This has been a drag me to the edge week so far, so for a little fun tell me how you know I;m American. Americans, tell us how you recognize Brits. Remember, keep it sorta nice.
I know I'm talking to a British person when they apologize for offending you before they offend you.but then they really let you have it.
23 Replies
•
Well you know when you are talking to an Irish person when they call you a bastard as a compliment!
You know when you are talking with an American when you are told about how good American foreign policy is you wont hear that elsewhere!!
You knew that Elisse , but I didn't think vintage-me would ,that is what the Maori call the white New Zealander ,you know an American by the way they talk their accent ,,,,and the way they talk over you , sorry vintage me
Oh my, the talking over bit is a terrible habit of mine. I didn't realize it was a national trait. Can't you just see all these Americans talking at each other. It's surprising we get anything done lol.
Seriously, most Americans hate that and another one is' you take care now'. There's an implied intimacy that doesn't exists.
• in reply to
So, as a American, how else do you know you are talking to a Brit.
• in reply to
We watch loads of British television, so we're getting the lingo differences down pretty well. Brits- torch, US- flashlight. Brits- car park; US- parking lot. Brits- dust bin; US- trash can. Brits- a right barney (I love that one), US- a hairy confrontation. Brits- use stone for a weight measure; US- strictly pounds. I had to look that one up. Brits- surgery; US- doctor's office. Brits- theatre; US- surgery. Brits- chemist; US- pharmacist. Shall I go on??? And have a nice day!!!!! (I hate that.) US tv isn't worth watching for the most part. UK any day, as long as it's a murder mystery!
• in reply to
You all sound so smart. You could read the phone book and make it sound like a lecture. Except cockney which I have to really concentrate on to understand.
An American would say What time is it,? A Brit. would say Could you tell me the time? Americans don't mind ending on a preposition But with all our faults, we're a pretty generous bunch, kind and loyal..
• in reply to
Even a Brit doesnt understand all the cockney slang..
I have got the hang of many American words. Brits- pavement, USA sidewalk. USA, freeway. Brits motorway.
USA-gas, Brits petrol. USA-backyard. Brits back garden. Thats just a few.
• in reply to
I love my American friends i have made, we all have our faults which ever country we live in. Actually most Brits would say, whats the time. Maybe the posh Brits would say Could you tell me the time. lol
When I first visited America I was amazed to realise it's good manners to reveal your life story to complete strangers. Guy says to me, my ex-wife skinned me alive, she's got the kids and she obese. Total stranger this was. I got into the lift in the Chelsea Hotel with a stranger who tried to convert me to his religion between first and ninth floor. Loved it! So free.
I came to the UK from S. Africa years ago. Realised I'd become a true Brit when I apologised to a man who stood on my foot on the Underground.
But I hadn't realised you were American vintage-me.
So funny. Yep. I'm proud to be a farm girl from central Ohio. They say you can take the girl out of the farm, but not the farm out of the girl.My family's been on the same land since the revolutionary war . I'm practically British.
• in reply to
Maybe you have some British heritage from way back, alot of Americans do.
Eh? A French Canadian orders breakfast... Two eggs, side by each, a pair of toasts and a Pepsi and all over Canada we order a double double at Tim Hortons - two creams and 2 sugars!
OK, one more. Watching Murdoch Mysteries tonight; they used phrase "He was a bit of a lad." Heard that one once before on Inspector Lewis. Translation- he was a two-timing so-and-so!!! (I'm being nice.)
The Brits word themselves differently and when going on vacation they say they are going on " holy". I know that means holiday but WE Americans call it vacation. Mostly the difference in expression.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.