On one of my previous posts, I listed some Yank vs. Brit words that are always a fun challenge.  Well guess what??  There’s more!!

 Now that I’m sharing via this blog, everywhere I go, every time I venture out somewhere, I am more and more aware of the many different words used across the pond.

So, I decided to post a Part II of Yank vs. Brit words part (I’m sure there will even be a Part III in the future!)

A few words about the words!!

Shopping Cart vs. Trolley—the words themselves can be confusing.  But…wait until you take hold of a “trolley” in the store.  All its’ four wheels move 360 degrees.  Think about that—it’s not easy to describe.  So, imagine—all four wheels move 360 degrees!  So, you can push the cart forward and SIDEWAYS!  Sounds like a great idea, unless you have actually never used one before and are caught unawares.  I still struggle, the cart seems to move every which way EXCEPT the way I want!  

Flashlight vs Torch—someone says to you, “Hand me the torch”, what’s the first thing you think of?  “Oh my gosh, why does he need to light something on fire?!”  Some confused looks ensued, another conversation, the “lightbulb” goes off, and more laughter.

Floor vs the road in front of you—while floor still means floor in your average everyday language in both Yank and Brit speak, let me explain!  I have been taking driving lessons here in England to obtain my U.K. license (more in-depth about that topic in a future post!).  My driving instructor was giving me verbal directions, and said more than a few times, “Look at the floor and head to….”  I kept thinking that I must have missed the signs, because I always seemed to be in the wrong lane or missing a turn!  And I had no idea why she wanted me to keep looking at the floor!  When I finally had the thought to ask what she meant, she explained!  The “floor” while driving, is the road in front of you.  A lot of the directional signage is painted on the road and will show which lane to be in for which town, neighborhood, connecting road, etc.  Needless to say, that made driving by verbal directions a WHOLE lot easier!

Baked Potato vs Jacket Potato—both generally mean the same thing, a potato baked in the oven with the skin still on.  But let me tell you, my husband LOVES the fully loaded baked potato in the states.  Where else can you have a side that could truly be a main meal??!! A baked potato, skin on, with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and onions!!!

Bathroom/Restroom vs Toilet–not a big problem with understanding the difference, BUT for some reason I can’t feel comfortable asking a server in a restaurant where the “toilet” is!!! Or…excusing myself from the dinner table and saying “I’ll be right back, just need to use the toilet”…

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