More on British Vernacular

One of the KroBlog's most popular article in recent memory cited the differences between British and American vernacular. I am in London for the week and thought I would expand upon the original article and give you world travelers some additional insights on how to communicate in the UK on your next trip.

UK Word or Phrase = American Word or Phrase

• You all right? = How's it going?
• "zed" = the letter "z"
• mum = mom
• chips = french fries
• crisps = chips (potato or otherwise)
• biscuits = cookies and sometimes crackers
  
• mobile = cell phone
• fortnight = two weeks
• shop = store
• petrol = gasoline
• boot = trunk
• call box = phone booth
• trousers = pants
• pants = underwear
• lorry = truck
• over the road = across the street
• the tube = subway

In addition to the above vernacular differences, the Brits use the words like excellent, special and delicious quite freely. Delicious is often used in non-food related circumstances which is fun. I also like when they call you cheeky when you're being a smart-ass (which I am quite frequently).