I’m evidently on to something with the posts I recently published about silly American words and British expressions that Americans find amusing. It’s fascinating – even academically and culturally intriguing – how deeply words separate us Brits and you Yanks. Having studied semantics and etymology, I’m captivated by this language that both unites and distinguishes us.

So, when I recently had to ask a colleague what “sucking wind” meant, I knew it was time to relay some of those cross-cultural phrases with opposing meanings. Hopefully these will help you avoid some awkward conversations.

The following American words all mean GOOD: bad, wicked, doesn’t suck, the bomb, kill it.

Ex: “That was a wicked fun evening; your friend is the bomb.”   “Don’t worry, we’ll kill those goals.”

At this point, I also feel obliged to explain the nuanced distinction between the use of the word “quite” in American English and English English. This is important as the culturally correct use could definitely improve relations with your partner/spouse.

Ex 1: (in the U.S.)

Q: “Honey, how do I look in this dress?”

A: “Quite nice.”

Q: “Thanks, sweetheart – you look nice too!”

Ex 2: (in the U.K.)

Q: “Honey, how do I look in this dress?”

A: “Quite nice.”

Q: “Huh, only quite? What’s wrong with it? Does it make me look fat? Why don’t you like it?”

For those who didn’t catch it, the U.S. “quite” is a compliment whereas the U.K.’s “quite” means “only a little.”

You can thank me later for this important lesson. And I do hope you think this post doesn’t suck wind.

I recently published my list of 10 silly American words –  expressions that I still find ridiculous, despite having lived here almost 12 years. I generally try avoid situations when I have to utter the words “bangs” or “rutabaga” or other such words that I find to be just, plain silly. I have my pride, after all.

To be fair, there are many British words and sayings which humo(u)r or confuse my fellow Americans. Just last week, I used the word “slapdash” in a meeting, only to get what I call “the look” from colleagues. Anyone who’s been a traveler in a foreign country trying to make themselves understood knows that look. It infers, “I have absolutely no clue what you are trying to say but I’m going to nod and smile nonetheless.” Being a communicator at heart, getting “the look” pains me. But at the same time – and with the glass half full – I seize the opportunity to clarify my statement (which can sometimes lead to further hilarity) or, at the very least, educate my audience about the meaning of the expression so that the next time they find themselves in the room with a Brit, they can nod sagely rather than inflicting “the look.”

Here’s a shortlist of some of those British expressions that have caused me to be on the receiving end of “the look”:

• donkey’s years (= a very long time)
• putting a spanner in the works (= throw a wrench)
• and Bob’s your uncle (= and there you have it)
• gone barmy (= gone mad)
• a lotta bottle (= a lot of courage)
• picking up fag ends (= listening to the end of conversations)
• dog’s bollocks (= cat’s meow)
• fancy dress (= costume)
• chuffed to bits (= very pleased)
• gobsmacked (= amazed)

I confess that I also proactively alter the way I pronounce several words here to avoid getting “the look.” For example, I’ll ask for wahder, say tooona (instead of tuna) and ask for tom-ay-to. It pains me but “the look” pains me more.

Meantime, my fellow Americans, here are some useful links to sites to help your English cross the pond: Effingpot – the very best of British, British Sayings/British Words and this great post about 20 British expressions you will never hear in the U.S.

Cheers!