UK or SA ENGLISH
|
AMERICAN
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The written date : 10 January 2016 or 10-1-2016 |
The written date : January 10, 2016 or 1-10-2016 |
Saying "triple 7', "double e" or "double n" |
Do not use this in the US! Say the letters or numbers one at a time, as in 7,7,7 or e,e or n,n. |
Cot (baby bed with sides, up to aged 3) |
Crib |
Crib - tiny crib on legs for a newborn |
Bassinet |
Stretcher - to sleep on temporarily like during a disaster or for a guest |
Cot |
Stretcher (in ambulance) |
Gurney |
Invigilator; to invigilate or I am invigilating this test
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Proctor: to proctor or I am proctoring this test
|
Boot (car)
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The trunk
|
Hooter
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Horn (hooters are not used in polite conversation as they refer to the word below)
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Breasts or Boobs
|
Hooters
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Hoot
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Honk
|
Yell & Scream |
Hoot 'n Holler |
Pigeon Hole (in a classroom) |
Cubbie - space or shelf in a classroom where a student keeps belongings |
Cubby Hole (in a car)
|
Glove compartment
|
Lift
|
Elevator
|
"Super" (That's super!) |
"Great!" (super refers to super-size!) |
Pop In (visit) "I'll just pop in to see you!" |
"I'll Swing by you" - pop is what corn does!! |
Soft Drink |
Soda, Pop, Coke
|
Soda |
Club Soda or Seltzer |
Pavement (to walk on)
|
Sidewalk
|
The road or tarmac to drive on
|
Pavement
|
Baby's or Amish woman's Hat |
Bonnet |
Hired car |
Rental car |
Bonnet
|
Hood (of a car!)
|
Bumper
|
Fender
|
Panel Beater
|
Body Shop have no idea what a panel beater is!!
|
Parts (as in for a car or machine) |
Spares
|
Spare(s)
|
One bowling pin left standing!
|
Strike (cease work) |
Knocking all the bowling pins down |
Telephone Directory
|
Phone Book
|
Full stop (punctuation)
|
Period
|
Period (menstrual period) |
Period |
Inverted comma's
|
Quotation marks
|
Brackets (punctuation)
|
Parentheses
|
Exclamation Mark
|
Exclamation Point
|
Tracksuit
|
Sweats
|
Arrive late
|
Tardy
|
Takkies (SA)or Running Shoes (UK)
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Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
|
Seedy or undesirable
|
Tacky
|
Torch
Olympic flame / Garden Torch
|
Flashlight
Torch
|
Electric Razor
What the barber uses with a brush and foam!
|
Electric Shaver
Razor / Cut-throat
|
Guillotine
|
Paper trimmer
|
Old French form of execution
|
Guillotine
|
Celsius
|
Fahrenheit Only 2 other countries in the world still use this Liberia and Myanmar (Burma)
|
Celtic (pron. keltic) as in Scots or Irish origin
|
Celtic (pron. Seltic)
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Supermarket
|
Grocery Store
|
Chemist / Pharmacy
|
Drugstore or pharmacy
|
Lab scientist / technician
|
Chemist
|
Garden furniture
|
Lawn Chairs
|
Bottom / bum
|
Fanny / Butt / Ass / Behind
|
Fanny
|
Vagina
|
Moon Bag |
Fanny Pack |
Handbag
|
Purse
|
Purse or wallet (for money)
|
Wallet or Pocket Book
|
Jelly
|
Jello
|
Jam
|
Jelly or Preserve
|
Tartan
|
Plaid
|
Pudding
|
Dessert
|
Instant Pudding in a box |
Pudding |
Estate Agent
|
Realtor / Broker
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Turnover (amount of income per year)
|
Turnover (Staff Turnover) also a fruit filled pastry dessert
|
Hot baked fruit pie |
Cobbler |
Excess (as in an insurance policy)
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Deductible
|
Robot
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Traffic Light
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Centre Island (on a road)
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Median
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Under the influence (driving)
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Driving While Impaired (DWI or DUI)
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Christmas Holidays
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"The Holidays" more politically correct to incorporate all the religions who celebrate holidays at this time of year as in "Happy Holidays" never Happy Christmas!!! Rather Merry Christmas!
