that they have been invited to eat dinner. Some Brit ish people have high tea, which is also an evening meal.

2n

teat nipple Term used for part of a baby bottle from which an infant sucks out the milk, as well as for the milking organ of, for instance, goats and cows.

2n

tea towel

dish towel

2n

tea trolley

tea wagon

1n

telecast air/airng Indicates a television broadcast which is sent over the air waves, by a satellite, or via cable.

2n

telephone code See dialing code.

2n

telephone kiosk phone booth The term kiosk, which is common in Europe, is not used in the US. Thus, while Americans may understand the BrE term in context, they may find the term kiosk puzzling.

1n

term

84

area code

semester


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

terrace house town house/row house The BrE term terrace house is not commonly used in the US. It may give an American the impression that the house is built on a hillside. Town house, on the other hand, is fairly new to AmE. It denotes an apartment which has two floors and is set in between two similar apartments. In BrE, the term town house indicates the home of someone in the city, when they also have a home in the country, or it could simply mean a home in a city or town, and usu ally indicates that the housing is located in a fashionable area and is an up-market piece of property.

3n

through ticket transfer The BrE term through ticket is at times confusing, and transfer is more readily understood. Americans may not understand the BrE term. For a discussion of the BrE usage of the AmE term, see transfer.

2n

tick check Denotes, for example, a mark that can be written beside an entry in a list. For another meaning of the AmE term, see bill.

2n

tidemark

2n

tights panty hose The word tights, in AmE, is associated with the tight pants worn in the Middle Ages and by ballet dancers.

1n

timber

lumber

1n

time table

schedule

2

tin (n)/tinned (adj) can (n)/canned (adj)

While the term tin may be understood in the US, it is not used. The

term can is both understood and used in the UK.

2n

tin opener See tin.

can opener

2n

tip

dump

2n

toffee apple

candy apple


bathtub ring

85

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

3n

toilet/lavatory bathroom/rest room These terms are mutually understood and used. Keep in mind, however, that Americans seldom use the term toilet except to desig nate the actual device which washes the debris away. Also, bathroom in the UK is a room containing a bath tub and in most cases a toilet as well. See lavatory.

3n

ton (2,240 pounds) long ton ton (2 000 pounds) short ton See weights and measurements.

3n

torch flashlight These terms can cause some confusion. The BrE term torch desig nates in AmE an object which is made up of a short stick or pole that has material at the tip which can maintain a fire. For example, a torch is used to light the olympic flame. As such, Americans would find it difficult to understand that this term in BrE is a syno nym for the internationally common flashlight. The BrE flashlight or flash is used is designate quick photographic lights used when taking photographs. The term flash is used for this purpose in AmE.

2n

tout scalper Person who legally or illegally sells tickets to entertainment and sporting events. The BrE term is not used or understood in the US.

1n

town hall city hall While understandable to speakers of English, Americans do not use the BrE term as often as it is used in the UK. The AmE term is not used in the UK.

1n

tram (car)

3n

transfer decal The BrE term may be misunderstood in the US. The term transfer in the US refers to a slip of paper which allows one to change busses, trains, etc., on public transportation (through ticket in BrE). Here, the term refers to a “sticker” which can be put up in win dows, or an ink impression applied to the skin which is temporary (a tatoo would be permanent).

86

streetcar/trolley


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

2n

transport transportation Transport is often used as a noun in BrE, and more often as a verb in AmE. In AmE, transportation, meaning systems which manage the movement of goods and people, is the more common term.

2n

transport cafe

3n

trapezium trapezoid These words, which are used in mathematics, denote a square shape where one pair of sides is parallel. On the other hand, when trapezoid is used in BrE, it denotes a square in which none of the sides are parallel. The AmE term for this definition is trapezium.

2n

treacle

1n

trolley cart BrE supermarket trolley is commonly referred to as shopping cart in AmE. The BrE term is also in use in the US.

1n

trousers

pants

2n

truncheon

nightstick

2n

trunck call/overseas call long-distance call The BrE term trunk call is not understood by the majority of Amer icans (unless they are very keen on reading British thrillers). Overseas call and long-distance call are commonly understood interna tionally. It is also customary to reverse the charges in BrE, and this terminology is common in the US, where one can also call collect. To reverse the charges and to call collect are used internationally. See Subscriber Trunk Dialing.

2n

tube/underground subway The BrE terms tube, underground, underground tube, and underground railway may be understood in context, but are generally not commonly used in AmE. The AmE term subway has an additional meaning in BrE. See subway.


truck stop

molasses

87

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

2n

turn-up cuff The term denotes a manner of turning up a short length of cloth at the bottom of a pant leg which is sewn into place (a common style for dress slacks). For more casual pants which are simply turned up, the common AmE term is to turn up or roll up your pants.

2adj

underdone rare While Americans understand the BrE term in context, it is not com monly used.

1n

undertaker mortician Both terms commonly used in AmE. AmE mortician is not a com mon term in the UK. See caretaker.

2n

unit trust mutual fund The BrE term unit trust is not commonly understood in the US, but should be clear to people working in international finance.

3n

valve tube The term is used for electronic components which have a rounded glass covering and were once common in radios and televisions as well as in amplifiers in general (in the pre-transistor era). The term valve in AmE is most commonly associated with the intake and exhaust functions in an internal combustion engine. As such, there is a good probability that BrE valve would be misunderstood in the US.

2n

VAT sales tax The BrE VAT is short for Value Added Tax and is common knowl edge in Europe. This term is not known in the US, where sales tax is used. Sales tax is the more comprehensible of the terms interna tionally.

1n

veranda

3n

vest undershirt These terms could cause some misunderstanding. The AmE term undershirt is self-explanatory, and is understood internationally. The BrE term vest means something else in AmE, namely, a gar ment which is buttoned at the front which lacks arms and is worn over a shirt. See waistcoat.

88

porch


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

3n

veterinary surgeon veterinarian People in the US may assume that the BrE term means a veterinar ian who specializes in surgery (in fact, the BrE term simply denotes an ordinary animal doctor). Note that the shortened form, vet, is commonly used in the US.

2n

Virginia creeper woodbine A type of plant which grows up the sides of walls and buildings.

2n

viva voce oral examination Also, in BrE, viva. The BrE terms are not in common use in the US. Note that there is a shortened form, orals, which is also com mon in the US.

3v

vulgar fraction Mathematical term.

3n

waistocat vest Like BrE vest, these terms can cause confusion. BrE waistcoat is not understood or used in AmE. The terms denote a sleeveless gar ment with buttons at the front. If, however, one used the AmE term with British people, or people who are primarily familiar with BrE, they may understand the term as meaning the same as AmE undershirt. See vest.

2n

warder prison guard The AmE term is self-explanatory. See prison governor.

3v

wash, to have a wash up, to These phrases designate washing ones face and hands, shaving, etc., and are usually understood in context. The AmE phrase, however, when used in the UK, may be misunderstood to mean the washing of dishes. See wash up.

1n

washbasin

3v

wash up wash the dishes Americans may interpret the BrE phrase as meaning the washing of ones face and hands, shaving, etc. Nevertheless, in context, these phrases do not usually cause misunderstanding. See wash, have a.

2n

water ice


common fraction

sink/washbowl

sorbet 89

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

2n

watch-glass crystal These terms designate the glass face of a watch. In context, they should be understood. BrE watch-glass, however, is not used in the US, and sounds old-fashioned.

2n

wellingtons rubber boots The AmE term is self-explanatory and readily understood interna tionally. BrE wellingtons, (also used without the s) is not generally used or understood in the US. The term gumboot is also used in the US.

1n

whisky and soda highball These terms should be understood by people who are familiar with the vernacular of the bar. The BrE term is more useful in interna tional terms as it is self-explanatory.

2n

wholemeal

wholewheat

2n

whortleberry

bilberry

2n

windmill pinwheel A more common use of the word windmill is a large upright build ing which has a mill powered by a large rotating blade. Here, the terms refer to a small hand-held toy which children move about so as to make the blades spin like a propeller.

1n

window blind window shade Americans also use the term blinds.

2n

windscreen (car) windshield (car) While Americans understand the BrE term in context, it is not used in the US.

2n

windscreen wiper See windscreen.

windshiled wiper

3n

wing

fender

90


2.1 Reference List

British English

American English

Automotive term which designates the part of the body of the car which surrounds the wheels. The AmE term fender is commonly used internationally. While the BrE term wing, in context, may be understood by Americans, it is not used in the US. Confusion may arise because in older cars there is a wind-wing, which is a small window located between the windshield and the front passenger windows. See mudguard. 3n

wing mirror side mirror These terms denote the mirror which is attached to the front doors. See wing.

2n

winkers blinkers These terms are used for the device on automobiles which flash to indicate that the driver intends to make a turn. The BrE term may cause bewilderment in the US.

1n

witness box As in a court of law.

1adj

word-perfect letter-perfect Used to indicate that a text is without error, or is an exact descrip tion or translation.

3n

yacht sailboat The BrE term yacht is used in AmE for a more expensive, somewhat larger vessel which could be powered by either sails or a large inboard motor. The term luxury yacht is used in AmE for an excep tional yacht. The common vessels which are powered by the wind and which have a small motor are more commonly referred to as sailboats in the US and yachts in the UK. See sailing boat.

1n

zip zipper Term used for the device which allows for the opening and closing of certain garments, such as pants and jackets.

2n

zebra crossing crosswalk The BrE term zebra crossing, which is not used in the US, may cause misunderstanding. The term crosswalk is understood and used internationally. See pedestrian crossing.

2n

zed


witness stand/stand

z 91

2 Vocabulary

British English

American English

Z is the last letter of the English alphabet. The BrE designation, which is pronounced as it is spelled, is not commonly used or known in the US, and its use may cause some confusion (note that this letter is pronounced differently in AmE). Both pronunciations are used internationally.

