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A TO ZED, A TO ZEE
A GUIDE TO THE DIFFERENCES
BETWEEN BRITISH AND AMERICAN ENGLISH
WRITTEN BY
GLENN DARRAGH
PUBLISHED BY
EDITORIAL STANLEY
LAYOUT
ANGELA GOMEZ MARTIN
EDITORIAL STANLEY
APDO. 207 - 20302 IRUN - SPAIN
TELF. (943) 64 04 12 - FAX. (943) 64 38 63
ISBN: 84-7873-346-9
DEP. LEG. BI-930-00
PRINTERS
IMPRENTA BEREKINTZA
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Contents
Preface
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Preface
This book is intended for Americans and This state of affairs is reflected in the
Britons who want to understand each structure and content of the present
other better, and for foreign students of book, which makes no pretence (or
either American or British English who pretense) of being exhaustive, but which
want to familiarise (or familiarize) does try to be comprehensive. Short
themselves with the other main variety initial chapters outline the historical
of the language. According to George background and the differences in
Bernard Shaw, the United States and pronunciation, spelling and grammar.
England are two great nations separated The main part of the book, however,
by a common tongue. In fact, most of consists of a dictionary of British
the time the two peoples understand vocabulary and cultural references which
each other fairly well, or think they do. someone from the United States might
The accent is different, of course, but it have trouble understanding, and of a
presents no more of a barrier than any dictionary of American vocabulary and
regional accent would. Differences in cultural references that might present
grammar, syntax and spelling are problems to someone from the British
relatively minor. The main differences, Isles. As the book is not aimed at
and they are huge, are lexical and academics, but at laymen (or
cultural. laypersons) who are curious about
language, phonetic differences are
shown, when necessary, by a figured
pronunciation. The A to Zed section is
written to be read by Americans, the/4
to Zee section by Britons. Finally, a
number of older terms have been
retained in both sections of the
dictionary for the benefit of the small
number of Americans and Britons who
happen to be complete novices in the
study of English as a foreign language.
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Introduction: Why are they so different?
When a Briton and an American meet, of the south-eastern part of England,
even though they are far from mutually which is where, in the early 17th century,
unintelligible, each is soon aware of the first British colonists originated.
differences in the speech of the other. Their peculiar treatment of the final r
First, the accent is different: survives in New England and the South,
pronunciation, tempo, intonation are but it is exceptional in the US as a
distinctive. Next, differences in whole. The distinctive American r, a kind
vocabulary, idiom and syntax occur, as of muffled growl produced near the back
they would in a foreign language: of the mouth, is fully sounded. It is very
individual words are misunderstood or similar to the r still pronounced in parts
not understood at all, metaphorical of the west and north of England, and in
expressions sound bizarre, subtle Scotland and Ireland, and was almost
irregularities become apparent in the certainly brought to America by
way words are arranged, or in the subsequent colonists from those parts.
position of words in a sentence, or in Since most of the British settlement in
the addition or omission of words. It is North America in the 19th century came
estimated that some 4,000 words and from the north and west of England and
expressions in common use in Britain from Ireland, especially from the
today either do not exist or are used northern counties of Ulster, rhotic
differently in the US. These differences speech, as it is called, eventually spread
are reflected in the way British and across the continent. In many other little
American English are written, so that ways, standard American English is
variations in spelling and punctuation reminiscent of an older period of the
also emerge. Finally, there are immense language. For example, Americans
cultural divergences, ranging from pronounce either and neither-with the
different trademarks for everyday vowel of teeth or beneath, while in
products to different institutions and England these words have changed their
forms of government. Little wonder, pronunciation since the American
then, that even in this age of global colonies were founded and are now
communications, we are still able to pronounced with an initial diphthong,
misunderstand each other. Before like the words eye and nigh. (For a
examining each of these major fuller discussion of these and other
dissimilarities in detail, it may be useful pronunciation differences, see Part 2.)
to consider how they have arisen.
It is said that all emigrant languages are
In fact, many of the distinctive phonetic linguistically nostalgic, preserving
features of modern American English archaic pronunciations and meanings.
can be traced back to the British Isles. The word vest provides an interesting
To take a single example, the r at the example of one of the ways in which the
end of words is pronounced in markedly vocabularies of Britain and America
different ways in the 'standard' varieties were to grow apart. The first recorded
of American and British English. In the use of the word occurs in 1666 (in the
'received pronunciation' of GB, it is diary of Samuel Pepys), referring to 'a
barely sounded at all, so that words like sleeveless jacket worn under an outer
there and water are pronounced theah coat'. The direct descendant of this
and watuh. This pattern is characteristic usage is the modern American vest,
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place, in the domain of spelling. In the surprisingly few major differences. On
years immediately following the the whole, however, Americans, as
American Revolution, many Americans though impelled by an urgent need to
sought to declare their linguistic as they express themselves, appear less
had their political independence. In constrained by the rules of grammatical
1780, John Adams, a future president of form. For instance, they tend to bulldoze
the United States, proposed the their way across distinctions between
founding of an 'American Academy for the various parts of speech. New nouns
refining, improving, and ascertaining the are compounded from verbs and
English Language'. The plan came to prepositions: fallout, blowout, workout,
nothing but it is significant as an cookout, the runaround, a stop-over, a
indication of the importance Americans try-out. Nouns are used as verbs - to
were beginning to attach to their author, to fund, to host, to alibi (an
language. The more ardent patriots were early example of the practice was to
demanding the creation of a distinctly scalp] - and verbs are used just as
American civilization, free of the casually as nouns: an assist, a morph.