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Going on Holiday
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Going on Vacation
|
Kilometers
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Miles
|
Beauty Salon
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Spa
|
Anaesthetist
|
Anesthesiologist
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General Practitioner (GP)
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Family Doctor
|
Opthalmologist |
Eye Doctor |
Optometrist |
Eye Doctor |
Bakkie (SA) or Van (UK)
|
Pick-up truck or truck
|
Truck / Lorry / Pantechnikon |
18 wheeler / tractor trailer |
Trolley (supermarket)
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Cart
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Flag
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Banner or flag
|
Lunch Break at school
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Recess
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Dungarees
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Overalls
|
Overalls (workman) |
Coveralls |
Coffin
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Casket
|
Cinema
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Movie House / movie theatre
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Two seater couch /sofa
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Loveseat
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Guest Loo at home
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Powder Room
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Loo / Lavatory/ Toilet
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Bathroom / Restroom
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Lounge Suite (pr.sweet)
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Lounge Suite (pr.suit)
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Route on a map (pr. root)
|
Route (pr. Rowt)
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Film
|
Movie
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Jersey / Cardigan / Jumper
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Sweater
|
Pinnafore |
Jumper - sleeveless dress with a blouse worn underneath |
Vest
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Under shirt
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Waistcoat
|
Vest
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Glasses / Spectacles
|
Eye Glasses
|
Garage (emphasis on the 1st "a")
|
Garage (pr. Garaaage)
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Sitting Room
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Parlor / Family Room / Living Room
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Play soccer / baseball
|
Play ball
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Chopper
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Axe
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Helicopter
|
Chopper
|
Scone (pron. Scon)
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Biscuit
|
Biscuit
|
Cookie
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Sleep
|
Nap
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Serviette
|
Napkin
|
Napkin or Nappy (baby)
|
Diaper
|
Pram
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Stroller / Baby Carriage
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Dummy
|
Pacifier
|
Sticky Tape / Cello tape
|
Scotch Tape
|
Polyfiller (white stuff for holes in walls)
|
Spackle
|
Stand / Erf (as in property)
|
Lot
|
Door Handle
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Door Knob
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Cupboard (for clothes)
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Closet
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Cuboards (in kitchen) |
Cabinets |
Plait (as in hair)
|
Braid
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Minibus
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Van
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4 x 4
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SUV
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Verandah / Stoep
|
Porch or stoop
|
Aerial
|
Antenna
|
Project
|
Assignment
|
Class teacher
|
Advisory
|
Naught (0)
|
Zero (never heard of naught in this context!!)
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Nothing (as in 'came to nothing' or naught)
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Naught
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Pre-school or Grade 0
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Kindergarten
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Chips (hot)
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Fries
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Chips (Packet)
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Chips/ crisps
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Math's (as in Mathematic's)
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Math (no 's')
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Bread Roll
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Bun
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Bond
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Mortgage
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Access Bond
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Equity Line is the closest thing
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Renovate
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Remodel / Rehab
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Off Ramp
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Exit
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Highway
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Beltway / Freeway
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Deposit
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Down Payment
|
Flat
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Apartment or Condo
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Townhouse
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Condominium / townhouse
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Cluster Home
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Townhome
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Marquee (a tent for an event or wedding) |
Tent |
The large illuminated sign above an old movie theater with big letters of what's showing! |
Marquee |
Duvet (goes inside the duvet cover) |
Duvet Comforter |
Duvet Cover |
Duvet |
Comforter |
Bedspread or padded blanket |
The Post
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The Mail (signs are posted!!)
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Put up a sign
|
Post (referring to a sign about no entry or police line do not enter as in "this sign is posted")
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Ten Cents
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Dime
|
Five Cents
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Nickel
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One Cent / Penny
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Penny
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Foyer / Entrance Hall
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Hallway
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Bath
|
Tub
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Jacuzzi Bath
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Garden Tub
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Jacuzzi (outdoors)
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Hot Tub / Spa
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Stairs
|
Staircase - the Stairwell is the space under the stairs.
