In theory, going to the UK means that as an American you don't have to worry about a language barrier. But some terms that the British use, especially college students, may not be familiar to you. Certain words in the States may have a very different meaning in the UK. Just to give you a 'leg-up' and help you keep up with your British 'mates' we've provided a short list of some commonly used words in the UK that may seem foreign to you:
AUTUMN: fall
BANGERS AND MASH: sausgages and mashed potatoes. A common, filling and often tasty staple at most pubs.
BAP: bun/roll for sandwiches
BIN: garbage can
BIRO: bic/ball point pen
BLOKE: a guy
BUM: rear end, bottom
CANTEEN: cafeteria
CAR PARK: parking lot
CASH POINT: ATM
CELLO TAPE: scotch tape
CHAT UP: flirth with, come on to
CHEERS: greeting, as in 'hello." Can also be used in lieu of "thanks"
CHIPS: french fries
COACH: bus
COCK UP: mess up/foul up
CRISPS: potato chips
DINNER: could also be lunch
DOSH: cash/money
DUVET: comforter or bed covering
FAG: cigarette
FIVER: five pound note
FLAT: apartment
FRESHER: 1st year at university, freshman year
FULL STOP: a period (punctuation)
FOOTBALL: soccer. Football is called "American football"
FORTNIGHT: two weeks
GARDEN: yard
GRUB/NOSH: food
HALLS: student accommodation at university, short for halls of residence
HIRE: to rent
HOOVER: a vacuum and the action of vacuuming
JUMPER: sweater
JUMPING THE QUEUE: cutting in line
KNACKERED: tired, worn out
KNICKERS: women's underwear
LORRY: truck/18 wheeler
MATE: friend, pal
MOTORWAY: highway
NOT BOTHERED/CAN'T BE BOTHERED: don't care. "I can't be bothered to go out tonight."
NUTTER: crazy person. "He's acting like a nutter!"
OFF LICENSE: shop that sells alcohol to go
PANTS: in the UK, 'pants' refers to underwear. So be wary of using "pants" to describe your "trousers."
PETROL: gasoline
PISSED: drunk
QUID: a pound (£) in currency
RING UP: the British don't 'give you a call' they 'ring you up.'
RUBBER: eraser
SMART: fashionable/chic
SNOG: to kiss
SOLICITOR: lawyer
SORRY?: pardon me? Excuse me?
SORT IT OUT: figure it out
TA: thank you
TAKE THE MICKEY: teasing/taunting
TAKEAWAY: take out food
TEA: dinner. "Going to tea" often refers to going out for dinner.
TELLY: television
TENNER: Ten-pound note
TIPEX: liquid paper or white out
TOILET: restroom. Do not ask for the bathroom unless you want to take a bath.
TRAINERS: tennis shoes/athletic shoes
TYRE: tire. As in the rubber wheel of a car.
UNI: university
WASHING UP: doing the dishes
W/C: water closet is ofte used on maps to note the toilet
WIND UP: annoy/frustrate someone. To play a practical joke.