influence of the mother country. Defence Any number of new verbs can be
of this attitude was the life-work of created by adding the suffix -ize to a
Noah Webster (1758 - 1843), author of noun or to the root of an adjective:
The American Spelling Book, first standardize, fetishize, sanitize,
published in 1783 and destined to sell prioritize, diabolize. If the exuberance
an estimated 80,000,000 copies over of American English is reminiscent of
the next hundred years. This work, from anything, it is of the linguistic energy of
which countless immigrants learnt their the Elizabethans. In the early part of the
English, introduced such typical 20 th century, H.L. Mencken was already
spellings as honor, color, traveler, making the point. American English, he
defense, offense, center, theater, ax, said, 'still shows all the characteristics
plow, and jail. The influence of that marked the common tongue in the
Webster's American Spelling Book and days of Elizabeth I, and it continues to
of his later American Dictionary of the resist stoutly the policing that ironed out
English Language (1828) was Standard English in the seventeenth and
enormous. It is true to say that the eighteenth centuries'.
majority of distinctively American
spellings are due to his advocacy of the The present geopolitical, technological,
principles underlying them. (The main financial and commercial supremacy of
differences are outlined in Part 1.) the United States unquestionably
Moreover, some of the characteristics of underlies the expansiveness and spread
American pronunciation must also be of its language, nowhere more so than
attributed to Webster, especially its on the level of colloquial or popular
relative homogeneity across so vast a speech. Occasionally words in British
continent and its tendency to give fuller English become fashionable enough to
value to the unaccented syllables of cross the Atlantic, but the vast majority
words (see Part 2). of words - like the vast majority of
films, television programmes, best
As regards the basic grammar and sellers, news magazines, and pop music
structure of the language, there are lyrics which convey them - no longer
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P A R T O N E
Spelling 2
1. The color/colour group 3
2. The center / centre group 3
3. The realize / realise group 4
4. The edema / oedema group 5
5. The fulfill / fulfil group 6
6. One letter differences 7
7. Miscellaneous 8
PART TWO
Pronunciation 9
1. Pronunciation of 'r' 9
2. Pronunciation of 'a' 10
3. Pronunciation of 'o' 10
4. Pronunciation of 'u' 11
5. Pronunciation of 't' 11
6. Pronunciation of particular words 12
7. Stress and articulation 14
PART THREE
THREE
Grammar and Usage 15
1. Irregular verbs 16
2. Use of Past Simple
and Present Perfect tenses 17
3. Auxiliary and modal verbs 18
4. Expressions with 'have' and 'take' 19
5. Position of adverbs 19
6. Use of 'real' as an intensifier 19
7. Collective nouns 20
8. Prepositions 20
9. Use of 'one' 21
10. Other usages 22
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P A R T O N E
Spelling
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1. The color / colour group. 2. The center/centre group.
Most GB words ending in -our end Most GB words ending in -tre, usually
in -or in the US. This difference is deriving from French, end in -ter in the
also apparent in derivatives. US. This difference is also apparent in
derivatives.
US GB
arbor arbour US GB
ardor ardour
armor armour accoutre, accouter accoutre
armorer armourer
accouterment,
armory armoury accoutrement accoutrement
behavior behaviour
amphitheater amphitheatre
behavioral behavioural
candor candour caliber, calibre calibre
clamor clamour center centre
color colour
centerfold centrefold
demeanor demeanour
enamor enamour fiber, fibre fibre
endeavor endeavour fiberboard,
favor favour fibreboard fibreboard
favorite favourite fiberglass,
favoritism favouritism fibreglass fibreglass
fervor fervour goiter goitre
flavor flavour
liter litre
glamor, glamour glamour
harbor harbour luster lustre
honor honour maneuver manoeuvre
humor humour
meager, meagre meagre
labor labour
misdemeanor misdemeanour meter metre
neighbor neighbour miter, mitre mitre
neighborhood neighbourhood
niter nitre
odor odour
parlor parlour ocher, ochre ochre
rancor rancour philter, philtre philtre
rigor rigour reconnoiter,
rumor rumour reconnoitre reconnoitre
savior saviour
saber, sabre sabre
savor, savour savour
splendor splendour saltpeter saltpetre
succor succour scepter sceptre
tumor tumour
somber, sombre somber
valor valour
specter, spectre spectre
vapor vapour
vigor vigour theater, theatre theatre
extemporize extemporise,
extemporize
standardize standardise,
standardize
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4. The edema / oedema group.
In words of Greek origin, GB English has US GB
oe- where US English has e- or less
commonly oe-. Similarly, words with
anemia anaemia
an ae combination in GB English
(orthopaedics, anaesthesia)'are spelt anemic anaemic
without the a in US English. anesthetic anaesthetic
anesthetist anaesthetist
cesarean caesarean
diarrhea diarrhoea
edema oedema
esophagus oesophagus
estrogen oestrogen
estrus oestrus
fecal faecal
feces faeces
fetal foetal
fetus foetus
gonorrhea gonorrhoea
gynecology gynaecology
hemoglobin haemoglobin
hemophilia haemophilia
hemorrhage haemorrhage
hemorrhoid haemorrhoid
leukemia leukaemia
maneuver manoeuvre
orthopedics,
orthopaedics orthopaedics
Paleolithic Palaeolithic
Paleozoic Palaeozoic
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6. One letter differences.
An interesting group is comprised of US GB
words which are spelt with a single
different or additional letter. The
aluminum aluminium
difference affects pronunciation.
(a-loom-in-um) (a-lyoo-min-yum)
behoove behove
carburetor carburettor
(kar-boor-ate-er) (kar-boor-et-ah)
divorce/divorcee divorcee
(di-vor-say) (di-vor-see)
doodad doodah
mom mum
plunk plonk
putter potter
specialty speciality
(spesh-al-tee) (spesh-ee-al-it-tee)
tidbit titbit
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7. Miscellaneous.