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Vase (pr. Vaaze)
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Vase (pr. Vayze)
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Curtains
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Drapes
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Rods, rings and rails (for curtains)
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Hardware
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Standing Lamp
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Floor Lamp
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Side Table living room
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End Table
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Bedside Table
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Night Stand
|
Vice (used to grip things in a workshop)
|
Vise (pron. Vice but spelt with an "S")
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Vice (as in vice squad)
|
Vice (as in vice squad)
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Bannister
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Handrail
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I'm finished
|
I'm done
|
I'm fine
|
I'm good
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Pardon me! or Sorry!
|
Excuse me! - mostly used when wanting to pass someone in a confined space.
|
It's a pleasure! (response to Thank You!)
|
You're welcome! My Pleasure!
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Anti-clockwise
|
Counter-clockwise
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Dressing Gown
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Robe
|
Spanspek / Sweet Melon
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Cantaloupe
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Courgette or Baby Marrow
|
Zuchini
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Naartjie (SA)
|
Tangerine
|
Aubergine or Bringal
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Egg plant
|
Sosatie
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Kebab
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Paraffin
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Kerosene; Parraffin; Wax
|
Fuel / Petrol
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Gas
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Oil Change
|
Lube
|
Fire Engine
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Fire Truck
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Fire Station
|
Fire House
|
Fire Brigade |
Fire Department |
Jersey
|
Jumper
|
Moonbag
|
Fanny Pack
|
Penultimate
|
Unknown expression in the US
|
Doctors Rooms
|
Doctors Office
|
Migraine (pr. Meegrain)
|
Migraine (pr.maigrain)
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Deputy Mayor
|
Mayor Pro Tem
|
School bag, suitcase or satchel
|
Book bag
|
Sucker
|
Lollipop
|
A Gullible fellow / Loser
|
Sucker
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Sweets
|
Candy
|
Candy Floss
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Cotton Candy
|
Starter / Entrée |
Appetizer |
Main Course
|
Entrée
|
Diary
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Planner or Calendar
|
Journal
|
Diary
|
Ghetto blaster or portable stereo
|
Boom box
|
APS film
|
Advantix
|
Koki Pens
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Markers or Sharpies
|
File (for documents)
|
Binder
|
Radiologists
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Imaging center
|
Stationery shop
|
Book store
|
Haberdashery shop
|
Sewing Supplies (Never heard of haberdashery!! Used to refer to a mens clothing store in the US , but now it's an old fashioned term)
|
Cutlery or Silver
|
Flatware or Silverware even if it's plastic!!
|
Crockery or Dinner Service
|
Dinnerware
|
Car
|
Vehicle (pr. Vee-hickle) / Automobile
|
Cooler box
|
Cooler
|
Bedspread
|
Bed Cover
|
Pillowcase with border around the pillow area or Continental pillow
|
Sham / European pillow
|
School Report
|
Report Card
|
Teachers or Staff at a school
|