92


2.2 Cross Reference For cross reference, the AmE term is listed alphabetically in the left-hand column. American English á la mode

about-face

ad

Administration

adult student

Agriculture Secretary

air

airfield

airplane

allowance

amusement park

antenna

apartment

area code

area code

arson

artificial respiration

ascot

ass

ass

Associate Professor

Attorney General

baby carriage

baby fat

baby-sitter

baby tooth

back drop

backspace key

back talk

backyard

baggage

baggage car

baggage room

balance

ballpoint pen

ballway

band aid

bangs

bar graph

bar hopping


British English á la mode

about-turn

advert

government

mature student

Minister of Agriculture

telecast

aerodrome

aeroplane

pocket money

funfair

aerial

flat

dialing code

telephone code

fireraising

kiss of life

cravat

arse

bum

Reader

Lord Chancellor

pram

puppy fat

baby-minder

milk tooth

backcloth

back space

backchat

back garden

luggage

luggage van

left luggage office

remainder

biro

hall

plaster

fringe

bar chart

pub crawl

93

Vocabulary

American English barrette

bartender

baseboard

bathrobe

bathroom

bathtub ring

battery

beauty shop

bellhop

benefit

Big Dipper

bilberry

bill

billboard

bird dog

biscuit

blackjack

blender

blimp

blinkers

blowlamp

bobby pin

bookmobile

bookstore

border

box end wrench

braid

braids

brainstorm

brass knuckles

bread box

brickyard

broad jump

broil

brush your teeth

buck

bulletin board

bullhorn

bureau

burglarize

bus

business suit

busy

button

cab stand

caboose

94

British English hair slide

barman

skirting board

dressing gown

toilet

tidemark

accumulator

beauty parlour

bellboy

relief

Plough

whortleberry

note

hoarding

gundog

scone

cosh

liquidizer

dirigible

winkers

blowtorch

hairgrip

mobile library

bookshop

frontier

ring spanner

plait

pigtails

brainwave

knuckle-duster

bread bin

brickfield

long jump

grill

clean your teeth

quid

notice board

megaphone

chest of drawers

burgle

coach

lounge suit

engaged

badge

taxi rank

guard’s van


2.2 Cross Reference

American English cafeteria

calendar

cake tin

call

campground

can

can opener

candidacy

candy

candy apple

candy store

car

cart

casket

cast

Cert. P. Accountant

charge account

charter member

check

check

check in

checkers

checking account

chestnut

chick

cigarette

city hall

claims adjuster

clothespin

coal mine

COD

collect call

comic strip

Commerce, Dept.

common fraction

conductor

cookbook

cookie

cookie

cop

corn

corn

cornstarch

costume party

cot

cotton candy


British English refectory

diary

baking tray

ring

campsite

tin

tin opener

candidature

sweets

toffee apple

sweet shop

motorcar

trolley

coffin

plaster cast

Chartered Accountant

credit account

founder member

tick

bill

register

draughts

current account

conker

bird

fag

town hall

assessor

clothes peg

colliery

COD

reverse charge

strip cartoon

Board of Trade

vulgar fraction

guard

cookery book

sweet biscuit

biscuit

bobby

maize

sweet corn

cornflour

fancy dress party

camp bed

candyfloss

95

Vocabulary

American English couch

counterclockwise

crazy

crêpe

crib

cross-eyed

crosswalk

crosswalk

crystal

cuff

cup

dairy truck

damn

day-care center

Daylight S T

dead-end

Dear Abby

decal

December 26

deck chair

department store

derby hat

dessert

dessert

dessert

diaper

diet, on a

direct dialing

discharged

discharged

dish towel

doorman

dormitory

draft

driver

druggist

duffle bag

dump

duplex

editorial

egg roll

eggplant

eight note

electorate

electrical outlet

electrical outlet

96

British English settee

anticlockwise

mad

pancake

cot

squint

zebra crossing

pedestrian crossing

watch-glass

turn-up

hole

milk float

bloody

creche

British Summer Time

close

agony aunt

transfer

Boxing Day

beachchair

store

bowler hat

pudding

afters

sweet

nappy

slimming

Subscriber Trunk Dialing

invalidated

cashier

tea towel

porter

hall of residence

conscript

motorist

chemist

kit bag

tip

semi-detached house

leader

spring roll

aubergine

quaver

constituency

mains

power point


2.2 Cross Reference

American English elevator

employment office

ensign

eraser

escalator

evening meal

exclamation point

expel

face card

faculty

fair

fall

farsighted

faucet

feedbag

fender

fender

ferris wheel

field hockey

field

fin

fire department

firm

first course

first floor

first name

first name

fish stick

flammable

flashlight

football

freight train

freight train

French fried potatoes

French doors

French bean

front yard

garbage

garbage truck

gas gauge

gasoline

gas pedal

gas station

gas station

gas tank cap

gauze


British English lift

labour exchange

midshipman

rubber

moving staircase

tea

exclamation mark

rusticate

court card

staff

fête

autumn

longsighted

tap

nosebag

wing

mudguard

big wheel

hockey

pitch

flipper

fire brigade

company

starter

ground floor

Christian name

given name

fish finger

inflammable

torch

American football

goods train

freightliner

chips

French windows

green bean

garden

rubbish

dustcart

petrol gauge

petrol

accelerator

filling station

petrol station

petrol cap

bandage

97

Vocabulary

American English general delivery

German shepherd

girl scout

goose bumps

grade

grades

graduate

granola

grocery store

ground

guide

gumbo

half note

half step

hamburger

hamper

hand-me-down

hassock

hearing aid

high school graduates

highball

highway

highway highway robbery

hiphuggers

hog

Holstein

home economics

home stretch

honor roll

hood

hot flash

housebroken

Inc.

Incorporated

independence

industrial park

information

instalment plan

Interior, Dept.

Interior, Sec.

intermission

intern

Internal Revenue

investment bank

jacket 98

British English poste restante

Alsatian

girl guide

goose pimples

standard

marks

postgraduate

muesli

grocer’s shop

earth

scout

okra

minim

semitone

minced meat

landry basket

reach-me-down

pouf

deafaid

school-leavers

whisky and soda

dual carriageway

motorway

daylight robbery

hipsters

pig

Friesian

domestic science

home straight

roll of honour

bonnet

hot flush

house trained

PLC

Limited

home rule

industrial estate

directory inquiries

hire purchase

Home Office

Home Secretary

interval

houseman

Inland Revenue

merchant bank

sleeve


2.2 Cross Reference

American English jackhammer

jalopy

janitor

jelly roll

jewelry store

judge

jungle gym

kerosene

ladybug

laid off

last name

laundromat

lawn party

lawn roller

lawyer

lawyer

lazy susan

leash

lemonade

letter opener

letter-perfect

license plate

licensed pharmacist

life vest

life insurance

lightning rod

line

lint

liquor store

litterbug

liverwurst

living room

living room

lobotomy

long-distance call

longshoreman

lost and found

lox

lumber

mad

mail

mailbox

mailbox

mailman

main street

manor house


British English pneumatic drill

banger

caretaker

Swiss roll

jeweller’s shop

magistrate

climbing frame

paraffin

ladybird

redundant

surname

launderette

garden party

garden roller

barrister

solicitor

dumbwaiter

lead

lemon squash

paper knife

word-perfect

numberplate

dispensing chemist

life jacket

assurance

lighting conductor

queue

fluff

off-license

litterlout

liver sausage

front room

drawing room

leucotomy

trunk call

docker

lost property office

salmon

timber

angry / furious

post

letter box

postbox

postman

high street

mansion

99

Vocabulary

American English math

men’s room

merry-go-round

military service

milk tooth

million

mimeograph

molasses

monkey wrench

mononucleosis

mortician

movie theater

moving man

muffler

mutual fund

nail polish

napkin

nearsighted

newscaster

newsstand

nightstick

nipple

oarlock

oatmeal

ocean

odometer

office

one-armed bandit

one-way ticket

oral examination

orchestra

outhouse

overhead

overheads

overpass

pacifier

package

panther

pants

panty hose

parenthesis

parka

parking light

parking lot

part

patrol car

100

British English maths

gents

roundabout

national service

baby tooth

billion

duplicator

treacle

spanner

glandular fever

undertaker

cinema

removal man

silencer

unit trust

nail varnish

serviette

shortsighted

newsreader

newsagent

truncheon

teat

rowlock

porridge

sea

mileometer

chambers

fruit machine

single ticket

viva voce

stalls

outhouse

acetate

overhead

flyover

dummy

parcel

cougar

trousers

tights

brackets

anorak

sidelight

car park

parting

panda car


2.2 Cross Reference

American English pavement

pay

pay check

peach pit

pen pal

pepper shaker

perfume

period

pharmacist

phone booth

phonograph

physical education

pigpen

pinky

pinwheel

pit

pitcher

plastic wrap

play dough

playground

plexiglass

pocket watch

pocketknife

police officer

pool

Popsicle

porch

post office

potato chips

potato chips

power plant

practice

precinct

prenatal

preschool

president

principal

prison guard

private home

private school

property tax

public defender

public holiday

push-up

quarter note

question mark


British English street

remunerate

pay packet

peach stone

pen friend

pepper pot

scent

full stop

druggist

telephone kiosk

gramophone

physical training

pigsty

little finger

windmill

stone

jug

cling film

plasticine

recreation ground

perspex

fob watch

penknife

constable

billiards

ice lolly

veranda

postman’s knock

potato crisps

crisps

power station

surgery

precinct

antenatal

nursery school

managing director

head master

warder

detached house

public school

rates

advocate

bank holiday

press-up

crochet

interrogation mark

101

Vocabulary

American English quotation marks

racetrack

railroad

raincoat

raise

rare

real estate

real estate agent

registered mail

rent

rent rest room

résumé

robin

room and board

rooming house

room mate

rooster

round robin

round trip ticket

rubber

rubber band

rubber boots

rubbing alcohol

backpack

rummage sale

run

run

rutabaga

safecracker

sailboat

sailboat

sales clerk

sales slip

sales tax

saloon bar

salt shaker

sand box

sand trap

sanitary napkin

Santa Claus

savings and loan

savings account

scallion

scalper

schedule

102

British English inverted commas

racecourse

railway

mackintosh

rise

underdone

real property

estate agent

recorded delivery

let

hire

lavatory

curricula vitae

red-breasted thrush

accommodation

lodging house

flatmate

cock

round robin

return ticket

condom

elastic band

wellingtons

surgical spirit

rucksack

jumble sale

ladder

stand

swede

safebreaker

yacht

sailing boat

shop assistant

receipt

VAT

lounge bar

saltcellar

sand pit

bunker

sanitary towel

Father Christmas

building society

deposit account

spring onion

tout

time table


2.2 Cross Reference

American English Scotch tape

scratch paper

second floor

Secretary State

Secretary Treasury

sedan

semester

semi

set

shades

shift lock key

shoe shine boy

shopping mall

sick

side mirror

sideburns

sidewalk

sidewalk artist

silent partner

silverware

sink

sixteenth note

ski pole

skillet

slaughterhouse

sleeve

slingshot

slowdown

sneakers

snicker

soccer

solitaire

sonic boom

sorbet

spatula

special delivery

spider web

splash guard

spool

square knot

State Dept.

