British 101

Well, I've been here about 2 months now and I am catching on to the British language.  I guess submersion really does work!  I can understand why non-English speaking people have so much trouble learning English.  American English and British English are quite different!

There are a few British words or sayings that most Americans are already familiar with....

• Car Boot - trunk
• Car Bonnet - hood
• Loo - bathroom
• Flat - apartment
• Lift - elevator

The English do indeed use these words but here are some new ones...

• Top Off - reload or add to - this is done on your transportation pass or your pay as you go phone card.
• Take Away - to-go or carry out - when I go to Starbuck's are order my iced tea, the Barista asks if I want it here or to take away.
• Leisure Centre (note the spelling of center) - this is like a YMCA with organized sports and classes, more than a gym
• Car Park - parking lot
• Worktop - kitchen counter
• Jumper - sweater
• Under Offer - pending or under contract
• Trolley - a devise to move something from point A to point B
• Till - a Cash register
• Lead - leash for a dog
• Torch - flashlight

Here are a few food items...

• Courgette - Zucchini
• Rocket - Arugula (salad)
• Prawns - shrimps
• Gammon - Ham steak
• Crisps - potato chips
• Chips - French fries (& Fat Chips are like steak fries)
• Veg - short for veggie

And here a few words that are helpful (G-rated of course!)

• Daft - someone that is stupid, silly, or crazy
• Cheeky - someone that is sassy or rude
• Chuck - when you throw something away
• Smart - looking cute, pretty, or beautiful
• Nicked - something that has been stolen or someone who has been caught
• Mad - someone that is crazy
• Flog - the sell something for a low price that might be dodgy
• Dodgy - suspicious
• Proper - prim, correct

That is probably enough vocab words for lesson 101.  Here are a few spelling words!

• Cheque - check (from a check book)
• Tyres - tires
• Colour - color
• Labour - labor
• Centre - center
• Neighbour - neighbor
• Neighbourhood - neighborhood
• Organised - organized

Make sure you study... you will be tested!

Hope you enjoyed!!