Important spelling differences not US GB
already noted are listed below.
ketchup, catsup ketchup
US GB license, licence license (v.)
license, licence licence (n.)
airplane aeroplane licorice liquorice
analyze analyse matinee, matinee matinee
artifact artefact mold, mould mould (rot)
ass arse molt, moult moult
ax, axe axe mustache, moustache moustache
balk baulk naive, naive naive, naive
bisulfate bisulphate naught, nought nought
caliper calliper night, nite night
catalog, catalogue catalogue offense, offence offence
catalyze catalyse pajamas pyjamas
chili, chile, chilli chilli, chili panelist panellist
connection connection, paralyze paralyse
connexion peddler, pedlar pedlar
cozy, cosy cosy persnickety pernickety
crayfish, crawfish crayfish pickaninny, picaninny picaninny
curb plow plough
(at edge of road) kerb practice, practise practice (n.)
czar, tsar, tzar tzar, czar practice, practise practise (v.)
defense defence pretense, pretence pretence
dependent, program, programme programme (v.)
dependant (n.) dependant (n.)
program programme (n.)
dialogue, dialog dialogue (except in com-
dialyze dialyse puting, where
disk disc (except in 'program' is
Computing, also used)
where 'disk' is reflection reflection,
also employed) reflexion
disulfide disulphide scalawag scallywag
doughnut, donut doughnut skeptic sceptic
draft draught (air skeptical sceptical
current, liquids) smolder, smoulder smoulder
draftsman draughtsman, snowplow snowplough
draftsman sulfate sulphate
font fount, font sulfur sulphur
furor furore through, thru through
gray, grey grey tire (on a vehicle) tyre
jeweler, jeweller jeweller tonight, tonite tonight
jewelry jewellery vise vice (tool)
judgment, judgement judgement whiskey, whisky whisky (as a
karat carat generic name)
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PART TWO
Pronunciation
The first point to settle in any discussion Scotland and Wales) and 26 in the
of pronunciation differences is: which United States. This being so, it is
pronunciations are we talking about? obvious that the distinctions described
Although a dialect is defined in terms of below are by no means absolute. They
grammar and vocabulary while accent is apply mainly to those abstract notions,
a matter of pronunciation, different Standard American English or GA
regional accents generally coincide with (General American) and Standard British
dialect regions. It is therefore worth English or RP (Received Pronunciation).
bearing in mind that phonologists have
identified 16 modern dialect regions in
England alone (with others in Ireland,
1. Pronunciation of 'r'
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2. Pronunciation of 'a'. 3. Pronunciation of 'o'.
Another major difference is in the The pronunciation of the o in such
pronunciation of the vowel sound in words as not, lot, hot, top, dog, hod,pot
such words as laugh, fast,path,grass, is also noticeably different. In England,
dance, branch, demand, can't, half. this is still an open o pronounced with
Short in US speech, in British speech it the lips rounded and the tongue at the
is long and firm: Returning from the back of the mouth. In America, however,
daaanse claaase, she ran a baaath. except in parts of New England, it has
Near the end of the 18th century, commonly lost its rounding and in most
southern England began to change from words has become a sound very similar
what is called a flat a to a broad a in in quality to the a in father, only
these words, i.e. from a sound like the shorter. This illustrates a general
a in man to one like the a in father. tendency in American speech towards
The change affected words in which the the neutralisation of vowel sounds. Non-
vowel occurred before f,sk, sp, st, ss, th, essentials are dropped so that words
and n followed by certain consonants. In like don and dawn are pronounced
parts of New England the same change identically. In England vowels tend to
took place, but in most other parts of retain their sharpness.
the country the old sound was
preserved, and fast,path, etc., are
pronounced with the vowel of man.
This, the flat a, must now be regarded
as the typical American pronunciation.
Although highly distinctive, however, the
difference between the broad a and the
flat a probably affects fewer than 250
words in common use.
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4. Pronunciation of 'u'. 5. Pronunciation of 't'.
The u in words like mule, mute, mutual, In British English t is usually pronounced
cube, butane, Houston is pronounced quite clearly but in many instances of
identically on both sides of the Atlantic, American speech, when it is not the
i.e. with an imaginary y inserted before initial consonant in a word, it may
it: myool, myoot, myoo-tyoo-al, etc. In either be pronounced like a d or it may
the US, however, such words are disappear entirely. When the t occurs
exceptions; the usual pronunciation is between two vowel sounds, it is often
without the y sound. Thus, new, nude, pronounced as d: bitter, latter, shutter,
water, waiting, writing, etc. In Britain,
tune, student, duke, Tuesday' are
on the other hand, the pronunciation of
pronounced noo, nood, toon, stoodent,
such pairs as bitter/bidder, latter/ladder,
dook, toosday. In England, these words
shutter/shudder, waiter/wader, writing/
are all pronounced with the y sound,
riding I eaves no room for ambiguity,
and this is generally the case.
even when the context is unknown. The
Exceptions exist, of course, such as t in American speech tends to
assume, suit, lute, which are usually disappear after nasal sounds like m, n,
pronounced assoom, soot, loot. It may and ng. Thus, words like dentist,
be noted, however, that English stage twenty, understand, intercontinental
actors are still trained to say assyoom, become dennist, twenny, unnerstann,
syoot, lyoot. innerconninennal. The only comparable
phenomenon in Britain, in well-defined
areas like Cockney London, Glasgow in
Scotland, or Ballymena in Northern
Ireland, is the use of the glottal stop to
replace the t in words like butter,
matter, water, and so on.
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6. Pronunciation of particular words.
Other differences in WORD US GB
pronunciation are less
important, since they concern address ah-dress a-dress
only individual words or small
advertisement ad-ver-tize-ment ad-vert-tis-ment
groups of words. For example,
in Britain been has the same agile a-jil a-jile
sound as bean, but in America alternate (adj.) ault-er-n't aul-tern-et
it is like bin. In Britain, the last apricot a-pri-cot ay-pri-cot
syllable of words like fertile, aristocrat a-ris-to-crat ar-is-to-crat
sterile and missile rhymes
asphalt as-fault as-felt
with aisle. In the US, the
vowel is much shorter, or a ate ate et
mere vocalic I - fert-il, ster-il, ballet bal-ay bal-ay
miss-il or miss'l. Americans do bitumen bi-too-men bich-er-men
not suppress the final t of buoy boo-ee boy
trait, as Britons do, or
Byzantine biz-an-teen bi-zan-tine
pronounce an f in lieutenant.
