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2/8/2014

 
I had been to Britain a few times before moving here. It's quite a different experience being a tourist than actually living here. Some of the biggest immediate surprises were words.
As they say, two countries divided by a common language.

Here are just a few of the words that surprised and confused me.
British-----------------------------American
Flannel                                        Wash cloth
Cling film                                     Plastic wrap
Hob                                              Stove
Kitchen roll                                 Paper towels
Loo roll                                        Toilet paper
Toilet/Loo                                   Restroom
Toilet                                            Bathroom

Washing up liquid                    Dish soap
Chips                                             French fries
Crisps                                            Chips
Biscuits                                          Cookies or crackers
Scones
                                           Biscuits
Aubergine                                     Eggplant
Courgette                                     Zucchini
Maths                                             Math
Trousers                                        Pants
Pants                                              Underwear
Bottom                                           Fanny
Fanny                                              Slang for female genitals
Footwell                                         Floorboard (of a car)

Then there are all the different words for nether parts. This can be particularly embarrassing when, like a small child, you announce, "What's a quim?"
You just don't know what things are going to mean here. I thought it was a fruit.


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    American writer living in London. Please do not feed.

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