Understand American Terms

If you are British and need to understand American English and slang, this article is for you!

Steps

  1. Be aware that certain food items are called by American names:
    • "French fries" (or simply "fries") are sliced and fried potatoes.
    • "Chips" are crisps.
    • A "cookie" is a biscuit.
    • A "biscuit" is a small piece of soft bread.
  2. Learn the different terms for parts of a building:
    • The "first floor" is the ground floor.
    • The "second floor" is the first floor.
    • An "elevator" is a lift.
    • "Apartment" is the general word for a flat.
  3. Study these terms for when you are on the move:
    • The "trunk" is the boot of the car.
    • The "hood" is the bonnet.
    • A "traffic circle" is a roundabout. Some Americans may use "roundabout" as well. In the Northeast it's sometimes called a "rotary".
    • The colours of traffic lights are red, green and yellow (not amber).
    • An "Amber alert" is an announcement over radio, TV, and electronic highway signs that inform the public that a child has just been reported missing (along with any relevant details, such as a physical description of the child and the make and color of the car they were last seen in).
    • A "truck" is a lorry.
    • A "sidewalk" is the pavement. "Pavement" commonly refers to the street.
    • "Gasoline" or "gas" is petrol.
    • "Airplane" is used instead of aeroplane.
  4. Avoid embarrassment by understanding these differences:
    • "Bathroom," "restroom" or "washroom" are used for the toilet, although "washroom" is not common. One doesn't talk about going to the toilet or going to use the toilet. That is considered a little strange or "TMI" (too much information). "Bathroom" is most common; "restroom" is reserved for polite company, people you don't know that well, when out at a restaurant, etc. 'Going to the bathroom' is the most common. Children are asked if they need to "use the potty" or if they need to "go potty" (not common after age eight or so).
    • "Restroom" is always used in public places. A "bathroom" usually means there's also a tub, but it can refer to a public toilet. "Washroom" can refer to either.
    • An "eraser" is a rubber. Most Americans think of a rubber as a condom, so this is an important one. Most Americans say "condom," so if someone says "rubber," it may be a reference to a condom. Sometimes it can refer to rubber footwear worn over shoes as protection in wet weather. It may simply be best to confine your use of the word to the elastic substance grown on trees.
  5. Remember when throwing something away that:
    • "Garbage" or "trash" is rubbish. "Garbage" often means kitchen waste, while "trash" may refer to paper or other general waste.
    • "Garbage" goes in the "trash can" or "garbage can." In either case, it is acceptable to omit the "can" (just put it "in the trash").
    • Occasionally the trash can is referred to as a/the "circular file," especially in a humorous sense.
    • People sometimes refer to throwing something out as having "eighty-sixed" it. What did Jim do with the old Smith file? He 86'ed it. What should I do with this form? Eighty-six it.
    • A "garbage bag" or "trash bag" is a bin liner.
    • A "dumpster" is the colloquial term for a large trash container or a dust bin.
    • A "dump" is a tip.
  6. Use these terms when talking about clothing:
    • "Pants" are trousers. American "trousers" commonly refers to men's nice or formal pants. Women's dress pants are usually called "slacks", though slacks may also refer to men's dress pants.
    • "Panties" are women's undergarments, and "underwear" refers to either women's or men's undergarments. Loose fitting underwear are called "boxers". The more form-fitting, knit underwear are called "briefs" if they do not extend below the upper thigh. They are "boxer briefs" if they end at mid-thigh.
    • "Long underwear" can be worn by either men or women and are worn over regular underwear for added warmth. Long underwear provides coverage like that of a long-sleeve shirt and pants.
    • "Sneakers" or "tennis shoes" are trainers. "Trainers" or "personal trainers" are generally personal fitness coaches or athletic trainers (healthcare professionals associated with sports that focus on injury/ illness prevention/ assessment and first-aid emergency care).
  7. Finally, study these terms which can cause confusion:
    • A "baby stroller" or "baby buggy" is a pram ("Baby stroller" or simply "stroller" is most common).
    • A "vacation" is a holiday or a trip to get away from ordinary life. This is quite important, because an American "holiday" only means a special day, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving. Americans say that they are "going on (a) vacation" if they are actually going away somewhere. They never say they are "going on holiday". One might say they have a specific holiday off of work. For example, " Do you have the holiday off? Thanksgiving? Yes, I do have it off". If you have a week of vacation off from work but you are not going anywhere but instead are staying home and relaxing around the house, you are nevertheless "on vacation".
    • A "flashlight" is a torch.
    • "Dish detergent" is washing-up liquid or liquid or powder to wash dishes.
    • "Next ___day" is ___day next (for example, we are going "on vacation next Thursday").
    • When Americans speak of "football," they are of course referring to American football. "Soccer" is used to describe what most people in the world know as football.