Faculty - all teachers at the school
|
Faculty of Arts (university)
|
School of Arts
|
Go to University
|
Go to school or College
|
School |
Elementary, Middle & High School |
College or University
|
All tertiary institutions are referred to as "school"
|
Number plate |
Tag or License tag / plate |
Post Graduate student
|
Grad student or "I am at Grad school"
|
Zebra Crossing |
Pedestrian Crossing |
Changing Room
|
Locker room
|
Tap (in the sink or bath or garden)
|
Faucet
|
Tippex
|
WhiteOut or Liquid Paper
|
Power Failure
|
Power - out
|
Electricity
|
Power
|
Electricity, water, sewer, waste etc
|
Utilities
|
Spade
|
Shovel
|
Call Box
|
Phone Booth
|
Inquiries (pron. "Ink-wire-rees")
|
Inquiries (pron. Inkwirries)
|
Qatar -Mid Eastern country (pron. "kwa-taar")
|
Qatar (pron. "gutter") or "kuh-tar"
|
Reverse Charges (phone) |
Call Collect |
Rocket (salad) |
Arugula |
Condom |
Rubber |
Rubber (to remove pencil) |
Eraser |
Rubbish (bin) |
Garbage / Trash (can) |
Spanner |
Monkey Wrench |
Stroppy (difficult person) |
PIA! (pain in the ass) |
Zed (Z) |
Zee (Z) |
Firefly |
Lightnin' Bug |
Lady Bird |
Lady Bug |
Lay-by (on a highway) |
Rest Area |
Lemon Juice (as in Orange Juice) |
Lemonade |
Lemonade |
7-Up or Sprite |
Perspex |
Plexiglass |
Queue (stand in a queue) |
Line (stand in a line) |
Duvet Cover |
Comforter |
Elastoplast |
Band Aid |
Dodgy |
Suspect |
Gear Box |
Transmission |
Green Fingers |
Green Thumb |
Grotty |
Trashy |
Handbrake |
Emergency Brake |
Gear Lever |
Gear Shift or Stick Shift |
Hand Luggage |
Carry-on baggage |
Rent (a property) |
For Rent |
For Hire (car or furniture) |
Rental |
Coupé - 2-door car (pron. coop-pay) |
Coupé (pron. coop) |
Convertible top (car) |
Hood (as in "Let's put the hood down!") |
Débris (pron. day-bree) |
Débris (pron. de-bree) |
Décor (pron. day-kor) |
Décor (pron. de-korr) |
Icing Sugar |
Powdered or confectioners sugar |
Jacket Potato |
Baked Potato |
'Mr Plod' |
a Cop |
Bin or Dust Bin |
Trash Can - Garbage can |
Shag or Shagging (slang) for Intercourse |
Dancing see below..... |
Intercourse (the same in the US and.....) |
A small Amish town in Pennsylvania! |
A Carolina Dance step done to 'Beach Music' |
Shagging |
Engaged (phone) |
Busy |
Braces (to hold up pants) |
Suspenders - braces go on teeth |
Suspenders (to hold up Stockings) |
Hold Ups / Garters |
Brolly |
Umbrella |
Tramp (down and out person) |
Bum |
Bum or Bottom |
Butt or Ass |
Créche |
Play school |
Nativity Scene |
Créche |
CV (Curriculm Vitae) |
Resumé |
Dado Rail |
Chair Rail |
Demister (in your car) |
Defroster |
Dodgem car |
Bumper Car |
To Burgle (rob) |
Burglarize |
'Nick' stuff |
Steal stuff |
Carrier Bag |
Shopping Bag |
Cock-up (a mess up) |
Very rude - dont use it!!! Use 'Screw-up' |
Cotton Bud |
Cotton swab / Q-Tip |
Cotton Wool (balls) |
Cotton |
Cotton (reel of cotton for sewing) |
Thread |
Accelerator pedal |
Gas pedal |
Indicator / Flicker |
Turn signal |
Anorak |
Outdoor jacket / Parker |
Answering Machine |
Voice Mail |
Autumn |
Fall |
To 'bag' something - claim it |
'Dibbs' it or 'Call' it |
Bangers (sausage) |
Wieners / Hot Dog |
A Barney |
A Fight |
Barmy |
Nuts / Crazy |
Arse |
Ass |
Aluminium (al-le-min-eeum) |
Aluminum (al-lu-minum) |
Court Shoes |
Pumps |
Car Park |
Parking Garage |
String (ball of) |
Hemp ? - not known |
Drawing Pin |
Thumb Tack |
Presenter (TV) |
Anchor |
Ladder (pantihose) |
Run |
Tin - as in a tin of beans, peas, jam |
Can |
Jumble Sale |
Rummage Sale / Garage Sale, Yard Sale |
Rucksack |
Backpack |
Parakeet |
Parrot |
Budgie (Budgerigar - small blue /yellow bird) |
Parakeet (never heard of a budgie!) |
Buoy (pron. boy) |
Buoy (pron, boo-ey) Sent in by Debbie Boltman! |
Bouyant (pron boy-jant) |
Buoyant (pron boy-jant not booey-ent!) |
Foefie Slide |
Zip Line |
Hold Thumbs! (that something happens) |
Cross your fingers! |
Impediment (speech / hearing) |
Impairment, speech or hearing impairment |
Speciality (this is considered an incorrect spelling)
|
Specialty
|
Garden (Lawn & Flower beds) |
Yard |
Veggie Garden |
Garden |