The following table shows Caribbean k'-rib-ean kari-bee-an
examples of such minor charade sha-raid sha-rahd
differences, but it should be chassis oha-see sha-see
borne in mind that relatively chimpanzee chim-pan-zee chimp-'n-zee
few words are pronounced so
cigarette sig-a-ret sig-a-ret
differently as to cause any but
the most fugitive confusion. clerk klerk klark
Nor are these examples composite k'm-pos-it kom-p'-zit
restrictive: in the US leisure is cordial cor-jil oor-dee-al
pronounced both with a long cremate cree-mate cr'-mate
vowel (leezhure] and to rhyme
croquet cro-kay cro-kay
with pleasure (lezhure], but
debris d'-bree deb-ree
the former is more common.
detail dee-tail dee-tail
dislocate dis-lo-cate dis-lo-cate
dynasty die-nas-tee din-as-tee
figure fig-yer fig-ger
frustrate frus-trate frus-trate
garage ga-rahzh gar-ij
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WORD US GB
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7. Stress and articulation.
It will be noticed that in several of the As we see from this last example, the
examples given above, the difference in suppression of syllables in British English
pronunciation is chiefly one of stress. In has been accompanied by a difference
words like address, ballet, cigarette, at times in the position of the chief
detail .garage, perfume, Americans and stress. Speech, of course is much more
Britons stress different syllables. These than the quality of the sounds: there is
differences stand out in conversation also pitch, tempo, intonation. Generally,
but they are of minor importance from Americans speak more slowly and with
the point of view of understanding. They less variety of intonation, and this again
are relatively few in number and in may be partly attributed to their
context they are always easily disposition to articulate each syllable of
comprehensible. A more remarkable a word. The Victorian novelist, Captain
difference is the greater clarity with Marryat, observed that: The Americans
which American pronounce unaccented dwell upon their words when they speak
syllables. George Bernard Shaw said he - a custom arising, I presume, from their
once recognized an American because cautious, calculating habits; and they
he accented the third syllable of have always more or less of a nasal
necessary, and the tendency of twang.'
Americans to keep a secondary stress
on one of the unaccented syllables of a
long word is a consequence of their
effort to pronounce all the syllables. This
distinctive pattern of American speech,
the due emphasis given to each syllable
of a word, can, in part, be attributed to
the influence of Noah Webster's spelling
bees (see the introduction). Webster
quoted Sheridan with approval: 'A good
articulation consists in giving every letter
in a syllable its due proportion of sound
... and in making such a distinction
between syllables, of which a word is
composed, that the ear shall without
difficulty acknowledge their number.'
Words ending in -ary, -iry and -ory tend
to be longer in American English than in
British. Thus, the American has sek-ret-
air-y instead of the British sek-re-t'ryr
ne-cess-0/r-y'mstead of ne-cess- 'ry,
\ab-ra-tor-ee instead of la-bor'-tree.
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PART THREE
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1. Irregular verbs.
A number of verbs can be either regular US GB
or irregular in the Past Simple. However,
in the US and in GB the forms most burned, burnt burnt, burned
commonly used are not the same.
dived, dove dived
Where two forms are given in the
dreamed, dreamt dreamt, dreamed
following list, the first is the more
commonly employed. It will be seen that knelt, kneeled knelt
in American English, the regular form is leaned leaned, leant
usually preferred, and in British English leaped, leapt leaped, leapt
the irregular.
learned learned, learnt
smelled, smelt smelt, smelled
spelled spelt, spelled
spilled, spilt spilt, spilled
spoiled, spoilt spoilt, spoiled
woke, waked woke
US GB
His tennis has gotten (or got) much better. His tennis has got much better.
I've gotten to know him over the years. I've got to know him over the years.
I've got a terrible headache. I've got a terrible headache.
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2. Use of Past Simple
and Present Perfect tenses,
In American English these two tenses
are often interchangeable in conditions
where only the present perfect can be
used in British English. For instance,
when an action in the past has a result
now (as in the first example below), the
present perfect is normally employed.
Other typical cases are with words like
just, already, and yet, and with ever
and never when referring to a period of
time that continues until now.
US GB
I've lost my keys. Have you seen them? I've lost my keys. Have you
or 1 lost my keys. Did you see them? seen them?
John isn't here. He's gone to the bank. John isn't here. He's gone to
or John isn't here. He went to the bank. the bank.
I'm not hungry. I've just had breakfast. I'm not hungry. I've just had
or I'm not hungry. l just had breakfast. breakfast.
You can't speak to him. He's already left. You can't speak to him.
or You can't speak to him. He already left. He's already left.
Have you finished that letter yet? Have you finished that letter
or Did you finish that letter yet? yet?
Have you ever read Macbeth?. Have you ever read Macbeth?
or Did you ever read Macbetffl.
I've never seen this man before in my life. I've never seen this man
or | never saw this man before in my life. before in my life.
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3. Auxiliary and modal verbs.
In British English, shall'and its US GB
contracted negative shan't can be
substituted for will, indicating the We will probably goto We will (or shall)
future, when used with the pronouns / Florida. probably go to Florida.
and we. In American Englishshallis l won't be here tomorrow. 1 won't (or shan't) be here
unusual. Where shall is used in GB to tomorrow.
ask for advice, should'^ employed in
Which bus should l take? Which bus should (or
the US. shall) l take?
In British English, US GB
but not American,
do can be used Will you go to the party? Will you go to the party?
alone as a I may. I haven't decided yet. I may (or\ may do). I haven't
substitute verb decided yet.
after an auxiliary He didn't pass the test, but he He didn't pass the test, but he
verb. In such cases, could have if he had studied a little could have (or he could have
the auxiliary verb is harder. done) if he had studied a little
stressed. harder.
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4. Expressions with 'have' and 'take'.
In a small number of expressions,
US GB
British English prefers have to US
take. All l want is to take (or All l want is to have a
have) a shower and go shower and go to bed.
to bed.