state’s evidence

station house

station wagon

steam shovel

stein


British English sellotape

scrap paper

first floor

Foreign Secretary

Chancellor Exchequer

saloon car

term

articulated lorry

lay

roller blind

shift key lock

bootblack

shopping centre

ill

wing mirror

sideboards

pavement

pavement artist

sleeping partner

cutlery

washbasin

semiquaver

ski stick

frying pan

abattoir

jacket

catapult

go slow

plimsolls

snigger

football

patience

sonic bang

water ice

fish slice

express delivery

cobweb

mudflap

reel

reef knot

Foreign Office

queen’s evidence

police station

estate car

excavator

tankard

103

Vocabulary

American English stem

stenographer

stewardess

stick shift

stingy

stockholder

stock market

store

storekeeper

stove

streetcar

strike

string bean

stroller

studio apartment

studio apartment

study

styrofoam

subsidiary

substitute teacher

subway

success

summary

suspenders

swan dive

swim suit

switchblade

table, to

tail pipe

tailgate

taillight

takeout

talk show

tea wagon

tease

teeter-totter

telephone booth

teller

temporary insanity

thank you

thank you

thongs

thumbtack

tick-tack-toe

ticket agent

toilet-trained

104

British English arm

shorthand typist

air hostess

gear lever

mean

shareholder

stock exchange

shop

shopkeeper

cooker

tram

industrial action

runner bean

pushchair

bedsitter

flatlet

read

polystyrene

mother company

supply teacher

tube

bomb

précis

braces

swallow dive

bathing costume

flick knife

table, to

exhaust pipe

tailboard

rear light

takeaway

chat show

tea trolly

backcomb

see-saw

call box

cashier

brainstorm

ta

cheers

flip-flop

drawing pin

noughts and crosses

booking clerk

potty-trained


2.2 Cross Reference

American English ton, short

tongue twister

towel roll

town house

trade union

traffic circle

traffic jam

trailer

transfer

transportation

trapezoid

trash can

trash can

trash man

traveling salesman

triangle

Trojan

truck stop

truck

trunk

tube

turn signal lever

turtleneck

tuxedo

two weeks

tycoon

underpants

underpass

undershirt

unlisted

vacation

vacationer

valence

vaudeville

vest

veteran

veterinarian

violation

wading pool

walking papers

Wall Street

wall-to-wall carpet

want ad

warden

wash the dishes

wash up


British English ton, long

jawbreaker

roller towel

terrace house

labour union

roundabout

hold-up

caravan

through ticket

transport

trapezium

dustbin

rubbish bin

dustman

commercial traveller

setsquare

Durex

transport cafe

lorry

boot

valve

indicator switch

polo neck

dinner-jacket

fortnight

magnate

pants

subway

vest

ex-directory

holiday

holiday-maker

pelmet

music hall

waistcoat

ex-serviceman

veterinary surgeon

endorsement

paddling pool

marching orders

City, the

fitted carpet

classified ad

prison governor

wash up

wash

105

Vocabulary

American English washcloth

wastepaper basket

wax

welfare

wharf

White House

whitewater

whole note

wholewheat

window shade

windshield

windshield wiper

witness stand

woodbine

World War I

World War I

World war II

yam

z

zero

zip code

zipper

zucchini

106

British English face flannel

litterbin

paraffin wax

social security

quay

Downing Street

rapids

semibreve

wholemeal

window blind

windscreen

windscreen wiper

witness box

Virginia creeper

Great War, the

First World War

Second World War

sweet potato

zed

nought

postal code

zip

courgettes


3 Spelling

Should one write programme or program? Does fulfill have one l or two? In spelling, as is well known, there are hundreds of differences between AmE and BrE. Keep in mind that BrE spelling is slowly adapting AmE standards, but with features such as the u in colour, we find that BrE is adamant in retaining the vowel never used in AmE spelling. In written form it is advis able for the writer to stay with one norm. This is because a text may be dis tracting to the critical reader if spellings like BrE tyre, metre, and kerb are used alongside AmE spellings such as honor, theater, and check. Use a good dictionary, one in BrE and one in AmE (see the bibliography for rec ommendations on what dictionaries to use) and look up words you find puz zling. A good way to insure that your spelling is consistent is to have two spell-check systems on your personal computer (one in AmE and another in BrE). In this chapter there is a short list of common (and some less common) words in the English language that have different spellings in AmE and BrE. In some cases, both spellings are acceptable in BrE, such as industrialization and industrialisation. In other cases, the variants are con sidered incorrect; for example, the BrE tyre is considered a misspelling in AmE (the correct spelling there is tire). Most dictionaries on the market in Europe list the British spelling first, followed by another spelling which is acceptable (this second choice is often the American spelling). You may find your teachers circling the AmE spelling in your written assignments as an indication that they are incorrect. In these cases, it would be more peda gogical to indicate that such spelling is standard usage in AmE. It is a good idea to become aware of the various categories of spelling divergence, something which is not only a question of letters. Note that with use of the dash for compound nouns, such as BrE non-profit, it is more common that this hyphen is omited in AmE (nonprofit). A good rule of thumb when deciding how to use a compound noun is to look up the words in the dictionary, (for consistency, working with one dictionary). If you can not find the compound word as one word or as one word spelled with a © Studentlitteratur

107

3 Spelling

dash, this indicates that you should write out each word individually, unless the two words act to modify another, as in “the twentieth century” and “twentieth-century art.” The most obvious spelling difference between AmE and BrE, however, is the use of u in words such as colour, honour, humour, labour, odour, vapour, neighbour, harbour, behaviour, and flavour. These spellings are distinctively British and Americans often consider them to be either foreign or incorrect. Keep in mind, as well, that this spelling convention is less receptive to influence from America, and has showed few signs of adapting to the American system of excluding the silent vowel. Note also the AmE spelling plow in comparison to BrE plough. Another category is the difference -se/-ce, which is found in words such as AmE defense, license, offense, and pretense (the BrE spelling is defence, licence (n), offence, and pretence). The BrE spellings practice, prophesy, and advice are nouns, whereas, when used as verbs they are spelled with -se. In words such as AmE center, fiber, meter, theater, and liter, the ending is spelled with -er. In BrE, however, there is the French influence, and such words are instead spelled centre, fibre, metre, theatre, and litre. This is another example of spelling dissimilarity where the British convention has not shown any clear tendency to change over to the AmE standard. The BrE spellings, again, seem peculiar to many Americans. With the consonant l or ll, we find that BrE tends to prefer the use of two consonants, whereas AmE usually adheres to a more economical use of a singular l. Thus, we have AmE spellings such as councilor, marvelous, quarreled, quarreling, traveled, traveling, traveler, and woolen. The BrE spellings would require a double l for these words. Other words where BrE spelling convention requires a double l are distill, fulfill, willful, and install ment. Some exceptions are the AmE spellings skillful, skilful (both a single as well as a double l are acceptable in AmE, but the double l spelling is list ed first in most American dictionaries) and the BrE spellings paneled and marvelous. Words which end in able, such as BrE likeable, retain the final vowel in BrE but drop the e in AmE (AmE likable). Other examples of this spelling convention are BrE blameable, loveable, liveable, sizeable, and tuneable, spelled AmE blamable, lovable, livable, sizable, and tunable. Like many other differences between AmE and BrE, the British system is in the pro cess of accepting the convention of omiting the vowel e when using a term with the able inflection. Note also that final e is dropped in words like AmE judgment (BrE judgement), and AmE aging (BrE ageing). With -ize and -ise in the AmE spellings apologize, civilize, organize, rea lize, recognize, industrialize, and feminize we find that while BrE spelling 108


still allows for the conventional forms using -ise, the AmE -ize is in the pro cess of becoming the standard in the UK. The same is true for the inflection -yze and -yse in words such as AmE analyze, and paralyze. Note, however, the AmE and BrE spelling of comprise. With the e, ae, or oe in AmE encyclopedia and homeopathy, and BrE encyclopaedia and homoeopathy, the ae and oe are becoming more and more obscure in both British and international usage. Other examples of this trend are AmE esthetic, diarrhea, and medieval, which are often spel led aesthetic, diarrhoea, and mediaeval in BrE. N.B. With respect to some of the BrE spellings listed here, the AmE form is placed first in BrE dictionaries. This is often because of a house style which recognizes the influence of AmE on the English language as it is written in the UK. Nevertheless, the older forms are often found in the lite rature which students inevitably read. For this reason, the traditional forms have been listed as BrE, even when the American spelling has now become the standard in the UK. In all cases, the forms listed in the BrE column are considered to be correct spellings in the UK. There are, naturally, older spelling conventions, such as BrE to-day, which are no longer considered correct. Such spellings are not included here. As to the words which have the inflection -ise, it is now common usage in the UK to use the AmE -ize. This form of Americanization is also true of terms such as BrE inflex ion/AmE inflection, BrE connexion/AmE connection, BrE chisell/BrE chi sel, and BrE cyder/AmE cider.

