The British/American Dictionary

[Beanz]

No not a comparison of the Good old Oxford English and the Merriam-Webster, but rather a helpful transatlantic translator for terminology and phrases, that whilst nominally both utilising the English language, are not necessarily synonymous in meaning. Words and phrases that depending from which side of the pond you originate from can mean something entirely different.

AMERICAN

Biscuit








BRITISH










WTF? yes in the US the biscuit is a savoury accompaniment a bit like bread or a scone often eaten with a hearty breakfast before "kicking some ass", whereas here in the UK the biscuit is something sweet to be enjoyed with a cup of tea in a bone china cup, on a proper saucer and drunk with the little finger extended at 11 am by order of the Queen.

[Memphis]

WTF? yes in the US the biscuit is a savoury accompaniment a bit like bread or a scone often eaten with a hearty breakfast before "kicking some ass"

I almost spat out me tea and biscuit

[Beanz]

AMERICAN

Suspenders



Braces




BRITISH

Suspenders




Braces *



So here in the UK we do also call metal toothware braces but we never refer to trouser belt substitutes as anything but braces. What you call a garter belt we call a suspender belt. Suspenders are for Ladies and city bankers or Tory politicians on special weekends away in Brighton.




* for an interesting excerpt from the Tim Roth classic "Made In Britain" check out this great choon here

[VictorCharlie]

That biscuit and gravy looks awesome.

[Beanz]

Americans put milk in their Gravy

[Beanz]

BRITISH

Chips



best served with mushy peas, battered fish, curry sauce and wrapped in newspaper or actually with anything including rice, noodles, mashed potato and up t'north even with gravy ?

AMERICAN

Chips




Here we would call them crisps

[El Kabong]

Why would you have fries AND mashed potatoes? Isn't that over egging the potato pudding as it were?