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General Phrase And Language Differences Between UK and USA

General Phrase And Language Differences Between UK and USA

Guide
21-Feb-2017

I will never forget the very first time I went to Walt Disney World I ordered a "Meatball Sub and Chips" from the menu. It sounded like a safe yet very "American" meal. What I wasn't expecting was a bag of ready salted CRISPS on my plate! I was so confused I couldn't even bring myself to ask if they made a mistake. To save you from any uncomfortable or confusing moments, we've complied a list of some of the general differences you'll run into at Walt Disney World (or America in general). We had some help from our lovely followers on Facebook with this list.

English WordsAmerican Words
AutumnFall
Car ParkParking lot
Driving licenseDriver's license
CrispsChips
Chips(French) Fries
Candy flossCotton candy
Pop/Coke etcSoda
Bum BagFanny pack
HolidayVacation
ToiletsRestroom
BillCheque (but spelled check)
PavementSidewalk
MotorwayHighway
Car bootTrunk
Car bonnetHood
Hire a carRent a car
MotorwayInterstate
Toll-Free RoadsFreeway
Tolled RoadsHighway
Toll GateTurnpike
IndicatorsBlinkers
TrousersPants
JumpersSweaters
RubbishTrash
BinTrash Can
Panda eyesRaccoon eyes
QueueLine
GherkinsPickles
Savoury Scone Biscuit
Single cream Half and half
JellyJello
JamJelly
Sweets Candy
Post a letterMail a letter
LiftsElevators
TaxiCabs
Shopping centre Mall
Ground floorFirst floor
Mobile phoneCell phone
Closure date(E.G Jan 23rd)The day before(E.G Jan 23rd)


Other Notable Differences


  • Americans don't tend to use words such as "fortnight". They say every 2 weeks (effort, right?).
  • Some Americans don't understand if you say the time is "Half 8". They would say "8:30".
  • Toilets don't seem to flush, they just suck all the water out (like a vortex), it's very bizarre.
  • Toilet cubicles aren't from floor to ceiling like here in the UK, you can see through, over, and under them easily for some reason.
  • There is no ground floor! The ground floor is always level 1.
  • Americans drive on the other (wrong) side of the road. Take's some getting used.
  • Driving isn't too bad as there isn't a lot of roundabouts in America, just a lot of traffic light junctions.
  • You can turn right on a red light (by giving way, oncoming traffic have priority) unless there are signs saying you can't.
  • If you ask for a pint of beer (other than at the Rose and Crown in Epcot) you'll get a 16oz size drink, not a 20oz pint.
  • A Holiday is called a vacation (they call days like Christmas "Holidays").
  • Disney call their staff members - Cast members.
  • There's a few words spelled the same (or similar) but pronounced differently - such as Caribbean and aluminium.
  • They add sales tax (around 6%) at the till. So every price sticker you see, you'll actually pay around 6% more for it. That sort of thing is illegal here in the UK!






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