It's an obviously known fact that there are two types of English: British English and American English. There are similar words and phrases, but with different meanings in both countries. According to MSN.com page Insider Lifestyle, by someone named Kerwin, here are 11 phrases / terms to avoid using in England, especially if you don't want a look of confusion or a funny look
-For some reason, MSN.com always has articles that catch my eye or interest
-My question is this: first and foremost, who is asking these questions or assuming these things?!?!?!?!?!? I would NEVER ask or use any of these terms or phrases with someone from England. I would try and be as respectful as possible when conversing with them. Because, if anything, I would find it endlessly fascinating to converse with someone from another country. To learn what makes them unique. Learn their likes and dislikes.
-A great example. While on vacation (holiday) in the Dominican Republic one year with my family, we started talking with these three ladies from England. They were super sweet and somehow we got onto the topic of Top Gear UK. These ladies were surprised to hear that we, being from the US, actually preferred the British Top Gear over the US one. They all told us that they were actually from right around the same regions as the guys on that show. One woman was from a village two miles down the road from where Jeremy Clarkson lives. Another said she was from Bristol, where James May is from and the other said she was from Birmingham, where Richard Hammond is from. We all went from one topic to another and it was so fascinating to learn about these ladies and their unique lives and learn what makes them unique
-On the one about the feeling right at home in England from having ancestors from there, I would, first and foremost, never be of that mindset. It's probably a very common thing that a lot of people have ancestors from England. I do. I found that out when I did the DNA test Ancestry.com is always advertising. As a result, I found out I have British in my heritage. Pretty cool. I got a tattoo to commemorate that. It's a skin rip tattoo showing the English Flag (Union Jack) underneath. I thought it was really cool to find out I have that in my heritage
1. Soccer
-For the love of all that is absolutely holy, when in England, refer to the sport that people from the US call soccer football. In England and other parts of Europe, it's football. The people who play it are "footballers". If you want to make connections, brush up on the local teams, go to a pub and watch a football on the televisions that are bound to be there. Showing that you know at least a little something about the local teams will open a world of possibilities, including making new friends and learning about a new culture. It also shows you respect the local culture, putting you in the good graces of the locals. Calling football "soccer" will earn you some funny looks and have the locals immediately asking if you're from the US and earn you some kind corrections
2. "What's with the weather?"
-It might seem like a stereotype, but the British weather forecast seems to be a popular area of discussion. Complaining about the weather like an outsider would is compared to criticizing a member of someone's family-only they can do that. If you want to talk weather with a local, do it with a nod and smile and you'll fit right in. Or speak of it in a friendly, complimentary, kind way. See if talking about it kindly works as well
3. "Fanny pack"
-In the US, "fanny pack" is a bag worn around the waist to keep items in. It's a stereotypical item used by tourists on vacation. In the UK, however, this term has a completely different meaning. In fact, it's quite embarrassing, as it refers to a certain part of the anatomy. If you want to describe this particular accessory in the UK, the proper phrase is "bum bag". It might sound strange, but if you use it, you won't get any funny looks. The key is to talk like the locals
4. "I love your accent"
-It's not surprising that a lot of people find British accents to be attractive or interesting. But it can come off as patronizing or even annoying. It's like complimenting someone on their handwriting - nice, but not something they can control. Instead, just focus on getting to know that person or talking to them. Don't focus on their accent
5. "Are you an Aussie?"
-First things first, NEVER do this. Mixing up the English, Australian and New Zealand accents are a big DO NOT DO EVER!! Despite the fact that these countries do speak English, there are subtle ways of telling whether someone is from England, Australia or New Zealand. Their accents are unique, some might be broader on vowels than others, some use specific terms and there's a sense of national pride attached. To keep it positive, let the person tell you what country they call home if it comes up in conversation
6. "Do you know the Queen?"
-This is a forehead slap moment. Never ask someone from England if they know the Queen. Assuming someone from England knows the Queen or current monarch is like asking someone from the US if they know the President personally. While the Royal Family is an interesting topic for discussion, avoid asking this to avoid sounding like a tourist
She was such a good person. Did a lot of good for others. So inspiring |
7. "My ancestors were British, so I feel right at home."
-Many people have British ancestry, but this statement might come off differently than what you intended or thought. It might come off as trying to hard to fit in. It's like claiming you're a native local after a short time in Paris because you had a relative who was French. Let the connections come in their own time over conversations. Those kinds of free-flowing, natural conversations make for stronger connections
8. "Why do you drive on the wrong side of the road?"
-To many people from Britain, they drive on the correct side, and it's everyone else who is driving on the wrong side of the road. Questioning this tradition is incredibly disrespectful. It's like asking people why they celebrate certain holidays. Just don't ask it. Accept it as a unique part of the culture, adapt to it and even enjoy the uniqueness of it
9. "You must love tea"
-While tea is a popular drink in England, not everyone is a fan of it. Making assumptions to someone based on their preferences for a drink can be considered highly irritating. It can also be considered offensive or stereotypical, assuming that someone from England will automatically like tea. It's like assuming that all people from the US like coffee and drink it from the time they get up in the morning until they go to bed at night. Simply appreciate the culture for all the uniqueness it offers
10. "Do you celebrate the Fourth of July?"
-First and foremost, who is asking these questions?!?!?!?
-If you are looking to bond with someone from the UK over holidays, the Fourth of July question is the LAST question you want to ask. If you paid attention in history class in school, you'll do good to remember the Fourth of July marks the day that the people of the US separated from British rule-not the thing you want to bring up with someone from England. Instead, ask them about unique holidays they celebrate, like Guy Fawkes Day or Boxing Day or any of the unique holidays they celebrate. Ask about the significance of them and this will show that you are taking a genuine interest. Tell them you're curious and it will come off as respectful and friendly
11. "Cheerio, mate"
-This is a stereotypical phrase and hardly used in modern day conversation. It can come off as offensive or seem like you are mocking someone from England. It would be the equivalent of someone saying "Howdy, partner!" to you if you're from New York. Learn how the locals greet each other before greeting someone with this outdated phrase
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