British English

American English

aeroplane aesthetic aesthetics adviser agonise airforce aluminium ameba amphitheatre anaemia anaesthesia analyse anapaest

airplane esthetic esthetics advisor agonize air force aluminum amoeba amphitheater anemia anesthesia analyze anapest


109

3 Spelling

British English

American English

anglicise annexe antagonise apologise apophthegm appal arbour armour assurance authorise axe baulk baptise bastardise bedevill behaviour behove belabour bevell bicentenary brunette calibre callipers canalise cancell candour cantaloup capitalise carat carbonise carburettor caroll catalogue catalyse catechise categorise cauldron centenary

anglicize

annex

antagonize

apologize

apothegm

appall

arbor

armor

insurance

authorize

ax

balk

baptize

bastardize

bedevil

behavior

behoove

belabor

bevel

bicentennial

brunet1

caliber

calipers

canalize

cancel

candor

cantaloupe

capitalize

karat

carbonize

carburetor

carol

catalog catalogue

catalyze

catechize

categorize

caldron

centennial

110


British English

American English

centre

centralise

channell

characterise

cheque

chequer

chequered

chisell

cigarette

circularise

cissy2

civilisation

civilise

clamour

clarinettist

colonise

colour

commercialise

compartmentalise

computerise

connexion

counsellor

counselled

counselling

co-operate

co-operation

cosy

criticise

crystallise

customise

cyder

cypher

dead end

decentralise

demoralise

dentine

deodorise

deputise

center

centralize

channel

characterize

check

checker

checkered

chisel

cigarette / cigaret

circularize

sissy

civilization

civilize

clamor

clarinetist

colonize

color

commercialize

compartmentalize

computerize

connection

counselor

counseled

counseling

cooperate

cooperation

cozy

criticize

crystallize

customize

cider

cipher

dead-end

decentralize

demoralize

dentin

deodorize

deputize


111

3 Spelling

British English

American English

desensitise

destabilise

defence

dehumanise

demagnetise

demagogue

demeanour

demilitarise

devill

devitalise

dialling

dialogue

digitise

disorganised

disc

distil

disembowell

dishevelled

dolour

double-barrelled

draught

draughtsman

draughty

dramatise

drivell

dyke

economise

emphasise

enamell

enamoured

encyclopaedia

endeavour

energise

ensure

enquire

envelope

epicentre

epilogue

desensitize

destabilize

defense

dehumanize

demagnetize

demagog3

demeanor

demilitarize

devil

devitalize

dialing

dialog4

digitize

disorganized

disk

distill

disembowel

disheveled

dolor

double-barreled

draft

draftsman

drafty

dramatize

drivel

dike

economize

emphasize

enamel

enamored

encyclopedia

endeavor

energize

insure

inquire

envelop

epicenter

epilog

112


British English

American English

epitomise equalled equalised eulogise evangelise exorise extemporise externalise factorise faeces familarise fantasise favour favourable favoured favourite favouritism feminise fertilise fervour fibre fibreboard fibreglass fictionalise filet finalise flautist flavour foetal foetus formalise fossilise fount fraternise fulfil fulfilment fully-fledged fully-grown

epitomize equaled equalized eulogize evangelize exorize extemporize extermalize factorize faces familarize fantasize favor favorable favored favorite favoritism feminize fertilize fervor fiber fiberboard fiberglass fictionalize fillet finalize flutist flavor fetal fetus formalize fossilize font fraternize fulfill fulfillment full-fledged full-grown


113

3 Spelling

British English

American English

fuelled funnelled furore galvanise gambolling gaol gaolbird gaoler gauge generalisation generalise glamorise glamourous glamour goitre gonorrhoea good-bye gormandise gramme gravelled grey greyish grovelled gruelling gybe gynaecology gypsy harbour harmonise haulier homogenise honour honourable honours hospitalise hosteller hotchpotch humanise

fueled

funneled

furor

galvanize

gamboling

jail

jailbird

jailer

gage

generalization

generalize

glamorize

glamorous

glamor

goiter

gonorrhea

goodby goodbye

gormandize

gram

graveled

gray

grayish

groveled

grueling

jibe

gynecology

gipsy

harbor

harmonize

hauler

homogenize

honor

honorable

honors

hospitalize

hosteler

hodgepodge

humanize

114


British English

American English

humour

hypnotise

idealise

idolise

illfavoured

immobilise

immortalise

immunise

imperilled

impostor

indian ink

individualise

industrialisation

industrialise

inflexion

insoluble

install

instalment

institutionalise

internalise

internationalise

ionise

ioniser

itemise

jemmy

jeopardise

jewelled

jeweller

jewellery

judgement

kerb

labelled

labour

labourer

lacklustre

largesse

legalise

legitimise

humor

hypnotize

idealize

idolize

illfavored

immobilize

immortalize

immunize

imperiled

imposter

india ink

individualize

industrialization

industrialize

inflection

insolvable

instal

installment

institutionalize

internalize

internationalize

ionize

ionizer

itemize

jimmy

jeopardize

jeweled

jeweler

jewelry

judgment

curb

labeled

labor

laborer

lackluster

largess

legalize

legitimize


115

3 Spelling

British English

American English

legitimatise leucotomy leukaemia levelled libelled libellous liberalise licence (n) lionise liquidise liquoice litre living-room localise louvre lupin lustre magnetise manoeuvre manoeuverable marshalled marvelled marvellous materialise maximise meagre mechanise medallist memorise metabolise metre metricise miaow militarise millilitre minimise misdemeanour mobilise

legitimatize lobotomy leukemia leveled libeled libelous liberalize license lionize liquidize licorice liter living room localize louver lupine luster magnetize maneuver maneuverable marshaled marveled marvelous materialize maximize meager mechanize medalist memorize metabolize meter metricize meow militarize milliliter minimize misdemeanor mobilize

116


British English

American English

modelled modernise moisturise mollusc monologue monopolise moralise motorise mould moulder moulding mouldy moult moustache mum nationalise naturalise neighbour neighbourhood neighbouring neighbourly neutralise nitre normalise notarise nought nurseling odour oesophagus offence opossum optimise organdie organisation organise ostler ostracise outmanoeuvre

modeled modernize moisturize mollusk monolog monopolize moralize motorize mold molder molding moldy molt mustache mom nationalize naturalize neighbor neighborhood neighboring neighborly neutralize niter normalize notarize naught nursling odor esophagus offense possum optomize organdy organization organize hostler ostracize outmaneuver


117

3 Spelling

British English

American English

oxidise panelled panelling panellist paralyse parallelled parlour passivise pasteurise particularise patronise pedall (v) pedalled pedalling pedlar penalise pencelled personalise phenobarbitone philosophise philtre phoney photosensitise piastre pick-axe plagiarise plough polarise politicise polythene popularise potter practise (v) practised pressurise pretence primaeval prioritise

oxidize paneled paneling panelist paralyze paralleled parlor passivize pasteurize particularize patronize pedal pedaled pedaling peddler penalize penceled personalize phenobarbital philosophize philter phony photosensitize piaster pickax plagiarize plow polarize politicize polyethylene popularize putter practice practiced pressurize pretense primeval prioritize

118


British English

American English

prise

privatise

programme5

programmer

prologue

propagandise

proselytise

psychoanalyse

pulverise

pyjamas

racquet

rancour

rationalise

ravelled

reafforest

realisation

realise

recognise

reconnoitre

re-establish

refuelled

regularise

remodelled

remould

reorganise

revitalise

revelled

revolutionalise

rhapsodise

rigour

rise

rivalled

romanticise

rumour

sabre

sabre-toothed tiger

saleroom

saltpetre

prize

privatize

program

programer

prolog

propagandize

proselytize

psychoanalyze

pulverize

pajamas

racket

rancor

rationalize

raveled

reforest

realization

realize

recognize

reconnoiter

reestablish

refueled

regularize

remodeled

remold

regoranize

revitalize

reveled

revolutionalize

rhapsodize

rigor

raise

rivaled

romanticize

rumor

saber

saber-toothed tiger

salesroom

saltpeter


119

3 Spelling

British English

American English

sanatorium sanitise satirise Sauternes saviour savour savoury scallywag scandalise sceptic sceptical scepticism sceptre schematise scrutinise secularise sensitise sentimentalise septicaemia sepulchre serialise sermonise shovelled shrivelled signalling signalise skilful slew smoulder snigger snivelling snowplough socialise soleminise soliloquise sombre sorbet sparking plug

sanitarium sanitize satirize Sauterne savior savor savory scalawag scandalize skeptic skeptical skepticism scepter schematize scrutinize secularize sensitize sentimentalize septicemia sepulcher serialize sermonize shoveled shriveled signaling signalize skillful slue smolder snicker sniveling snowplow socialize soleminize soliloquize somber sherbet spark plug

120


British English

American English

specialise spectre spiderweb splendour splodge stabilise stabiliser staunch standardise stencilled sterilise stigmatise storey stylise subsidised succour sulphate sulphide sulphur sulphurous summarise swivelled symbolise symphathise synchronise synthesise systematise tantalise tasselled teetotaller temporise terrorise theatre theorise thraldom tiddlywinks titbit toffee toffy

specialize specter spider web splendor splotch stabilize stabilizer stanch standarize stenciled sterilize stigmatize story6 stylized subsidized succor sulfate sulfide sulfur sulfurous summarize swiveled symbolize symphathize synchronize synthesize systematize tantalize tasseled teetotaler temporize terrorize theater theorize thralldom tiddledywinks tidbit taffy


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3 Spelling

British English

American English

totalled towelled tranquilise transistorise traumatise traveller travelled travelling travelogue trivalise tumour tunnelling tyrannise tyre unionise unravelled unrivalled untrammelled utilise v. valency valour vandalise vaporise vapour verbalise vice victimise vigour visualise vulcanise vulgarise waggon war-path westernise whirr whisky wilful

totaled toweled tranquilize transistorize traumatize traveler traveled traveling travelog trivalize tumor tunneling tyrannize tire unionize unraveled unrivaled untrammeled utilize vs. valence valor vandalize vaporize vapor verbalize vise victimize vigor visualize vulcanize vulgarize wagon warpath westernize whir whiskey7 willful

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British English

American English

womanise woollen woollens worshipped yodelled yoghurt zed

womanize woolen woolens worshiped yodeled yogurt zee

1 For BrE brunette, there are two terms in AmE. The term brunet can refer to both the complexion as well as hair color, while brunette, in AmE, is in reference to hair color. 2 For BrE cissy, the spelling sissy is considered the more common form in both AmE and BrE. 3 For AmE demagog, the spelling demagogue is more common in both AmE and BrE. 4 For AmE dialog, the spelling dialogue is more common in both AmE and BrE. 5 The BrE spelling program is used for computer programs, whereas the spelling programme is reserved in BrE for the common understanding of the term. In AmE, the spelling program is used in both cases. 6 storeyrd BrE = storied AmE. 7 US and Irish whiskey, Scotish whisky.


