Britishisms in the USA

[Rabbie]

This article highlights how some Britishisms are spreading in the USA. Do any forum members noticed any more?

 

[Vassago]

This article highlights how some Britishisms are spreading in the USA. Do any forum members noticed any more?

I've always used "Autumn" instead of "fall." "Bloody," "bum," "cheers," and "mate" have always been a part of my vocabulary. I don't know anyone who uses "traffic circle" instead of "roundabout." I've actually never heard the terms "traffic circle" for it.

The rest of those I've either never heard or mostly heard on British TV. Occassionally, some will be used ironically, but not because they are a part of normal speech.

 

[RainLover]

Gobsmacked is the worst word I have heard in years. The Poms can have it.

Unfortunately we here in Australia are using more and more American words. Mainly because of Television. God help us.

 

[Adam Caramon]

Unfortunately we here in Australia are using more and more American words. Mainly because of Television. God help us.

You'll know you're really doomed if you start hearing the word "Snooki".

 

[RainLover]

Snooki

I hope I never hear it.

 

[Brianwarnock]

Vass I think that I have come across "traffic circle"whilst driving in the north of the US, I am certain that somewhere in northern California we came across the sign "Beware of circular traffic ahead" we wondered what it meant and then arrived at a roundabout !

But I'm sure Americans will know more about this than I do.

Brian

 

[Brianwarnock]

BTW I don't believe that "innit" is in common usage amongst educated people I have only heard it from , well .. plebs

Brian

 

[Brianwarnock]

Oh! And what the hell is snook ?

Brian

 

[MrsGorilla]

Traffic circle is pretty commonly used here. We only have one and it's not in a terribly busy part of town, but it's called a traffic circle, not a roundabout.

Most of the words on that list I'm already pretty familiar with. Some I've heard in use, but others I want to say I might have only heard because I've hung around on these forums with you Brits for so long.

There were a few on the list that I've never heard before though.

 

[Adam Caramon]

Oh! And what the hell is snook ?

Brian

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_"Snooki"_Polizzi

*shudder*

 

[Vassago]

Vass I think that I have come across "traffic circle"whilst driving in the north of the US, I am certain that somewhere in northern California we came across the sign "Beware of circular traffic ahead" we wondered what it meant and then arrived at a roundabout !

But I'm sure Americans will know more about this than I do.

Brian

I think you've probably made the biggest point of all here. The US is by far MUCH larger than the UK. You'll find that some words are common in different parts of the US where in others you'll only recieve puzzled looks. I've lived in various states because of my father's enlistment in the Army. Being born in Wisconsin, it's common to hear "pop" for any carbonated non-alcoholic beverage. They don't use that in the South. "Soda" is the standard in Florida. Also, if you order tea in a restaurant in the South, you will get Southern style iced sweet tea. But if you order tea in the North, you'll recieve hot tea. They don't even have iced sweet tea in typical Wisconsin restaurants. My ex-wife learned that when she tried to order sweet tea during a "holiday."

 

[AnthonyGerrard]

BTW I don't believe that "innit" is in common usage amongst educated people I have only heard it from , well .. plebs

Brian

You have been spoken to by the special branch on downing street?

 

[speakers_86]

Round-a-bouts arent very common anywhere ive been. Occassionally, sure.

People from florida, like me, say soda because they are actually transplants (like me!).

About English tv, I watched the first three seasons of Misfits on Hulu. Its amazing!

 

[RainLover]

A Scotsman once told me the funniest joke.

Too bad I did not understand a single word he said.

 

[ChrisO]

Perhaps lucky you did not understand a single word he said.

 

[RainLover]

Perhaps lucky you did not understand a single word he said.

The address to thr Haggis is an interesting poem form Rabbie Burns.

I believe the Haggis are almost in season now. But you need a shooter's license. Fresh is best as they say.

 

[Vassago]

Round-a-bouts arent very common anywhere ive been. Occassionally, sure.

People from florida, like me, say soda because they are actually transplants (like me!).

About English tv, I watched the first three seasons of Misfits on Hulu. Its amazing!

All I hear in Florida is "Round-a-bout." Of course, different parts of Florida can account for that.

 

[Rabbie]

A Scotsman once told me the funniest joke.

Too bad I did not understand a single word he said.

You should have paid more attention at school