It’s Brit-Speak to my Ears
“Britain and America are two nations separated by a common language”. We may not know for sure who first made this claim, but is it still true today?
If we were to read a British essay on philosophy or science, we might not find it foreign sounding or unusual in any way except for an occasional word that stands out like whilst, amongst, or enquiry. An article written in a formal or academic style will not often emphasize the distinctions between British and American English. To capture noteworthy differences, we need to shift our focus to everyday language instead. It is there that American ears will be surprised at the innumerable differences in words and expressions, some of which can be readily understood, while others will appear impenetrable, or at least, jarringly odd or quirky.
Considering the physical distance separating Britain and America, it is no wonder that differences in language developed over time. In spite of some common heritage, the everyday cultures of the two nations differ markedly. Today, we are no longer living in times when geographic distance plays the dominant role in separating nations. We live in a world of shared television, film, literature, and the internet. Today, a Brit can read the New York Times online as easily as an American can leaf through The Times of London. Of course, that’s only when neither one is glued to the telly watching “The Crown”. As a result, the two nations actively live in a perpetual state of linguistic cross-pollination. Through television, a great many American and British expressions have crossed paths while flying over the pond. Nowadays, Americans can be heard saying spot-on, and when Brits declare that a guy looks smart, they could be referring to his intelligence instead of just his elegant clothes. Sometimes the Brits can even be heard saying truck when their parents would have only uttered lorry. That’s all jolly good, maybe even marvelous, but for all this attested cross-influence, differences persist just the same.
The best way for Americans to appreciate the difference in language is to spend some time in Her Majesty’s Kingdom, preferably in a British home. In that everyday setting, countless British expressions are sure to make themselves heard.
Let us then embark on our linguistic journey with attentive ears and wide-open eyes…
Arriving in London after a long transatlantic flight, your toddler is too sleepy and cranky to walk the endless corridors of Heathrow Airport. But fear not, someone has anticipated your need. As you make your way along the corridor, you will soon find a freely provided stroller — oh, pardon me, a pushchair — for little Emma to climb into on the way to baggage reclaim. “But I haven’t yet claimed my baggage” is your spontaneous reaction to the sign. Mind the door of the lift as it closes before transporting you to baggage reclaim. On your way to the baggage conveyor to pick up your bags, you spontaneously help yourself to a free-of-charge baggage trolley. After collecting all your cases and passing through the nothing-to-declare lane in customs, your eyes sweep the large hall for exit signs, but only find signs for the Way Out.
Leaving the airport, your minicab races along the M4 motorway to your destination, while you keep an eye open for the anticipated exit. Uncomfortable with the excessive speed of the cab, you instinctively lean in the opposite direction as it occasionally edges in and out of the central reservation to get a better look at the traffic ahead. Fortunately, it doesn’t take long before you are leaving the M4 dual carriageway by means of a long slip road. As the cab makes its way along the winding suburban roads and roundabouts, you strongly feel the discomfort of traffic moving in the “wrong” direction. Veering suddenly to the right, the cab bolts across oncoming traffic to enter a narrow lane lush with an umbrella of mature trees. Passing a sign admonishing the public to Stop your dog soiling the footpath, you arrive at the home of the Archer family. Margaret, a physician, and James, a school teacher, are waiting at the door as you make your way down the sloping drive.
—Won’t you please come in! Oh, your little girl is fast asleep in her pram. You must be knackered after your long flight.
— It’s great to finally meet you. Thanks so much for having us.
— Oh, don’t mention it. Julie will be home from school anytime now. She usually rides her push-bike. It’s only two miles away and she’s not old enough to have her driving licence.
When you’ve settled in, we’ll be having an early supper of gammon, courgette, and potatoes. Let me show you to your room…You can switch on the lights over there. Would you like to snack on some crisps, or would you prefer biscuits?
Later at the table…
— So, what work do you do, James?
— I teach maths to A-level students. Yes, that’s secondary school. As for Margaret, she’s a GP. Her surgery is just down the road.
— Please help yourselves to the gammon. I’m afraid I’m not a good hostess.
— Julie, as I drove by your school today on my way to fill petrol, there was a big fuss. What was going on?
— Oh, some styoopid boy tried to top himself in the loo. He was rushed to the A&E, of course. We heard he’s survived but he’ll be in hospital for some time.— After eating, we can take a stroll around the neighborhood, if you like.
— Julie dear, could you please help with the washing up before we step out, but take off that lovely jumper before you get near the sink. There’s a fresh bottle of washing-up liquid in the cupboard, if you need it.
Out in the neighborhood…
— These neighbors on the right are an Asian family. You can always catch a whiff of curry in the evening. Across the street is an MP who was made to stand down after he was stopped for drink-driving a fortnight ago. The next house on the right belongs to the Hudsons, friends of ours. You’ll meet them when they come round at the weekend. We’ll be getting some marvelous Indian takeaway then. The cottage beyond the big oak tree belongs to an estate agent. She’s only been here a short spell but she seems sorted already.
Back at the house…
— Off to bed already? Hope you get a good night’s rest. Anything you need for tomorrow?
— We’ll, we’d like to charge our phones overnight.
— You’ll find an adapter on the bedside table. Just plug it into the mains to the left of the chest of drawers. Anything else?
— We’re good, thanks.
— Good night and sweet dreams then.
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Words & Expressions in possible need of explanation
A&E: Accidents & emergencies
A-level: a qualifying exam for college entrance
Asian: without additional qualification, means of Indian or Pakistani heritage
Central reservation: center divider of a highway
Crisps: potato chips
Dual carriageway: divided highway
Estate agent: Real estate agent
GP: General Practicioner
Gammon: cured ham
Jumper: sweater
Knackered: exhausted
MP: member of Parliament
Mains: power outlet
Minicab: a taxicab that is reserved ahead of time
Motorway: freeway or large highway without intersections
Pram: stroller
Push-bike: bicycle
Roundabout: traffic circle
Slip road: on- or off-ramp
Sorted: in good shape; organized
Stand down: step down or resign
Surgery: when referring to a location, it’s a medical office
To top oneself: to commit suicide
Washing-up: doing the dishes
Washing-up liquid: dish detergent