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4 Grammar, Punctuation, and Style

Many observers of the English language have noted that the differences between AmE and BrE are basically found in pronunciation, vocabulary, and spelling. Other matters, such as grammar, punctuation, and style, are given less attention. Yet, while distinctions in punctuation are seemingly insignificant, the grammatical and stylistic differences between the two major varieties of the language are more extensive than first meets the eye. There are a large number of constructions which are characteristic of one variety only, and in some cases, there are some fully acceptable construc tions in one variety which are considered ungrammatical in the other. In most cases, however, the use of distinct AmE or BrE grammar will not impede communication. Nevertheless, it will serve the student well to become aware of some of the more apparent dissimilarities. As to punctua tion, like spelling, it is better to keep to one standard throughout a text. Again, while the differences in punctuation often go unnoticed, some col lege and university instructors will comment, and insist that the student adhere to one standard (this is especially true at the graduate level).

4.1 Grammar In general, the lion’s share of grammatical rules for English are the same for all of the major native-tongue varieties of the language. Naturally, the greatest diversity is found when comparing regional dialects. With the edu cational standards, however, most grammar books insist on the same rules, and present English grammar in much the same manner. Nevertheless, especially with the differences in verb forms, some comment is usually made of dissimilarities between AmE and BrE. Other aspects of grammar, such as the use of the definite article, prepositions, and subject/verb agree ment, are not usually given as much attention. Keep in mind that while the seemingly minor differences do not usually cause disruptions in communi124


4.1 Grammar

cation, the constructions described below do not exist in a vacuum, but are interwoven into a more complex fabric of lexical choice, pronunciation or spelling, and style, and it is the synthesis of these factors which help to move communication forward or else contribute to misunderstanding. Like the other differences which are presented in this handbook, make an effort to become acquainted with these features of the language. In this way, you can better modify your language so as to ease communication.

Verbs The differences in verb forms is perhaps the most well-known structural dissimilarity between AmE and BrE. There are a number of verbs in BrE which have a -t inflection, while in AmE there is a greater tendency for such verbs to conform to the standardized -ed structure. The following is a list of common verbs which have different forms in AmE and BrE. Note that it is frequently the case that many AmE conjugations are usually also consid ered standard English in BrE (that is to say, both of the forms are in use). Furthermore, the difference between the BrE -t and the standard -ed is usu ally a subtle distinction in pronunciation which often goes unnoticed among both native and second language speakers. Nevertheless, in writing, the use of the -t inflection will indicate to your reader that you are communicating in BrE. British English

American English

burn, burnt dwell, dwelt get, got kneel, knelt lean, leant leap, leapt learn, learnt smell, smelt spell, spelt spill, spilt spoil, spoilt

burn, burned dwell, dwelled get, gotten kneel, kneeled lean, leaned leap, leaped learn, learned smell, smelled spell, spelled spill, spilled spoil, spoiled

An exception to this rule is BrE fit, fitted, AmE fit, fit. The BrE got, got, as opposed to AmE got, gotten, is a special case in a discussion of verb forms. © Studentlitteratur

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For many people in the US, the BrE use of got instead of AmE gotten sounds peculiar, and even perhaps ungrammatical. Other differences are found in BrE dive, dived, and AmE dive, dove, BrE saw, sawed, sawn, and AmE saw, sawed, sawed, BrE sew, sewn, AmE sew, sewed, BrE spit, spat, and AmE spit, spit.

The Definite Article Another common difference between AmE and BrE with respect to grammar is the use of the definite article. For example, the definite article in AmE occurs in places where it is not used in BrE. Americans say “I’m going to study at the university in the spring,” and “I have to go to the hos pital,” whereas the BrE form is “I’m going to study at university in the spring” and “I have to go to hospital.” These BrE sentences are ungrammat ical in AmE. Other words and phrases which require a definite article in AmE but are used without a determiner in BrE are onto grounds, AmE onto the grounds, BrE members of staff, AmE members of the staff, BrE on average, AmE on the average (both forms are used in the US), and BrE in future, AmE in the future. For instances where BrE has a definite article but one is lacking in AmE, we have BrE “in the light of these developments” and AmE “in light of these developments.” Here, both constructions are acceptable in AmE, but the form lacking the definite article seems to be sty listically more common to AmE. Also, the definite article is sometimes used in the names of countries in BrE, whereas it is left out in AmE. Examples are BrE “the Lebanon” and “the Gambia,” which in AmE is referred to as Lebanon and Gambia respectively.

Prepositions There are many instances where different prepositions are used in AmE and BrE, for example, BrE “the restaurant is in the High Road,” and “he was in Paris at the weekend,” whereas the AmE form is “the restaurant is on Main Street,” and “he was in Paris on the weekend.” Both of the BrE construc tions are considered peculiar in the US. Compare BrE “I have booked you in at the Savoy,” with AmE “I have booked a room for you at the Savoy.” Also, BrE “this is the first epidemic for many years,” and AmE “this is the first epidemic in many years.” BrE “to be on form” can be compared with AmE “to be in form.” You may “fill in a form” in BrE while in AmE you 126


4.1 Grammar

may “fill out a form.” Someone may give a speech BrE “on behalf of the crown,” while in AmE they may give a speech “in behalf of the president.” You may “get a new lease of life,” in BrE while in AmE “you get a new lease on life.” In most cases, people on both sides of the Atlantic readily understand both of the forms discussed above. Nevertheless, differences are often noted. Many common words are associated with different prepositions, such as the verb cater, where BrE “cater for” differs from AmE “cater to,” and respect, as in BrE “in respect of” and AmE “in respect to.” There are also a number of cases where a BrE construction lacks a preposition whereas one is required in AmE. For example, with BrE “a week tomorrow,” (a phrase which is not clearly understood by many people in the US), AmE requires the use of from, as in “a week from tomorrow.” It is a commonplace in the US that people find such BrE usage to be unusual and difficult to understand. This is especially true when referring to time, dates, and events which will take place in the future. For those second language speakers who have been taught BrE, it is wise to be extra careful with the use of preposi tions when speaking about time. It is also interesting to note that many prepositions are commonly used with the s in BrE, while the s is left out in AmE. For example, BrE “their attitude towards the government,” while in AmE it is more common with “their attitude toward the government.” Another structure which is closely related is the BrE exclusion of the vowel a at the beginning of the preposi tion round. For example, BrE “there is a house round the corner,” can be compared to AmE “there is a house around the corner,” Note that the exclu sion of the vowel, to many people in the US, is considered informal. Another difference is the use of amidst and amongst in BrE. These terms are old-fashioned to many Americans, and while seldom used in the US, they are commonly heard in conversation in the UK. In conclusion, keep in mind that there are a large number of differences in the use of prepositions, and while the majority of them are not given much thought in conversation, there are instances when a specific usage may, in a cross-cultural situation, create difficulties in understanding.

Subject/Verb Agreement There are many differences in subject concord. For instance, with organiza tions, businesses, official agencies, athletic teams, etc., which are often treated as plural in BrE, the verb are is used, whereas in AmE, because the © Studentlitteratur

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same noun is considered singular, the verb is is required. This is the case of the implied plural. In BrE one could say “the committee are going to issue a statement,” and “the government are considering the proposal,” whereas in AmE one would say “the committee is going to issue a statement,” and “the government is considering the proposal.” Also, it is acceptable to write or say BrE “the company are interested in the new process.” Such construc tions are often considered unusual, if not ungrammatical, in the US, where AmE “the company is interested in the new process” is the only acceptable form. Note that in those cases when a plural form of the verb is used, it indi cates that the reference is to the individuals, or sub-groupings in the organi zation, and not to the organization as a whole. For instance, compare BrE “the Cabinet is meeting this afternoon,” with BrE “the Cabinet are not pleased with the proposal.” Students are also advised to observe the form of the possessive pronoun, which follows the same pattern as the initial verb following the subject. Note BrE “the government are following up on their plan to reorganize the tax system,” and “the government is following up on its plan to reorganize the tax system.” The following is a short list of collec tive nouns which can be used with a plural form of the verb in BrE. army aristocracy association audience Board of Directors Cabinet choir class clergy club

committee congregation couple crowd family generation government group jury mafia

majority minority orchestra panel parliament party public team union university

It is not common in the US to use a plural verb following these terms. That is to say, sentences such as “the team are not attending the meeting this afternoon,” are considered to be ungrammatical in AmE, and as such are associated with low standards of proficiency. Keep in mind that most people in the US would not make evaluations on the usage of such language when the source is a competent native speaker from another English speaking country. Instead, greater notice will be made when structures such as the above example are used by a second language speaker. 128


4.2 Punctuation

Conclusion If we look at the grammatical differences in fine detail we discover quickly that AmE and BrE abound in features which in one way or another are dis tinctive. Most of these dissimilarities are of minor importance, and rarely cause disruptions in communication. Naturally, some phrases, such as BrE “the nurses have agreed the doctor’s schedule,” may perplex people in the US, who would prefer AmE “the nurses have agreed to accept the doctor’s schedule.” A focus on grammatical difference is important for two reasons. First of all, with the written language, students who are using BrE lexical items and spelling will want to adhere to BrE grammatical convention as well. This will satisfy instructors who feel that consistency is an important aspect of writing. The same is true for students who favor AmE in their writing. The second reason for awareness of these distinctions is because the avoidance of structures which may potentially cause disruption in crosscultural communication is the primary purpose of Mid-Atlantic English.