5. Position of adverbs.
Certain adverbs, known as mid- US
USGB GB
position adverbs (e.g sometimes,
always, never, often, definitely,
certainly], are usually placed after She probably has arrived She has probably arrived
auxiliary verbs and before other by now. (normal) by now. (normal)
verb s: He has certainly done it. She probably has arrived
However, when we wish to by now. (emphatic)
emphasize the auxiliary verb, we
It probably will lead to a It will probably lead to a
put most mid-position adverbs
vote, (normal) vote, (normal)
before it instead of after: He
certainly has done it. In British
English this second construction is
always emphatic. In American
English, however, the adverb is
frequently placed before the
auxiliary, even when there is no
intent to emphasize.
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7. Collective nouns.
In British English, collective US GB
nouns like government,
staff, committee, company,
The government intends to The government intends (or
firm, audience, family, cut taxes. intend) to cut taxes.
team, etc., can take either
a singular or a plural verb. In The committee hasn't made a The committee hasn't (or
decision yet. haven't) made a decision yet.
American English such
nouns usually take a Italy is scheduled to play Italy is (or are) scheduled to
singular verb. The same is Brazil in the opening match. play Brazil in the opening
match.
true of certain proper
nouns, for example the Air France has announced Air France have (or has)
additional flights. announced additional flights.
names of countries or
companies.
8. Prepositions.
The use of prepositions
US GB
occasionally varies,
especially in adverbial It's twenty of twelve, I've It's twenty to twelve, I've
expressions. When a got to go. got to go.
preposition is used in They arrived at ten after They arrived at ten past
two. two.
one variety of English
What time is it? It's half What time is it? It's half (-)
but not in the other, this
past nine. nine.
is signified by (-). Here
His was different from (or His was different from
are some well-known than) mine. (or-to) mine.
examples: I'd like for you to go now. I'd like (-)you to go now.
How many people were in How many people were on
the course? the course?
What do you do on the What do you do at the
weekend (or on weekends)? weekend (or at weekends)?
She lives on the same She lives in the same
street. street.
I'll write (-) you as soon as I'll write to you as soon as l
l get back. get back.
They met with the They met (-) the directors to
directors to discuss it. discuss it.
The boss wants to talk The boss wants to talk
with you. to you.
My aunt came over to My aunt came round
see us. to see us.
He parked in back of He parked behind the
the restaurant. restaurant.
You'll have to do it over. You'll have to do it again.
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9. Use of 'one'.
The pronoun one, used
US GB
to talk about people in
general, including the
One cannot prosper unless he One cannot prosper unless
speaker and the works. one works.
listener, is much less
One should always be kind to One should always be kind
used in the US than in
his mother. to one's mother.
GB. When it is used in
American English,
however, he, him and
his are generally used
later in a sentence to
refer back to it, where
British English would
continue to use one or
the possessive one's.
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10. Other usages.
Most of the differences we have
mentioned are small and easily
understandable in context, even if they
sound amusing or quaint, as shan't and
ought do in the US, or as gotten and in
back of do in GB. Many usages, it is
true, occur in only one variety of the
language and are not generally
understood in the other. To visit with,
for example, is used in the US meaning
to visit, but it has the additional
meaning of being with another person
virtually, so that it is possible to visit
with someone by phone. This usage is
unknown in Britain. (Many similar
examples are discussed in the dictionary
section of this book.) But the usages
that give American and British English
their peculiar characters belong to the
first category. Only an American would
say 'I sure could use a drink' or 'I need
to use the bathroom'. A Briton would
find some equivalent but subtly different
linguistic formula, such as 'l'm dying of
thirst' or 'I have to go to the loo'. If, as
Shaw said, Britain and America are
'divided by a common language',
perhaps the main element of division lies
precisely in such subtle distinctions as
these.
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P A R T F O U R
A to Zed: a GB / US lexis
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A TO ZED: A GB / US LEXIS
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A TO ZED: A GB / US LEXIS
ANAESTHETIST BACKBENCHER
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A TO ZED: A GB / US LEXIS
BACKHANDER BARRISTER
ernment ministers and the opposition's BALLOON, n - in various sports, a kick or stroke
shadow cabinet sit facing each other on the that propels 3 ball high into the air. Used
front benches, with ordinary MPs ranked as a modifier: a balloon shot.
on the benches behind. BALLS-UP, n (col) - something botched or
BACKHANDER, n (col) -La bribe. 2. a seem- fouled up.
ingly complimentary comment which is in BALLY, n (col, old) - a euphemistic word for
fact an insult or criticism, also called a BACK- bloody. I've just about had enough of your
HANDED COMPLIMENT. bally nonsense.
BACKLOG, n - an undesirable accumulation of BANBURY CAKE, n - a pie consisting of 3 pastry
something which has to be dealt with , e.g. shell filled with currants, raisins and can-
uncompleted work or unsold stock. A back- died peel, with a criss-cross pattern on the
log of cases to be heard. The backlog of top.
demand for housing. BANG, v- to cause stock prices to fall by rapid
BACKWOODSMAN, n (col) - a peer who rarely selling. Alternatively, to sell stocks rapidly,
attends the House of Lords. thereby causing prices to fall.
BACON, n - in the expression SAVE ONE'S BA- BANG ON, adj & adv (col) - with absolute ac-
CON: to escape from a dangerous situstion, curacy. Bang on cue they arrived.
to save one's skin. BANGER, n (col) - 1 . 3 sausage. 2. a noisy old
BAD PATCH, n - especially in the expression car, 3 clunker. 3. a firecracker that explodes
GO THROUGH A BAD PATCH: tO have a rough with a sudden bang.
time. He went through a bad patch after his BANK HOLIDAY, n - 3 legal holiday when banks
wife died. are obliged to remain closed.
BAG, v (col) - to reserve the right to have or BAP, n - a \arge soft bread roll, like a ham-
do something. He bagged the best seat, as burger roll.
usual. BAR BILLIARDS, n - in pubs, 3 table game in
BAGMAN, n (col) - a traveling salesmsn. which short cues are used to pocket balls
BAGS, n (col) - 1. lots, piles. We've got bags into holes guarded by wooden pegs
of things to do before we leave. There's BARGEPOLE, n (col) - the ten-foot-pole you
bags of room. He has bags of money. 2. wouldn't touch something with. This whole
trousers. business stinks of fraud -1 wouldn't touch
BAIRN, n - a child. Scottish and northern En- it with a bargepole.
glish. BARLEY WINE, n - an exceptionally strong beer.
