Expat Life - Learning the lingo
I totally embrace the American culture, and all the wonder that goes with living here. However, I admit I do tense a little when the 'u' words appear on my kid's spelling lists - color, flavor, favor, etc. Also, some words I forget to change to their American counterpart. I'm English, so of course I duly apologize for that. Sorry!
Here's some more words and phrases that are different on either side of the Atlantic. Some are obvious, some confusing!
US - UK
Real Estate/Furniture Words
Realtor - Estate agent
Buffet - Sideboard
Dresser - Chest of drawers
Drapes - Curtains
Sheers/under drapes - Net curtains
Stove - Cooker
Closet - Wardrobe
Loveseat - 2 person settee
Sleeper - Sofabed
Living room - Sitting room, lounge
Yard - Garden
Master bath - Ensuite
Washroom/Half bath - Toilet/Cloakroom/The loo!
Restroom - Toilet/Cloakroom
First floor - Ground floor /Downstairs
Second floor - First floor /Upstairs
Elevator - Lift
Sewer pipe/soil pipe - Drain
Duplex - Semi-detached
Apartment - Flat
Trash can - Rubbish bin
Vacuum cleaner - Hoover
Delivery truck - van
Sidewalk - Pavement
Dead-end - Cul de sac
Downtown - Town centre
OBO (Or best offer) - ONO (Or near offer)
A million and a half - One and a half million (1,500,000)
(A million and a half might look like this to a Brit: 1,000,000.5)
Phrases
A half hour - Half an hour
Biweekly - Fortnightly
Two weeks - Fortnight
24/7 - 24 hours, 7 days a week
I could care less - I couldn't care less
(This American phrase baffles many Expats with its positive negatives!)
More words:
NJ Home Styles & Terms
Same language, distinct accent; loving the differences.
Cheers!
Karen