4.2 Punctuation In punctuation, the differences between AmE and BrE are usually of little importance to students. Moreover, many scholars ignore the issue. When publishing, however, many authors are made aware of what is sometimes referred to as a house style, that is to say, the punctuation conventions which are followed by specific publishers. Nevertheless, it is commonplace for authors to see their writing in print, and much to their surprise, discover a number of changes. Regardless of the policy of specific publishing houses, however, it is clear that there are some fundamental differences in AmE and BrE punctuation. The trend in the last 40 years or so has been for BrE to slowly accept some of the more subtle peculiarities of AmE punctu ation which are listed below. As to the production of expository writing at the college and university level, students are advised to make an attempt to follow a specific style in their writing. That is to say, when using the BrE lexical register and BrE spelling, it is recommendable to also stick to some of the fundamental punctuation conventions which are decidedly British. The same is true for those who follow AmE standards. Students should make an effort when writing to prepare texts which are consistent. Keep in mind that, with respect to the spoken language, it is less important, espe cially with Mid-Atlantic English, to avoid mixing AmE and BrE. In written © Studentlitteratur

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texts, however, because they allow for more careful scrutiny, a random mix ing of spelling and punctuation may be perceived by some instructors as a sign of carelessness.

The Hyphen The hyphen, or dash, is sometimes used in spelling, (for example, BrE co operation, AmE cooperation), or, like parenthesis, to set off information within a sentence. Many compound nouns, such as BrE coal-face, oilpainting, and blood-pressure, are spelled with a dash in BrE, but as two separate words in AmE. When carrying out writing assignments, consult either an AmE or BrE dictionary, and strive for consistency. Some writers, when coming to the end of a line, prefer to divide the word into two parts (this custom is not currently in favor). In BrE the system for dividing words at the end of a line is based on the morphological breaks in a word, (for example, struct-ure). The AmE system, on the other hand, is syllabic, (for example struc-ture). While to some readers this fact may seem insignifi cant, it can actually prove to be an important piece of information. Students who have carefully prepared a manuscript using one word-division system may find that they have to remove what has been done, and in some cases, reword the text using the alternative system. When writing AmE, for exam ple, with AmE spelling and vocabulary, it would seem odd, if not incorrect for many people in the US, if the word division was based on the morpho logical system.

The Comma The major difference in the use of the comma is with listings where in BrE there is no comma after the second to the last item, for example BrE “the cover has red, white and blue flowers.” In AmE there is a comma following the second to the last item in a listing, (AmE “the cover has red, white, and blue flowers”).

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4.3 Style

Quotation Marks (Inverted Commas) In BrE the quotation marks are placed on the inside of the punctuation (usu ally a period [full stop] or a comma), for example, “and the quotation ended with a full stop”. In AmE the quotation marks are placed on the outside of punctuation, for example, “and the quotation ended with a period.” This holds true for both single as well as double quotation marks.

Letter Writing For the opening address in a letter, with BrE a comma is used whereas in AmE a colon or semicolon is more common. The general trend in the Eng lish language, however, is to omit punctuation in the address. BrE Dear Mrs Mary Thompson, AmE Dear Mrs Mary Thompson: or Dear Mrs Mary Thompson;

4.3 Style As to style, BrE is in general more formal, more strict in usage, and more indirect when compared with AmE style. Elaborate introduction is com mon, diplomacy is expected, and acts of propriety and politeness more appreciated. In BrE one finds introductory phrases to be a commonplace. The same can be said of tag-questions. In AmE the rule of thumb is to get right to the point. The message is conveyed straightforward without the “understatement” and formalized style of BrE. In Britain one might hear, “I suppose one might be inclined, in certain cases that is, to perhaps find this proposal to be worthy of consideration.” In AmE this is translated as simply “what a great idea!” It is rare in BrE to show enthusiasm as overtly as in AmE. Also, it is more common to write compound sentences in BrE than in AmE, where sentences are as a rule less complex. Any discussion of style in respect with AmE and BrE presents a number of difficulties. This is because there are many “social registers” in the two varieties. Also, in general, it is true that people with more formal higher education tend to use the language differently when compared, for example, with unskilled workers. For our purposes we will deal with standard varie ties of the language, without implying that the structures discuss-ed are the © Studentlitteratur

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domain of smaller sub-groups of people. That is to say, we are primarily concerned with the everyday language of common people (those common people, anyway, who speak standard varieties of the language). Moreover, it is apparent that there are regional varieties of English which have features that are distinct and which are easily identified. Such distinctions will not be discussed here. Nevertheless, when working with two standard varieties, AmE and BrE, there are a number of striking differences which are of inte rest to the student of Mid-Atlantic English. To begin with, there are lexical items which are distinctly BrE that we should mention because, as they are not utilized to any extent in the US, their use will identify the speaker as someone British. Traditionally, many people outside of Britain associate words and phrases such as cheerio, “I say old chap,” and elementary with the UK. Other words and phrases which distinguish the BrE speaker are fancy, brilliant, superb, groty, lad and lass, row, actually, and “I suppose.” The usage of these items is far more com mon in the speech of people in the UK as opposed to the US. To fancy something belongs to the last century in the US, and is considered both exceptionally British and old fashioned. Instead, like is far more common in the US. The adjective brilliant is one of the most common expressions of approval among young people in the UK. Some speakers of BrE manage to use this term dozens of times in an ordinary conversation, and there seems to be no limit to the number of things which deserve this praise. Brilliant, in such a capacity, is uncommon in AmE (where it is usually used to refer to something which has been accomplished within the fine arts, or is a great creative or intellectual achievement). Superb is also more common in BrE, whereas it is considered refined and sophisticated English in the US. It is perhaps more common in the US to use more down-to-earth adjectives, such as excellent, very good, and best. When describing something which is exceedingly dirty, a common BrE term for this condition is groty. This term, which is not listed in many stan dard AmE dictionaries, is not in use in the US. In AmE it is more common to use the terms dirty, filthy, or disgusting. Two more terms, BrE lad and lass, are informal but nevertheless in general use throughout the UK. These words are not commonly used in the US, where boy and girl are the order of the day. With the adverb actually, which is used commonly in both AmE and BrE, we find a difference both in usage as well as in frequency. For example, the term is used in AmE, for the most part, to denote that somet hing is factual or real. In this sense it is a straightforward term. In BrE, however, where the word has this function, it is also used as a “filler,” often at the beginning of sentences, to simply add a touch of sophistication to the 132


4.3 Style

language. In general it is true that this word can often be omitted from a sentence without altering the meaning. Some people in the UK overuse actually, and this is one of the features, like the excessive use of the word brilliant, which people in the US associate with the UK. The same can be said of the term “I suppose,” which is considered pompous in the US when it is isolated at the beginning of a sentence, and has the function of suggest ing that the speaker is casting out an idea which may or may not be true or relevant. In AmE (where “I think” is more commonly used), when this phrase is placed at the beginning of a sentence, it is not usually followed by a pause, and indicates, in a large number of cases, that the speaker is expressing opinion. Thus, when this phrase is used in AmE it is not associa ted with pretentiousness. Similar arguments can be presented for words such as really (as an exclamation which is more sarcastic rather than a straightforward expression of puzzlement), and the use of one as an unspe cified person.

Tag Questions No discussion of style would be complete without some mention of the British convention of talking about the weather, or “small talk” which is a must at first encounters or when meeting informally with acquaintances. It is customary in BrE to make statements about the weather which are based on the use of the tag question. Here, a statement is made which is either positive or negative, and at the end of the utterance a tag is placed which is of the opposite order. Thus, with the negative statement, “It isn’t very nice today” the positive tag “is it” is added. Or, to put it the other way around, “It is nice today, isn’t it?” This type of “small talk” is found in many different settings in the UK, and is very much a part of everyday life. Such questions are not really meant to be answered. In fact, they are often answered by another tag question. While this convention may exist among some groups in the US it is not considered to be part and parcel of AmE style.

Conclusion There are a number of detailed studies of the various grammatical differ ences in sentence construction and the use of various parts of speech. For the interested student, especially those who are specializing in linguistics, such material is fascinating reading. In this chapter the discussion has been limited to those constructions which represent the most common dissimilar © Studentlitteratur

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ity. But while grammatical differences are worthy of discussion and study, the question of style with respect to Mid-Atlantic English is also strongly linked to the selection of lexical items. Using the appropriate word (that which is understood by the interlocutor), is the first step in creating a MidAtlantic style. Nevertheless, there are specific features of grammar which must be addressed when attempting to create a variety of the language which is not geographically identifiable. BrE, more so than AmE, has sty listic conventions which are easily identifiable with that variety, and which may prove difficult to other native and second language speakers of the lan guage. This is the result of the influence of the regional accents and dialects on BrE. Because such a large number of people in the UK speak regional accents and dialects, the idiosyncracies of these forms of the language must have considerable influence on the standard variety. One of the most sub stantial problems which experts in this field encounter is deciding where to draw the line between standard features and features which are predomi nantly the property of a regional accent or dialect. Discussing style, for this reason, becomes more difficult. Nevertheless, as has been mentioned in the opening paragraph, BrE is in general more formal and more dependent on understatement, whereas AmE is more direct and straightforward. Finally, a comment which is often heard when style is discussed is that BrE is more “elegant,” or, to use a BrE term, more “posh.” That is to say, BrE appears to be the domain of a highly cultured people, whereas AmE is less sophisticated and more reminiscent of rural dwellers. This position is out of date. Attitudes about the “quality” of a specific variety of English are subjective and often reflect an individual’s ethnocentricity. Our position here must be that the speaker of an international form of the language is pri marily concerned with being understood. Because AmE has great influence on the development of the language worldwide, it is often the case that the American terms are more international. An American “style” of English is more accessible to a greater number of both native and second language speakers. Style is, furthermore, a difficult concept to define when discuss ing language. While BrE once held an unquestionable position as the bul wark of English usage and style among European educators, more and more people in the EU now prefer other varieties of the language (the competi tion coming from AmE and Mid-Atlantic English). This shift in opinion and language behavior is the result of a number of forces. One argument which has been brought forth is that Europeans are seeking a politically neutral language for the European Union. The use of AmE or Mid-Atlantic Eng lish, it is pointed out, may help to offset the linguistic advantages which the British enjoy in European affairs. Nevertheless, as the result of a shift in 134


4.3 Style

opinion which has been going on in Europe since World War II, the hege mony of BrE has come to a close. For a lingua franca, it is not a given that AmE is the strongest candidate. Instead, it can be argued that Mid-Atlantic English is the foremost variety of the language when clarity and ease of communication are required in a cross-cultural setting. On the one hand, an awareness of the concept of Mid-Atlantic English provides native speakers with an opportunity to learn more about the frame of reference of the people with whom they interact. Furthermore, a synthesis of the two major varieties of the language creates the best possible platform for second language speakers. It provides the second language speaker with a politically and culturally neutral system of communication, one which supports students in their efforts to develop their own style. Mid-Atlantic English encourages the use of language which best supports second language speakers in their efforts to develop an image that is not perceived as mimicking the personality and characteristics of native speakers. Because of the neutrality of Mid-Atlantic English, the native disposition and style of the second language speaker is more likely to “survive” the transition across cultural and linguistic borders. A posture which is not decidedly American or British is achieved when the speaker (or writer), uses the language as an international code of communication. As such, the English language no longer belongs solely to native speakers, but is public domain.


