American/BritishTranslation, Please

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What Does That Word Mean?

It is enough of a challenge to learn a language other than English, when the English speaking world has a problem properly communicating with each other, then it's time for a laugh, or embarrassment.

Below are some common words that get lost in translation--the English translation between American and British usage.

I think the American forefathers purposely changed the spelling of the British language when they came to America just to be different and to spite Mother England. If you have any insight into this theory, please e-mail me and let me know.

It is enough of a challenge to keep the English language spelled correctly, according to whether it is being used in England or America, but then the slang and the definitions can also be quite interesting.

If you want more of a thorough study of this subject, there are several web sites you may access to look up a word.

Not to start another war, but to an American, some British word usage does not make sense--as to, "Who in the world came up with that word?" Is it the same with the Brits?

Some Common Terms

British Usage

Bilet: To my knowledge, this word is not used in America, but refers to troops living in barraks.

Car Parts:
Bonnet: The car's hood (to an American, a bonnet is something a woman wears on her head)
Boot: The car's trunk (to an American, a boot is something you put on your feet, as in cowboy or snow boots)
Silencer: Muffler (to an American, a silencer is what you put on the barrel of a gun so you can't hear the loud bang when it is shot)
Windscreen: Windshield
Wing: Fender (to an American, a wing is on an airplane or a bird)

Holiday: Vacation

Lorry: Truck (to an American, isn't Lori a girl's name?)

Queue: To stand in line, line up

American Usage

Car Parts:
Hood: Bonnet
Trunk: Boot
Muffler: Silencer
Windshield: Windscreen
Fender: Wing

Holiday: Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Fourth of July (Independence Day-from Great Britain, sorry)
Some American holidays are Federal (or national) where the banks close, others, like Mother's Day, are not.

Truck: Lorry

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