BALACLAVA, n - a warm woolen headgear BARMAN, n - a bartender. If a woman, a BAR-
which 3lmost completely covers the head MAID.
and neck, originally worn by soldiers in the BARMY, adj (col) - mad, eccentric, daft. She's
Crimean War but now by mountain climb- extremely rich and completely barmy.
ers, skiers, bankrobbers, terrorists, BARNEY, n (col) - a noisy argument, a row.
antiterrorists, etc. BARONET, n - a commoner who holds the low-
BALLOCKS or BOLLOCKS, pi n (col) -1. testicles. est hereditary title of nobility, ranking be-
2. a muddle, a foul-up. It was an easy low a baron. He styles himself 'Sir Joe Blow,
enough job but he managed to make a bart' to distinguish himself from a knight.
bollocks of it. 3. 3 disparaging term for an- BARRACK, v (col) - to jeer at, criticize loudly or
other person. You clumsy bollocks, look shout against a speaker, a p\ayer, a team,
what you've done. The word can also be etc.
used as an exclamation of annoyance, dis- BARRISTER Or BARRISTER-AT-LAW, n - a lawyer
belief, etc. Oh bollocks, I've missed my who is qualified to plead cases in court,
train. As a verb, it means to botch or bungle. also known as a QUEEN'S COUNSEL. Prepa-
From Old English beallucas. ratory work, called a BRIEF, is done by a
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A TO ZED: A GB / US LEXIS
BARROW BIKE
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A TO ZED: A GB / US LEXIS
BILL BLOODY
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A TO ZED: A GB / US LEXIS
BLOODY-MINDED BOTHER
bloody night. That was a bloody wonderful litically radical or left-wing. Shortened from
meal. A variant is BLEEDING. Bolshevik.
BLOODY-MINDED, adj - deliberately obstructive BOLT HOLE, n - a hiding place, a place of es-
and unhelpful. The noun is BLOODY- cape from danger.
MINDEDNESS. This isn't inefficiency, it's sheer BOMB, n - 1. a great success, especially in
blood-mindedness. the expressions GO DOWN A BOMB and GO LIKE
BLOOMER, n (col) - stupid mistake, a blunder. A BOMB. The play went down a bomb. 2. a
BLOOMING, adv& adj (col) - an intensifier like lot of money. Speculators made a bomb. It
BLOODY, but milder. Interchangeable with cost me a bomb.
BLINKING, FLIPPING and FLAMING. All are clearly BOMBARDIER, n- a noncommissioned rank be-
euphemistic. He's a blooming genius. It was low the rank of sergeant in the Royal Artil-
blooming painful. She's a blinking nuisance. lery.
BLOW, n (col) - cannabis. BONCE, n (col) - the head.
BLOWER, n (col) - a telephone. BONK, n (col) - 1. to hit. 2. to have sex with
BLUE, n - a sportsman who represents Ox- someone.
ford or Cambridge University and has the BONKERS, adj (col) - mad, crazy. You must be
right to wear the university color. An Ox- flaming bonkers!
ford blue. BONNET, n - the hood of an automobile.
BLUEBOTTLE, n (col, old) - a policeman. BOOB, n (col) - an embarrassing mistake, a
BLUES, THE, pi n - the Royal Horse Guards. blunder. Inviting her mother was a bit of a
BOARDER, n - a pupil who lives at at a board- boob, wasn't it?
ing school except during vacations. Cf. BOOK IN, v- to record something in a register,
DAYBOY. especially one's arrival at a hotel.
BOAT RACE, THE, n - the annual race, held in BOOKER PRIZE, n - the best-known British lit-
the spring on the River Thames, between erary prize, awarded annually for a novel
the Oxford and Cambridge University row- written by a British, Commonwealth or Irish
ing crews. Inexplicably part of the national author.
calendar. BOOKING, n - a reservation, e.g. of a table in a
BOB, n (col) - formerly, a shilling. Still used in restaurant, a room in a hotel, a seat in a
expressions like A BOB OR TWO and A FEW theater, a seat on a train. Used as a modi-
BOB, meaning a lot of money. A car like that fier: the booking office at the station.
must have set you back a few bob. BOOKSTALL, n - a newsstand.
BOBBY, n (col) - a policeman. After Robert BOOT, n - an automobile trunk. A BOOT SALE
Peel, who, as Home Secretary, set up the or CAR-BOOT SALE is a kind of collective ga-
Metropolitan Police Force in 1828. Until rage sale, with people selling goods from
relatively recently, the term PEELER was also the trunks of their cars in a parking lot hired
used for a policeman, and in Ireland still is. for the occasion.
BOFFIN, n (col) - a scientist, especially one BOOTIE, n (col) - a Royal Marine.
engaged in military research. BOOZER, n - a bar or pub, as well a a person
BOG, n (col) - the toilet. who likes drinking. I'm going down to the
BOILED SWEET, n - a hard sticky piece of candy, boozer for half an hour.
made of boiled sugar. BORSTAL, n - formerly an establishment in
BOILER SUIT, n - overalls. which offenders aged 15 to 21 were de-
BOLLARD, n - a small post placed on a curb or tained for 'corrective training'. The word
traffic island to make it conspicuous to driv- survives although the institution was re-
ers. placed in 1982 by youth custody centres.
BOLSHIE or BOLSHY, adj (col) -1. difficult to man- BOTH WAYS, adj & adv- see EACH WAY.
age, rebellious, refusing to conform. 2. po- BOTHER, interj - an exclamation of mild an-
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A TO ZED: A GB / US LEXIS
BOTTLE BROADS
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A TO ZED: A GB / US LEXIS
BROCK BUREAU
BROCK, n another name for a badger, used BUILDING SOCIETY, n - a savings and loan as-
especially as a form of address in stories. sociation.
