This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Glossary of American to British translations - House terms

Expat Life - Learning the lingo


I totally embrace the American culture, and all the wonder that goes with living here. However, I admit I do tense a little when the 'u' words appear on my kid's spelling lists - color, flavor, favor, etc. Also, some words I forget to change to their American counterpart. I'm English, so of course I duly apologize for that. Sorry! 

Here's some more words and phrases that are different on either side of the Atlantic. Some are obvious, some confusing! 

US       -       UK

Real Estate/Furniture Words
Realtor - Estate agent
Buffet - Sideboard
Dresser - Chest of drawers
Drapes  - Curtains
Sheers/under drapes - Net curtains
Stove - Cooker
Closet - Wardrobe
Loveseat - 2 person settee
Sleeper - Sofabed
Living room - Sitting room, lounge
Yard - Garden
Master bath - Ensuite
Washroom/Half bath - Toilet/Cloakroom/The loo!
Restroom - Toilet/Cloakroom
First floor - Ground floor /Downstairs
Second floor - First floor /Upstairs
Elevator - Lift
Sewer pipe/soil pipe  -  Drain
Duplex - Semi-detached
Apartment - Flat
Trash can - Rubbish bin
Vacuum cleaner - Hoover
Delivery truck - van
Sidewalk - Pavement
Dead-end - Cul de sac
Downtown - Town centre

OBO (Or best offer)  -  ONO (Or near offer)
A million and a half  -  One and a half million  (1,500,000)

(A million and a half might look like this to a Brit: 1,000,000.5)

Phrases 
A half hour  -  Half an hour         
Biweekly  -  Fortnightly
Two weeks - Fortnight
24/7   -   24 hours, 7 days a week

I could care less  -  I couldn't care less
(This American phrase baffles many Expats with its positive negatives!)


More words:
NJ Home Styles & Terms

Same language, distinct accent; loving the differences. 
Cheers!
Karen
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?