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5 Expressions and Proverbs

Expressions and proverbs are truly the spice of a language. They make the commonplace provocative, the absurdities of life more tolerable, and “truth” more apparent. Delivered at the right time, and timing is important here, they are effective communication tools. For the second language speaker, they indicate to the person you are talking to that you handle the language well, that you have wit and personality, as well as creativity. They help to “oil” the conversation, to create atmosphere, and to bring your friends or audience closer to you. Try to avoid using proverbs and expres sions which are not easily comprehended. Avoid changing the grammar, wording, or intonation. These witticisms are often the result of centuries of usage. They are found in texts such as the Bible, in Milton’s poetry and in Shakespeare’s plays, as well as in the works of other famous writers. It is considered a sign of awkwardness, unless your wit is highly developed, to tamper with them. There are, however, some expressions and proverbs which are in fact different in AmE and BrE. In some cases, a “foreign” ver sion may sound odd to the interlocutor. Try and learn the national versions of the expressions and proverbs listed below. These expressions and prov erbs are commonly used in the English speaking world. When no comment is made as to the likelihood of people in the US and the UK understanding the alternative form, this indicates that both of the versions are understood. N.B. These proverbs and expressions are alphabetized according to the most familiar noun or verb. Advantage You have the advantage of me. (BrE)

You are aware of something that is unknown to me. This expression, with

the above definition, is not used or known in the US, and may be misunder

stood if used with people who speak AmE.

Backroom The backroom boy. (BrE)

The man behind the scenes. (AmE) The person who is making the decisions

and doing the planning, but is not recognized by outsiders as having that

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role. The BrE expression is not clearly understood in the US, where it may

be interpreted as derogatory, indicating that the person described as a back-

room boy is somehow out of the way, and does menial tasks (the term boy

has a number of negative connotations in AmE).

Balls To balls up something. (BrE)

To screw up something. (AmE) To foul up, make mistakes. These are infor

mal or slang expressions. The BrE expression is not used in the US. It may

be understood in context. The AmE term is most likely understood by peo

ple in the UK.

Bang To go off with a bang. (BrE)

To go over with a bang. (AmE) To succeed. To gain recognition. These

expressions may cause some confusion. The BrE phrase, in AmE, may be

interpreted as having off-color connotations. The AmE expression may not

be readily comprehended in the UK.

Beyond In/at the back of beyond. (BrE)

In the sticks, or, in the boondocks. (AmE) A place which is far from civili

zation and is perhaps somewhat backward in development. While the BrE

form is not used or commonly known in the US, it will most likely be

understood in context.

Bird The early bird catches the worm. (BrE)

The early bird gets the worm. (AmE) If you get an early start and work hard

you will be a success. The first person to the market makes the best pur

chase.

Blanket A wet blanket. (BrE)

Someone who spoils the fun because they do not want to participate. This

expression is not used or known in the US, where it is more common to use

the term party pooper, which is also used in BrE.

Blood You can’t get blood from/out of a stone. (BrE)

You can’t get blood out of a rock. (AmE) When something is impossible.

(In the BrE expression, the word blood can be exchanged with water.)

Book You can’t tell a book by its cover. (BrE)

Don’t judge a book by its cover. (AmE) Avoid making judgements based on

appearance. Something which looks uninteresting from the outside may in

fact be worthwhile.


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Cap If the cap fits, wear it. (BrE)

If the shoe fits … (AmE) The implication here is that remarks which are jus

tified, (usually concerning a person) should be acknowledged. The BrE

form may be difficult to comprehend in the US.

Cards It is on the cards. (BrE)

It is in the cards. (AmE) This expressions is used to indicate that something

is probable, likely to happen, or soon to happen.

Carpet To sweep something under the carpet. (BrE)

To sweep something under the rug. (AmE) To hide something, or to ignore

a fact which is embarrassing or incriminating.

Castles Castles in the air. (BrE)

Castles in the sand. (AmE) Used to describe unrealistic goals, impossible

dreams.

Chickens Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched. (BrE) …

before they hatch. (AmE) Wait until something is completed before you cel

ebrate.

Coals That’s like taking coals to Newcastle. (BrE)

Don’t haul things to a place where that object is inexpensive and easy to

obtain. Not used or readily understood in America. Also, to my knowledge

there is no common expression in AmE which captures the meaning of this

BrE saying.

Copybook A copybook answer. (BrE)

A textbook answer. (AmE) To give an answer which is correct, as if it were

taken directly from an authoritative text. The BrE form of the expression

may not be understood by some people in America.

Country Go to the country. (BrE)

Go to the people. (AmE) When a politician indicates that they will seek a

mandate by asking the voters for support in the next election. The BrE

expression may be difficult to understand in America, and could be misin

terpreted (indicating that someone is going to leave public life).

Diamond Rough diamond. (BrE)

Diamond in the rough. (AmE) Indicates something which, while in a basic

or crude condition at the present time, has the potential to become a thing of

value.

138


Ditchwater Dull as ditchwater. (BrE) Dull as dishwater. (AmE) To be dull. Eyelid Didn’t bat an eyelid. (BrE)

Didn’t bat an eye. (AmE) To show no sign of surprise. Often used when

someone is expected to react, but instead acts as if the event is of little con-

sequence.

Eye As far as the eye could reach. (BrE)

As far as the eye can see. (AmE) The expressions are self-explanatory. Peo

ple in the US do not use the BrE phrasing, and find it awkward. Neverthe

less, it is understood in context in the US.

Fingers Someone’s fingers are all thumbs. (BrE)

To have your thumb in the middle of your hand. (AmE) Indicates that some-

one is clumsy. The expression all thumbs, which means the same thing, is

used in both AmE and BrE.

Kite To fly a kite. (BrE)

This BrE expression means to check popular opinion (often of a political

nature), while to go fly a kite is used as an impolite way to ask for someone

to leave. The expression having the second definition is used in both BrE

and AmE. The first definition is only in use in the UK, and most people in

the US would not understand the connotation.

Knuckle Near the knuckle. (BrE)

Off color. (AmE) These expressions denote behavior or language which is

sexually offensive. The expression off color, especially in BrE, is also used

when someone looks as if they are not feeling well. The BrE expression is

not used or understood in the US.

Land Lie of the land. (BrE)

Lay of the land. (AmE) To have a good orientation of the terrain, or a good

understanding of what is happening at a specific point in time.

Leader Follow-my-leader. (BrE)

Follow-the-leader. (AmE) A game played by children, but also sometimes

used by adults when expressing the idea that everyone is expected to follow

someone.

Life A new lease of life. (BrE)

A new lease on life. (AmE) To get a new start.


139


Lunch There’s no such thing as a free lunch. (AmE)

You don’t get anything for free. One way or another you pay for what you

get. Not used in the UK, but most likely understood in context.

Mickey To take the mickey out of someone. (BrE)

To have fun with someone. To toy with someone. To not tell the truth. In

AmE, it is customary “to kid or joke with someone.” The BrE expression is

not used or understood in the US.

Might Might is right. (BrE)

Might makes right. (AmE) Power, wealth, or authority is justified in its

dealings, even if the action is unethical or immoral.

Money Money talks. (AmE)

Wealth is power. If you have money, you can more or less do as you please.

Not used in the UK, but understood in context.

Mouth Down in the mouth. (BrE)

To be depressed and bored. To communicate this idea it is common in AmE

to use to be blue, or to be down. The BrE expression is not used or under-

stood in the US, and may be misunderstood.

Penny Ten to a penny. (BrE)

A dime a dozen. (AmE) Inexpensive and readily available.

Public school Someone is a public school type. (BrE)

Upper class. A “snob.” In Britain public schools are private institutions with

boarding facilities. It is customary that the pupils are from the middle and

upper classes. Because most Americans do not know the BrE meaning of

public school, they would not understand this expression. Furthermore,

there is room for misunderstanding because the AmE term for BrE public

school is AmE private school. See public school in Chapter 2.

Stick Speak softly and carry a big stick. (AmE)

President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous philosophy. Be careful, don’t look

for trouble, but if trouble comes along be well prepared. Not used in the

UK, but understood in context.

Stools To fall between two stools. (BrE)

A British expression which indicates that, as a result of having to decide

between two difficult alternatives a decision is made which does not please

anyone. Not used or know to any extent in the US, and may be misunder

stood.

140


Thumb To be under the thumb. (BrE)

To be subservient. This expression is not known or used in the US. Instead,

it is more common to refer to being hen-pecked, an expression which is

used in both the US as well as in the UK.

Thumbs All fingers and thumbs. (BrE) All thumbs. (AmE) Awkward, clumsy. Trees Can’t see the wood for the trees. (BrE)

Can’t see the forest for the trees. (AmE) This expression points out that

over-emphasis on detail can cause people to miss the more important and

major aspects of something.

Up To be on the up and up.

In BrE this expression means to be improving or to be successful and pros

perous. In AmE, however, this expression means, when used as a comment

about someone, that the person is honest and can be trusted.

Wood Touch wood. (BrE)

Knock on wood. (AmE) Superstitious behavior to ward off bad luck.