Tips

  • Different areas of America have different terms, just as they do in Britain. A popular debate is "soda" or "pop." It means the same thing, but depending on where you are, it can be called either. Also, if you are in the southeast US and you ask for a "Coke," you might well be asked what kind, because they often use that word in place of soda or pop.
  • Some words require extra caution. If you ask about the lift, some people might not know what you are talking about. Once in the "elevator," however, if you ask for the third floor, you will be taken to the second floor. If you ask for a rubber or a fag (or worse, both), you will get dirty looks, because you're asking for a condom and (derogatorily) a homosexual, respectively.
  • If you go to a gym and ask for trainers and get an interesting answer or a ridiculous price, it's probably because they think you're talking about a coach.
  • In the South, primarily states like Alabama, Georgia, Texas (especially)-- you will hear the term 'fixing' a lot, most often pronounced as 'fixin'. This word has several meanings. 'Fixin' can mean 'getting ready or preparing' or 'about' to do something or go somewhere, as in, "I'm fixin' to go to the grocery store. Do you need anything?"; "I'm fixin' to make some tea while you're gone. Would you pick up some sugar?" "I need to make this a fast trip because it looks like it's fixin' (about) to rain". 'Fixin' or 'fix' can also mean 'to make', as in "If you're hungry, I can fix us a snack now, but Mama's fixin' up something special for supper in a few hours.". The word 'fixing' can also mean 'grooming' or 'styling', as in 'fixing one's self up', that is, getting dressed and groomed for an occasion-- 'fixing herself up for church', 'Josiah's fixing himself up really fancy for his date with Miss Lila this evening. He sure is sweet on her!'
  • In the South, and particularly in Texas, "y'all" is often heard. It means 'you all'. This is reserved for a group, never an individual. A Texan would never address a single person as "y'all". A lone person is greeted with 'Howdy!'; a group of 2 or more is greeted 'Howdy, y'all!'. 'All y'all" is used to designate an entire group of people, while "y'all' may be used to designate subgroups within the main group. It is synonymous with 'All of you' or 'Everyone'. "Y'all" is ALWAYS plural, at least in Texas.
  • Use caution because some words may be used more differently than you think! Be VERY careful with the expression 'Bless your heart'. While it is often used as an expression of empathy and concern, it is often a double-edged sword with many different meanings, depending on inflection and context. This is very true especially, again, in the South. It is best to limit your use of this phrase to those whom you know well.

Warnings

  • "Knock up" is a slang term for getting someone pregnant. Do not ever use that term in America unless you are in impolite company talking about pregnancy. For example, never say "I'll knock you up tomorrow" unless you intend to impregnate the person to whom you are speaking.
  • Do not use the term "queer" for any reason. It is seen as derogatory unless used by someone who is gay, for the most part. Americans say something is "strange" or "odd." They don't use "queer"" in this sense, nor do they use "gay" to mean happy.
  • In some places, the term "bloody" is considered less than polite and would best be avoided. "The F word" should not be used except among friends.
  • The most respectful way to refer to a person who might be considered "black," as opposed to Caucasian, Asian, Indian, Hispanic, etc., is to refer to them as "African-American". This is not a perfect strategy because not all people of color appreciate this term. A person might say,"My family is from the Caribbean, but I do not consider myself an African-American." It is best not to refer to someone as a "black" person. It is difficult to tell when this might be considered offensive and when it is acceptable. In general, try to avoid the subject if possible. Do not use the term "colored people" either.
  • The middle finger stuck up with your palm facing toward you is often considered highly offensive and is not used with anyone other than enemies or good friends.
  • Some words are less acceptable in America than in the UK. Do not ask for a fag when you want a cigarette. You'll be asking (quite derogatorily) for a homosexual, and most people will not be thrilled.
  • A " fanny" is someone's bum; a parent might say to a child, "come sit your fanny down and finish your homework". It is used in a somewhat endearing manner. It is not a 'bad' word.
  • It is never acceptable for someone who is not African-American to use the "n" word. It is considered so offensive that it is very difficult for most Americans to say or write it, even in an educational context. It is common to hear this word used in rap music. It is only used by African-Americans, and if it is part of a song, do not sing along with that part when you are walking down the street with your iPod!
  • Refrain from trying to "fit in" by using American slang you're not familiar with. While Americans love visitors from other countries, they tend to think that non-Americans who try to use American slang sound ridiculous. It's usually best not to use words that they might not understand or may find offensive.
  • Some Americans can be ethnocentric and don't bother to learn British slang. Try to use only literal terms. You might be OK around Americans who enjoy British culture, but even in that case choose your rhetoric carefully.
  • America is no longer full of cowboys. In fact, referring to someone as a cowboy can sometimes be considered demeaning.
  • It is not really acceptable to use the term homosexual either. In general, avoid talking about Americans'"sexual preferences" or " lifestyle" unless you are talking with good friends. If you are with friends, you would use the terms "gay" or "lesbian" to describe a homosexual person.
  • This article was copied in part from Understand British Terms

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

You may like

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Understand_American_Terms&oldid=320997"