In Translation

It is generally when I am out and about on my own that I think of things I'd like to share here.  Today as I was walking to town,  I was in search of the perfect shirt to go with this adorable scarf a friend gave me, I thought of all the little vocabulary differences that add up really quickly.  Of course, the shirt was no where to be found.  ;-)  I'll write the American word and then it's English counter part. Plus some phrases I have heard, learned and/or picked up.  Enjoy.

American/English

Stroller /  Pram, buggy, pushchair
Pants  / Trousers  (very important to note this)
Underpants / pants
Shopping cart / Trolley
bath room / wash closet or toilet
living or family room/ lounge
schedule / scheme
Calendar/ diary 
Clever and Proper are used a lot here, too. 

Common Phrases here and their American translation (often self explanatory).

Well done = Good job
Cheers = it's a greeting or salutation or even thank you.
Give it a go = try it  (Brady has picked this one up already)

This is proving harder to express than I expected.  The wording and inflection is slightly different.  Most sentences sound like a question, when in reality they are not.  For example, if I say to Caitlin, "Shall we go for a walk?"  What I really mean is that we ARE going for a walk.  You see?

As an American, I'm used to using okay or yes as a response to simple questions.  Here, answering the same kind of question or a word of confirmation (almost like a head nod) is "right."

There is also a lot of  "popping" going on.  I'll pop in later.  Just pop it in the mail. Pop back next week for a follow up.  You get the idea.

None of this is bad.  It's just different and can throw you for a loop at the start.  I'm getting on quite well now, though.  :)  Right, the word quite replaces very in many circumstances.

Oh another one is "one off".  This is used fairly often for something that rarely happens or something that happens occasionally, but is not a regular occurrence.

I know there were plenty more rolling around in my head before I got home, but without a proper place to write while I walk, they've slipped my mind.

Anyhow, make sure you say all of the English words and phrases with a British accent to get the full effect!

Cheers!