BROLLY, n (col) - an umbrella. BULGE, n - the projecting part of an army's
BROWNED-OFF, adj (col) - thoroughly discour- front line, a salient.
aged, fed up. Frankly, I'm browned-off deal- BULL, n - short for the bull's-eye of a target,
ing with them, they never pay on time. e.g. in darts.
BROWNIE or BROWNIE GUIDE, n - a member of BULLET, n (col) - dismissal from a job, espe-
the junior branch of the Girl Guides, British cially in the phrases GET THE BULLET or GIVE
equivalent of the Girl Scouts. SOMEONE THE BULLET.
BROWNING, n - a substance used to darken BULLFINCH, n - a high thick hedge which is too
soups, gravies, etc. difficult for a horse and rider to jump.
BRUCE, n - a jocular name for an Australian. BUM, n - the buttocks or anus.
BRUMMIE, n (col) - a native or inhabitant of BUM-BOY, n (col) - a disparaging term for a
Birmingham, Britain's second largest city. male homosexual.
BRUSH-UP, n - the act of tidying one's appear- BUMF or BUMPH, n (col) - toilet paper, and, by
ance, especially in the phrase WASH AND extension, official documents, forms,
BRUSH-UP. memorandums, etc. / wish the trade depart-
BST, n (abbr) - British Summer Time, com- ment would stop sending me all this bumf.
parable to daylight saving time. Short for bum fodder.
BUBBLE AND SQUEAK, n - leftover boiled cab- BUMP START, n - a method of starting a car by
bage and potatoes fried together, some- engaging low gear with the clutch de-
times with cooked meat. The name is imi- pressed and pushing the car or allowing it
tative of the sounds it makes as it cooks. to roll down a hill until sufficient momen-
BUCKET SHOP, n - any small business that can- tum has been acquired to turn the engine
not be relied upon, especially one selling by releasing the clutch. Also used as a
cheap airline tickets. noun.
BUDGERIGAR, n - an Australian parakeet, com- BUMSUCKING, n (col) - obsequious behaviour,
monly kept as a pet. Informally, a BUDGIE. brown-nosing. See ARSE.
BUFFER, n (col, old) - especially in the phrase BUN, n - a small roll, similar to bread but con-
OLD BUFFER: a foolish and bumbling old man. taining sweetening, spices, dried fruit, etc.
Hedley threatened to resign, that's what Coloquially, to HAVE A BUN IN THE OVEN means
swayed the old buffers on the committee. to be pregnant.
BUFFET CAR, n - a railroad car where drinks BUNCHES, pi n - a hairstyle in which hair is
and snacks are served. Pronounced boof- tied into two sections on either side of the
fay. head at the back.
BUGGER, n (col) - in spite of its formal mean- BUNG, v (col) - 1. to throw, sling. 2. to bribe.
ing, usually a humorous or affectionate As a noun, it means either a tip or a bribe.
term for a man or child. He's a clever little BUNK, v (col) - a hurried departure, usually
bugger. The silly old bugger talks to him- under suspicious circumstances, especially
self. BUGGER ALL means nothing. See ALL. in the phrase DO A BUNK. Next thing I knew,
As a verb, it means to completely ruin the whole family had done a bunk.
something. Well, that's buggered our plans BUPA, n (abbr) - the British United Provi-
for the weekend. To BUGGER ABOUT means dent Association, Britain's largest private
to waste time on unnecessary tasks. To health insurance company.
BUGGER OFF is to depart quickly, often used BUREAU, n - a large writing desk with pigeon
in the imperative. To BE BUGGERED is to be holes, drawers, etc., against which the writ-
exhausted, but I'LL BE BUGGERED is a set ing surface can be closed when not in use.
phrase used to express amazement. US bureau = GB chest of drawers.
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A TO ZED: A GB / US LEXIS
BURN CARVE-UP
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A TO ZED: A GB / US LEXIS
CASH UP CHESTERFIELD
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CHESTY CLAPPED-OUT
arms of the same height as the back. CHUCK IN, v (col) - to abandon or give up.
CHESTY, adj (col) - 1. suffering from a chest CHUCKER-OUT, n (col) - another name for a
disease or symptomatic of one. He had a bouncer.
chesty cough. 2. with a large over-devel- CHUFFED, adj (col) - pleased, delighted. They
oped bosom. were well chuffed at the size of the pay rise.
CHICORY, n - endive. CHUNDER, n & v (col) - vomit.
CHILDCARE, n - care provided for children with- CHUNKY, adj - of clothes, made of thick bulky
out homes or with a seriously disturbed material.
home life by a local authority. CHUNTER ON, v - to mutter or grumble inces-
CHIMNEY, n - a smokestack, e.g. of a locomo- santly and meaninglessly.
tive or ship. CHURN, n - a large container for milk.
CHIMNEYPIECE, n - another name for mantel- CID, n (abbr)- Criminal Investigation Depart-
piece. ment, the detective division of a police
CHINA, n - pal, buddy, especially in the phrase force.
MY OLD CHINA. Originally Cockney RHYMING CIDER, n - an alcoholic drink made from the
SLANG of china plate with mate. fermented juice of apples. Hard cider.
CHINLESS WONDER, n (col) - a person, especially CINE CAMERA, n - a movie camera. CINE FILM is
an upper-class person, who lacks strength movie film.
of character. CINEMA, n - the usual word for a movie house,
CHINWAG, n (col) - a chat or gossipy conver- theater.
sation. CIRCUIT JUDGE, n - a judge presiding over a
CHIPOLATA, n - a small, skinny sausage. county court or crown court.
CHIPPY, n (col) - 1. a fish-and-chip shop. 2. a CIRCUS, n - an open, usually circular place in
carpenter. a town where several streets converge, e.g.
CHIPS, pi n - French fries. Piccadilly Circus.
