Back in September I wrote about the different Britishisms I'd run into here in Dubai. But man, I didn't realize how many I missed.
First off is the aforementioned "full stop". It's a period. You know, the small dot that's placed at the end of a sentence. Like this one right here. That's a "full stop".
It's like they're talking on a telegram STOP
Weird.
Or maybe Americans are weird.
Anyway one thing that I know is weird is that the Discovery Channel narrator is dubbed into British English over here. Seriously. It's pretty freaky to hear a British dude talking about the rough-around-the-edges Teutul family from American Chopper. But I really miss the humorous American voice-over in MythBusters. This British guy just sound too intelligent for the stunts they pull on that show.
Anyway, here are a few more Britishisms I've noticed in Dubai and on the Discovery Channel.
"Advertisement" are still advertisements, but can also be referred to as "adverts".
It's not a "baby carriage" it's a "pram" (which must be short for something, but I don't know what that is).
A "Band-Aid" brand adhesive bandage (which is technically Johnson & Johnson's trademark, however genericized) is a "plaster".
A baby's "diaper" is a "nappy" here (but don't read anything into all of this baby-talk, we have several neighbors who have babies, okay?!?)
Can't believe I didn't mention that "French fries" are known as "chips" here. Unless you're in a Red State, then it's ...
Shee-oot, them there "Freedom Fries" is done called "chips" in Duuu-buy!! Dern it!
Look for my complete Redneck to British Dictionary coming soon.)
Here's another one that I just don't get, it's not "math" it's "maths". Plural. As in, "I'm no good at maths."
What we would call an "overpass" on a highway, they'd call a "flyover".
"Takeout" food is "takeaway".
A big "truck", such as an 18-wheeler, is called a "lorry".
The front window of your car isn't a "windshield", it's a "windscreen".
And of course, it's not a cell phone, it's a "mobile". Still.