141

Differences: Weights and Measures

There are a number of differences in weights and measures. An American, for example, would not understand what a stone is in reference to a person's weight. Moreover, many English speaking people on both sides of the Atlantic have difficulty with the metric system. While the rest of the world uses metric measurements, the English speaking world stubbornly hangs on to an outdated system. They are, however, moving closer to the metric sys tem “inch by inch!” The British are more international than the Americans in this sense, but nevertheless, both in the UK and in the US, people insist on using a system of miles, gallons, and feet and inches. This is further complicated by the fact that these terms are not always the same in Britain and the US. If we begin with liquid capacity, one of the most striking examples is the differences in the most standard and often used measurements, namely pints (which are 20 fluid oz. in the UK and 16 fluid oz. in the US), quarts, and gallons (British .568, 1.136, and 4.546 liters, and American .473, .946, and 3.785 liters respectively). These units are important because they are used, for example, when buying dairy products and beverages, as well as gasoline (which is sold by the gallon in the US). Note that the British desig nations are larger than the measurements used in the US. This is also the case for ton, the US measurement referred to as a short ton (2000 pounds) and the British measurement a long ton (2240 pounds). In respect to a person's weight, it is commonplace in the UK to refer to stone (used in the singular), which is 14 pounds (6.35 kilograms). Thus, an average person could easily weigh 10 to 14 stone. This measurement is not known or used in the US, where weight is commonly discussed in terms of pounds. For large numbers, such as billion, the traditional British understanding is that this number is equivalent to a million million, whereas the US defini tion is that a billion is a thousand million. The US definition is now stan dard usage in the UK. The development is the same for UK trillion, which traditionally in the UK was a million million million, but is now, in line with the US, a million million. With quadrillion, which is 1 plus 24 zeros in 142


the UK and 1 plus 15 zeros in the US, the British have not as yet gone over to the US definition. A ream of paper is 480 sheets of paper in the UK, and is 500 sheets of paper in the US. A quire is 24 pieces of paper of the same size and stock in BrE. In AmE a quire is either 24 or 25 sheets of paper of the same size and stock. Common measurements in cooking, and as such common in millions of cookbooks through the world, are based on different standards in the US and the UK. For example, in the UK, a teaspoon is 6 ml whereas it is 5 ml in the US. A tablespoon is 18 ml in the UK and 15 ml in the US. One cupful is 284 ml in the UK and 237 ml in the US. Again, as is the case with other measurement differences, the US standards are smaller than the equivalents in the UK.


143

Bibliography

Dictionaries BBC English Dictionary: A Dictionary for the World. Ed. by John Sinclair et al. London: HarperCollins Publishers. 1992. The Concise Oxford Dictionary. Ed. by J B Sykes. London: Oxford Univer sity Press. 1982. The Concise American Heritage Dictionary. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 1987. An English Pronouncing Dictionary. Ed. by Daniel Jones. London: J. M. Dent. Seventh Edition, 1950. Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English. New Edition. Ed. by Ran dolph Quirk et. al. London: Longman. 1990. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English. Ed. by A S Hornby. London: Oxford University Press. 1985. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary. Ed. by P. Gove. Springfield, Mass.: Merriam Webster. 1986. MLA Handbook. Joseph Gibaldi and Walter S Achtert. New York: Modern Language Association. 1988.

General John Algeo, “British and American Grammatical Differences,” The Interna tional Journal of Lexicography 1:1 (Spring 1988), 1–31. John Algeo, “The Two Streams: British and American English,” Journal of English Linguistics Vol. 19, No. 2 (Oct 1986), 269–84. John Algeo, “British and American English: odi et amo,” in Papers from the 5th International Conference on English Historical Linguistics ed. Syl via Adamson, et. al., Amsterdam/Philadelphia, John Benjamins Publish ing Co., 1990, pp. 13–21. 144


General

Howard Giles, “The Social Meaning of RP: an Intergenerational Perspec tive,” in Susan Ramsaran, ed., Studies in the Pronunciation of English (London: Routledge), 1990, pp. 191–211. Manfred Görlach and Konrad Schröder, “Good Use in an EFL Context,” The English Language Today, ed. Sidney Greenbaum (Oxford: Perga mon Press, 1985), 227–32. B.A. Fennell, “Nurturing the Difference,” Verbstim/The Language Quar terly 12:4 (Spring 1986), 7–8. Robert Ilson, “Diversity in Unity: American & and British English,” Eng lish Today: The International Review of the English Language Vol 4, No. 4 (October 1985), 7–11. Robert F. Ilson, “Usage Problems in British and American English,” The English Language Today, ed. Sidney Greenbaum (Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1985), 166–82. Braj B. Kachru, “Institutionalized Second-Language Varieties,” The Eng lish Language Today, ed. Sidney Greenbaum (Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1985), 211–26. Donald S MacQueen, Using Numbers in English, (Lund: Studentlitteratur), 1990. Yutaka Matsuda, “The American Impact on British English,” Kwansei Gakain University Annual Studies Vol 39 (December 1990), 79–113. Marko Modiano, “American English and Higher Education in Sweden,” American Studies in Scandinavia 25, No. 1 (Spring 1993), pp. 37–47. Review of Denis Baron’s The English-Only Question: An Official Lan guage for American’s?, Moderna Språk, LXXXVII, No 2, (1993), pp. 214–15. The Americanization of Euro-English,” World Englishes: Journal of English as an International and Intranational Language, 15, No 2, (1996), pp. 207–15. “A Mid-Atlantic Lexical Register,” Moderna Språk, No. 1 (1996), pp. 10– 14. Pam Peters and Margery Fee, “New Configurations: The Balance of British and American English Features in Australian and Canadian English,” Australian Journal of Linguistics 1989, 135–47. Susan Ramsaran, “‘RP’ Fact and Fiction,” in Susan Ramsaran, ed., Studies in the Pronunciation of English (London: Routledge), 1990, pp. 178–190. Peter Trudgill and Jean Hannah, International English: A Guide to the Vari eties of Standard English, (London: Edward Arnold), third edition 1994. Janet Whitcut, “English, My English,” The English Language Today, ed. Sidney Greenbaum (Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1985), 159–65. © Studentlitteratur

145

Index

actually 132, 133

adult 15

advice 108

aesthetic 109

ageing 108

agile 15

aluminium 13, 15

aluminum 15

America 16

American 9

amidst 127

amongst 127

analyze 109

Angeles 13

apologize 108

are 127, 128

arm 15

Asia 10

aunt 9, 12

BBC English 11

behaviour 108

Berkeley 13

Berkeley Square 13

best 132

bigger 15

billion 6, 142

blameable 108

blood-pressure 130

body 15

Boston 10

bowler hat 6

boy 132

brilliant 132, 133


British English 11

brochure 15

California 13

calm BrE 15

Cambridge 11

Cambridge English 11

can’t 17

Carter, Jimmy 10

cater 127

centre 108

check 107

cheerio 132

cheers 6

chips 12

chisell 109

cider 109

civilize 108

clerk 13

coal-face 130

colour 107, 108

comb 16

the Commonwealth 11

comprise 109

connexion 109

controversy 13

co-operate 6

co-operation 130

councilor 108

cyder 109

Czechoslovakia 16

dance 6, 9, 12

Danish 17

147

Index defense 108 diarrhoea 109 dirty 132 disgusting 132 distill 108 dive 126 docile 15 dynasty 16 elementary 132 encyclopaedia 109 England 11 esthetic 109 excellent 132 fancy 132 feet 142 feminize 108 fertile 15 fibre 108 figure 15 filthy 132 fit 125 flavour 108 for 126, 127 France 6 French fries 12 from 127 fulfill 107, 108 futile 15 gallons 142 Gambia 126 garage 15 girl 132 Gloucester 13 got 125 Grosvenor 13 groty 132 harbour 108 hard 15 Hercules 13

148

homoeopathy 109

honor 107

honour 108

hopeless 13

hostile 15

hot 15

house style 129

howdy 6

humour 108

I suppose 6, 132

I think 6

Icelandic 17

in 126

inches 142

industrialisation 6

industrialization 6, 107

industrialize 108

inflexion 109

installment 108

International Phonetic Alphabet

(IPA) 5 is 128 issue 16 Jackson, Jessie 10

Jaguar 16

Johnson, Lyndon 10

judgement 108

Kennedy, John F. 10

kerb 107

King, Martin Luther Dr 10

King’s English 11

laboratory 13

labour 108

lad 132

lamb 16

lass 132

Lebanon 126

Leicester 13

Leicester Square 13


leisure 13, 15

letter 15

license 108

lieutenant 16

likeable 108

lingua franca 135

litre 108

liveable 108

London 11, 13

long ton 142

Los Angeles 13

Louisiana 10

loveable 108

marked RP 11

marvelous 108

massage 15

MayFair 13

Mayfair English 11

mediaeval 109

metre 107, 108

miles 142

missile 15

morphological 130

morphological system 130

palm 15

paneled 108

paralyze 109

Paris 126

pavement 6

perfume 11

pints 142

plough 108

pounds 142

practice 108

pretence 108

program 107

programme 107

prophesy 108

Public School English 11

public schools 11

quadrillion 142

quarreled 108

quarreling 108

quarts 142

Queen’s English 11

quire 143

neighbour 108

New York 10

Newcastle 138

non-profit 107

Northern Ireland 11

Norwegian 17

nuclear 15

realize 108

really 133

ream 143

Received Pronunciation 11

recognize 108

respect 127

round 127

row 132

RP 11

odour 108

of 127

offence 108

oil-painting 130

one 133

organize 108

out 127

Oxford 11

Oxford English 11

salmon 16

saw 126

Scandinavian languages 17

scent 11

schedule 13

Scotland 11

sew 126

Shakespeare 9

shall 6


149

Index short ton 142

sidewalk 6

Sioux City 16

sizeable 108

skillful 108

the South 10

spit 126

Standard American English 10

Standard British English 11

stone 142

stop 15

superb 132

Swedish 17

syllabic 130

ta 12

tablespoon 143

teaspoon 143

telephone 16

telescope 16

television 16

Texas 10

the Thames 13

thank you 12

the 126

the Gambia 126

the Lebanon 126

the Savoy 126

150

theatre 107, 108 tire 6, 107 to 127 to-day 109 towards 127 traveled 108 traveler 108 traveling 108 trillion 142 tuneable 108 tyre 6, 107 U, non-U debate 11 vapour 108 very good 132 vice 6 Wales 11 will 6 willful 108 woolen 108 Yugoslavia 16 zebra 15


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