British Terminology for the American in London

What they say and what you hear when you are an American in London.

Although the linguistic divide between British and American people is not unbridgeable, there are a few key words that complicate the matter. These are words that have meaning in both American and British culture but refer to entirely different things. Take a look at the list below to make sure that if you are an American studying in London, you know what you’re talking about!

Rubber

This is perhaps the terminology with the greatest potential for humorous misunderstanding. In America a rubber is a condom, however in England a rubber is an eraser. Do not be alarmed if you are asked for a rubber in the middle of maths! Your classmate is simply forgetful and not lustful. … probably.

Biscuit

This one is important because an American might hear biscuit and be ready to have a big thick southern biscuit but find themselves disappointed when they find the thin tea biscuit. For our UK readers, a biscuit is like a buttery scone that is hot, tasty and will give you a heart attack (out of deliciousness but also heart problems). True life story, my sister once was asked by a kindly American how many biscuits she would like with dinner and presuming them to be the tasty snack she asked for four or five. She was later confronted with five massive, cake-like creations which she dutifully ate to avoid social discomfort. God save the queen.

First Floor

Expectation:

Reality:

This one has caused some problems in the past. In England you have a ground floor at ground level (duh) and then the floor above that is the first floor. In America, however, the ground floor IS the first floor. Try to always remember the ground is like zero and count up from there. This is important to remember in case you are ever receiving directions in the UK so that you don’t have to walk into the wrong packed lecture hall a floor below yours and be so embarrassed that you even bring it up years later while writing blogs. You know… in case.

Queue

This concept is very important in British culture, or maybe just to me. Pronounce queue as ‘Q’ (not qwe…. seriously. Someone said this to me) and remember to get in the back, keep proper spacing, move up when there is sufficient space and never ever cut it! Whether it is for the ATM machine or the bathroom, you will signal yourself out as a foreigner if you have bad queue etiquette.

Braces

Expectation:

Reality:

Not that you’re probably sport the suspenders look but before you go talking about your braces phase in middle school, know that you are being imagined as a young dandy and not the braceface you were (Actually maybe this misunderstanding is for the better).

Chips

Here lies an important distinction because French fries are chips and what the Americans call chips are in fact crisps. Think of it as crisps are crispy and chips as bit fat chips of potatoes. Makes sense really. If you are ordering fish and chips, expect french fries and make sure to try it with salt and vinegar. Seriously, it’s awesome.  Sidenote: a bag of chips = a packet of crisps.

College

Expectation:

Reality:

Here is where things get confusing. The British and American school systems line up their terminology just enough to be infuriatingly baffling. College in the UK is short for 6th form college and kids from 16-19 ususally attend. So people will assume you are a kid if you say you go to college. So remember to say university or uni. Also, as less of a technicality, people don’t really refer to uni as ‘school’ so if you say you are going to school people might assume you mean high school. Make sure to know the difference because it can make social situations awkward when the Londoner you were hitting on suddenly thinks you might be 16 years old. … Theoretically.

Public School

Expectation:

Reality:

In one of the more confusing distinctions, public schools in the UK are the expensive schools with reputations for snobby behaviour. You have all the posh (fancy) kids who go to public schools which are usually single-sex and boarding. The other non fee-paying schools are called state schools, where real people go and there are no capes required (a weak point if you ask me).

Fancy Dress

Expectation:

Reality:

If someone has a fancy dress party do not break out your prom dress but do in fact find a rocking costume. This has caused some awkward situations in the past but just in case you massively overdress for a costume party, get creative and play it cool. ‘Yeah, my costume was Miss Universe all along’. If you are a British person who accidentally wore a costume to a fancy party in America, my advice is to just commit to the awkwardness and go with it.

Football

Expectation:

Reality:

There are many an American who refuses to accept this difference as they see American football as the one true football regardless of the fact that in neither involves the foot (or barely) nor a ball (in a spherical sense). Especially if you are watching the game in public, steer away from the term soccer. If you’re feeling adventurous you, could even try ‘footie’. … but please don’t.

Mate

Expectation:

Reality:

It is not like you cannot use the word friend in the UK, they will understand you and it is common. But just in case someone else uses the word mate, make sure you figure out they are not monkeys on a wildlife show nor in anyway romantically related (necessarily… you never know) and only referring to an acquaintance.

Zebra Crossing

Expectation:

Reality:

Important note is that at zebra crossings, pedestrians have the right of way. If you are hovering by the edge, cars will slow down for you and you make everything slower if you do not go! Perhaps I am particularly bitter about this due to my proximity to the famous Abbey road crosswalk that people cannot seem to figure out. Traffic in London can be stressful for a pedestrian but when you see a zebra crossing you know that it is your haven of right of way. Tip: They are called Zebra crossings because of their black and white stripes.

So there you have it! A beginner’s guide to not sounding like a fool while conversing with our friends across the pond! Now, when you are studying in London as an American you can converse like a local! And make sure to book your flights with StudentUniverse for the best student discounts on flights!!