Divided by a Common Language: March 2008 Archives

If you remember one thing about clothing word differences in England, remember this: It's not pants, it's trousers!!!

If you say "pants" to a Brit, they think underwear, because that's what the word "pants" means over here. Therefore, statements by innocent Americans such as, "If I'd known how warm it was going to be outside today, I wouldn't have worn pants under my dress," provide much fodder for amusement around here. This also explains why the now classic Wallace and Gromit film is called "The Wrong Trousers." Were it called "The Wrong Pants," the meaning would be very different, indeed.

Other differences between American English and British English (with the American usage put first):
tank top/undershirt = vest
vest = waistcoat
suspenders = braces
sweater = jumper
tennis shoes/sneakers = trainers
swimsuit/bathing suit = swimming costume/cozzie/swimming kit
onesie = baby grow

I submit the following two paragraphs for grammatic and vocabulary comparison. It's amazing how many small differences there are in language.

How I would tell the story of today's shopping errand back in Chicago:
"I drove to the local produce market and bought zucchinis for spaghetti, though I couldn't find any eggplants. I know eggplants aren't supposed to go into spaghetti sauce, but they're one of my favorite fruits (or are they veggies?) and I'd add them anyway. I didn't get any whole grain noodles, though, since I already have some in the pantry. Of course, it'd be better to use fresh tomatoes, but all I have now is canned."

How I would tell the story of today's shopping errand here in Nottingham:
"I walked to the greengrocer and bought courgettes for spaghetti bolognese, though I couldn't find any aubergines. I know aubergines aren't meant to go in spaghetti bolognese, but they're one of my favorite fruits (or are they veg?) and I'd add them anyway. I didn't get any wholewheat pasta (pasta rhymes with casta, as in castanet), though, since I already have some in the cupboard. Of course, it'd be better to use fresh tomahtoes, but all I have now is tinned."