Feature Articles > Uni in the USA...and Beyond: The Definitive UK Guide to University Abroad > Glossary for the Transatlantic Traveller
Glossary for the Transatlantic Traveller
THE BRITS THE AMERICANS
Academics
| British | American |
|---|---|
| 1st year | Freshman |
| 2nd year | Sophomore |
| 3rd year | Junior |
| 4th year | Senior |
| Public School | Private School |
| State School | Public School |
| Uni | School |
| Year group | Class (as in ‘My class is graduating tomorrow’) |
Food
| British | American |
|---|---|
| 100s and 1000s | Sprinkles |
| Aubergine | Eggplant |
| Chips | French Fries |
| Courgette | Zucchini |
| Crisps | Chips |
| Fish Fingers | Fish Sticks |
| Jam | Jelly |
| Jelly | Jello |
| Porridge | Oatmeal |
| Pudding | Dessert |
| Tinned | Canned |
| YOG-hurt | YO-ghurt |
Relationships
| British | American |
|---|---|
| Bloke | Guy |
| Fit | Cute/Hot |
| Going out | Dating |
| Mingin' | Gross |
| Pull | Hook-up |
| Snog | Kiss |
Clothes
British | American |
|---|---|
Braces | Suspenders(!) |
Jumper | Sweater |
Trainers | Sneakers |
Trousers | Pants |
Waistcoat | Vest |
In General
| British | American |
|---|---|
| 'Sorry' | 'Excuse-Me' |
| Anti-Clockwise | Counter Clockwise |
| Athlete | Jock |
| Autumn | Fall |
| Backside/Bum | Fanny/Tush |
| Black Tie Dance | Formal |
| Boot (of car) | Trunk |
| Brilliant | Awesome |
| Chemist | Drug-Store |
Clever | Smart |
| Condom | Rubber |
| Fags | Cigarettes (WATCH OUT HERE – ‘fag’ has only a negative homosexual connotation in the States)
|
| Film | Movie |
| Flat | Apartment |
| Football | Soccer |
| Fringe | Bangs |
| Full Stop | Period |
| Gents | Men's Room |
| Lift | Elevator |
| Queue | Line |
| Loo | Bathroom/Restroom |
| Maths | Math |
| Mobile | Cell phone |
| Nappy | Diapers |
| Nerd | Geek |
| Pavement | Sidewalk |
| Petrol | Gas |
| Post | |
| Post-code | Zip-code |
| Pub | Bar |
| Rubber | Eraser |
| Rucksack | Backpack |
| Smart | Well-dressed |
| Sofa | Couch |
| Tap | Faucet |
| Tea-towel | Dish-cloth |
| Underground/Tube | Subway |
| Very | Quite (saying that something is ‘quite good’ or looks ‘quite nice’ IS a compliment from an American) |
| Washing-Up | Doing the dishes |
And some shops for reference
Abercrombie and Fitch – the epitome of preppy style
Anthropologie – something a little bit funkier
Banana Republic – upmarket GAP but still high-street prices
GAP – as in the UK but MUCH cheaper
J. Crew – a close second in the preppy stakes
Victoria’s Secret – some good presents for you and/or girlfriend
Some Other Useful Tips
When an American says, ‘Hey, what’s up?’ to you, they do NOT expect a five-minute answer on your cheating boyfriend, overdue paper and aching back. In fact, it is a mere formality – answer with a casual ‘Not much’.
American Holidays
President’s Day – winter day off school
Spring Break – drunken student debauchery, usually sometime in March
Thanksgiving – late-November turkey celebration
Veteran’s Day - Remembrance Day (the only people wearing poppies are Canadians