15 British Words and Phrases That Make Americans Go “What?”
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe American and British English are the same language, especially considering the differences in word use and idiomatic expressions. These are some of the most popular terms in the United Kingdom (UK) that confuse and amuse Americans.
1: Making a Point
The only way an American wants to hear “bloody” used is when talking about the tomato-based cocktail. But in the United Kingdom (UK), throwing around the word “bloody” to provide extra emphasis is totally normal. Although historians aren’t sure where “bloody” originated from in British English, some believe it could be from the “bloods,” which was a name for aristocratic rowdies.
2: Financial Speak
Converting from dollars to pounds can be challenging enough for the casual American tourist. So, hearing Brits talk about quids can be even more difficult. The word “pound” carries a more formal tone and is similar to saying “dollar.” In contrast, “quid” is informal, like saying “bucks.”
3: Joking Around
Some Americans are taken aback upon hearing Brits say, “Taking the pis*.” However, they’re not literally needing to use the restroom. Instead, they use this phrase to express annoyance at a situation or to say something along the lines of “I’m just messing with you.”
4: A Spot of Breakfast
Many Americans know that crumpets are food. But when pressed to describe them, you’ll often be met with blank stares. Crumpets are a pastry similar to a thick pancake crossed with an English muffin; think light with lots of air holes throughout and the perfect vehicle for butter or jam.
5: The Rhyming Game
Just like Americans, the British use different words in different regions of the UK. Case in point? In Cockney slang, locals often use rhyming phrases to describe what they’re talking about. For example, they may use “apples and pears” instead of “stairs.” Talk about confusing.
6: An Informal Greeting
If you travel to the UK, don’t be surprised if someone greets you by saying “wotcher.” That’s right: This isn’t a term only found in Harry Potter books. Instead, it’s an informal greeting shortened from “What are you doing?” or “How are you doing?” Similar to “howdy” in American English, “the phrase”wotcher” usually doesn’t require a response.
7: Family Business
Americans are used to hearing something along the lines of, “And that’s it” after someone explains how to do something. But in Britain, many locals conclude with the phrase, “And Bob’s your Uncle!” The phrase means to make something easy and is believed to be derived from a former Prime Minister who made his nephew Chief Secretary of Ireland.
8: A Green Thumb
It’s easy for Americans to get confused about the outdoor space around a house when listening to Brits speak. What Americans call a “yard,” the British call a “garden.” While a British garden refers to the entire front or back outdoor space around one’s house, they call various sections of landscaping “flowerbed,” “vegetable patch,” or “lawn.”
9: Dumb and Dumber
While the term “prat” may leave Americans confused, the appropriate reaction is to be offended. A prat is a demeaning way for Brits to call someone unintelligent or foolish.
10: No Lorries Allowed
Ever wonder what the term “lorry” means? It’s a large truck, such as an 18-wheeler. An 18-wheeler sounds like a more descriptive way to describe a vehicle, if you ask us.
11: Rock the Baby
It turns out that not all devices used to push babies around in Britain go by the same name. A “pram” is designed for newborns and infants, while the word “strollers” we’re familiar with using stateside are for older babies and toddlers.
12: Wasting Time
A fairly common phrase, “mucking about,” may be more familiar to Americans who watch British TV shows. For those that don’t, the term simply means to mess around or waste time. It’s the kind of phrase your mom says when you’re not doing your homework.
13: Don’t Overexaggerate
The word “stonking” might evoke laughter from an American who’s never heard of the word. However, it might not be met with the same enthusiasm from the Brit saying it; “Stonking” is used to convey something exciting or extreme, such as, “I’ve got a stonking headache.”
14: Do You Have the Time?
The way Brits say the time can be confusing for Americans. For example, when you hear a Brit say “half ten,” it’s a shortened version of “half past ten.” Or, in an even more common way for Americans to say it, 10:30.
15: A Quick Hello
In Britain, asking someone how they’re doing and answering “alright” is totally normal, and there’s no reason to dig deeper. But when an American hears someone say “alright,” they may think the person is anything but okay and press for more details.
Evolution of American English
So, how exactly did American colonists transition from speaking British to American English? The change in dialect was due to isolation from Britain and exposure to other languages, such as Native American languages, mariners’ Indian English pidgin, and more.
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