The Language Barrier

In spite of the fact that both Americans and the British speak English, there are noticeable differences beyond their (or our!) accents. Here are a few key terms to keep you in the know.

clothing:
trousers = pants.
pants = underwear (knickers is also be used)
jumper = sweater
lift = elevator

loo = bathroom (you may see signs for the WC (water closet)
queue = line
bonnet = hood of the car
boot = trunk of the car
flat = apartment

food:
bangers and mash (on a menu) = sausage and mashed potatoes
bubble and Squeak is a dish comprised of leftover potatoes, cabbage, and perhaps some beef jacket potatoes = baked potatoes (the skin, or “jacket,” is still on)
prawns = shrimp
haggis, neeps, and tatties = haggis (it's quite delicious!) with mashed turnips (neeps), and mashed potatoes (tatties)
biscuits = cookies
chips = french fries
crisps = potato chips
take away = carry out
If you ask for water in a restaurant and don't want sparkling water you will need specify "flat" otherwise you will get bubbly water.

quid = a British pound (currency)
fag = cigarette
snog = kiss
knackered = exhausted
the tube = the London Underground (subway system); in the tube you may hear the phrase "mind the gap" this refers to keeping an eye out for the gap between the subway trains and the station platform; common courtesy on the tube is yield your seat to a pregnant woman or an elderly person, or anyone looking like they could really use the seat (if there are none left)