CHIT or CHITTY, n - a note, memorandum, or CITY CENTRE, n - downtown.
receipt. From a Hindi word meaning note. CITY EDITOR, n - the editor in charge of finan-
A mother who wants to get skimmed milk cial and commercial news. The CITY DESK is
for her baby must first get a chit signed by his or her department.
a health worker. CITY, THE, n - the area in central London in
CHOCK UP, v- to cram full. The cubby-hole was which the UK's major financial business is
chocked up with old newspapers and vari- transacted, or the financial institutions lo-
ous kinds of rubbish. cated there. Equivalent of Wall Street.
CHOKED, adj (col) - angry, upset or disap- CIVIL LIST, n - the annuities voted by Parlia-
pointed. He was too choked to say anything ment for the support of the royal family, the
more. royal household and royal hangers-on.
CHOKEY, n (col) - prison slang for solitary con- CIVVY, n (col) - a civilian. The plural CIVVIES
finement. refers to civilian dress as opposed to uni-
CHOO-CHOO, n - a child's name for a train. form. The phrase CIVVY STREET means civil-
CHOP, v (col) - to dispense with or reduce. To ian life and work. In the army your job's se-
GET THE CHOP is to be fired. cure, whereas in civvy street they can give
CHOPPER, n - a small hand ax or a butcher's you the sack any time they like.
cleaver. Also a slang name for the penis. CLANGER, n - a blunder, a faux pas, a con-
CHRISTIAN NAME, n - first name, given name. spicuous mistake, especially in the phrase
CHRISTMAS BOX, n - a tip or present given at DROP A CLANGER. / realise I dropped a clanger
Christmas. See BOXING DAY. asking about his wife, but how was I to know
CHRISTMAS PUDDING, n - another name for plum she'd left him.
pudding. CLAPPED-OUT, adj (col) - worn out, dilapidated,
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CLAPPERS COMBINATIONS
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COME CORNET
COME, v (col) - to play the part of. I'll give you the Conservative Party, one of Britain's two
a piece of advice, sonny - don't come the major political parties.
old soldier with me. CONSTABLE, n - a police officer of the lowest
COME UP, n - to begin one's first term at a col- rank.
lege or university. To COME DOWN is to leave CONSTITUENCY, n - a district which sends a rep-
university. resentative to Parliament or all the resi-
COMFORTER, n - a woolen scarf. dents of that district. A parliamentary con-
COMMISSIONAIRE, n - a uniformed doorman at stituency is roughly the equivalent of a con-
a hotel, theater, etc. gressional district.
COMMON, n - a tract of open public land, es- CONSULTANT, n - a doctor holding the highest
pecially one now used as a recreational sppointment in a particular branch of medi-
area. cine or surgery in a hospital.
COMMON-OR-GARDEN, adj (old) - ordinary, un- CONTENT, interj - in the House of Lords, a for-
exceptional. mal expression of assent. The opposite ex-
COMMONS, THE, n - short for the House of Com- pression iS NOT CONTENT.
mons. CONTRACT OUT, n - to agree not to participate
COMMUNICATION CORD, n - a chain or cord in a in something, especially the state pension
train which may be pulled by a passenger scheme.
to stop the train in an emergency. CONVENIENCE, n - 3 euphemism for a public
COMMUNITY HOME, n - a reform school for young toilet.
offenders. Its formal name is community CONVERSION, n - a house converted into sepa-
home with education on the premises. rate apartments.
COMPANY SECRETARY, n - an officer of an incor- COOK SHOP, n - a store th3t sells cookery
porated company who has certain legal ob- equipment.
ligations. COOKER, n - 1. another word for a stove. 2.
COMPENDIUM, n - 1. a book containing a col- any large sour apple used in cooking.
lection of useful hints. 2. a selection of dif- COP, v (col) - to suffer something unpleas-
ferent games in one container. 3nt. You'll cop a clout about the ears if you
COMPERE, n - a master of ceremonies who in- do that again. He copped 15 years for
troduces cabaret or television acts. Also armed robbery. In a military context, to COP
used as a verb. IT means to be killed.
COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL, n - a public high COP SHOP, n (col) - a police station.
school for children of all abilities. COPY TASTER, n - a person who selects or 3p-
CONK, n (col) - nose. proves text for publication in a magazine
CONKER, n - a horse chestnut. CONKERS is a or newspaper.
schoolboy game in which one player swings COR, interj (col) - an expression of surprise,
a chestnut, threaded onto a string, against amazement, admiration, etc. A corruption
that of an opponent to try to break it. of God. Similarly, COR BLIMEY or GORBLIMEY,
CONSENTING ADULT, n - a man over the age of another expression of surprise, is a corrup-
twenty-one, who may legally engage in ho- tion of God blind me. See BLIMEY.
mosexusl behaviour in private. CORE SUBJECTS, pi n - the three foundation sub-
CONSEQUENCES, n - a game in which each jects that are compulsory throughout each
player writes down a part of a story, folds KEY STAGE in the NATIONAL CURRICULUM, viz.
over the paper, and passes it on to the next English, matherrotics and science.
player, who continues the story. After sev- CORN, n - any cereal plant.
era\ contributions by each player, the re- CORNED BEEF, n - processed and canned meat.
sulting nonsensical stories are read out. US corned beef = GB salt beef.
CONSERVATIVE, n - a supporter or member of CORNET, n - an ice-cream cone.
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CORNFLOUR CS GAS
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CUP FINAL, THE, n - the annual final of the FA DARBY AND JOAN, n - an ideal elderly married
Cup soccer competition for the national couple, archetypal of domestic harmony
championship, played at Wembley. and contentment. A DARBY AND JOAN CLUB
CUPBOARD, n - a closet. is one for elderly people. The original
CUPPA or CUPPER, n (col) - a cup of tea. couple existed in an 18th-century English
CURRENT ACCOUNT, n - a checking account at ballad.
a bank. DARTMOUTH, n - home of the Royal Naval Col-
CUSHY, adj (col) - easy, comfortable. A cushy lege. Equivalent of Annapolis.
job. From a Hindi word meaning pleasant. DAVENPORT, n - a tall narrow desk with a
CUT UP ROUGH, n (col) - to become angry or slanted writing surface and drawers at the
bad-tempered. side.
CUTTHROAT Or CUTTHROAT RAZOR, A7 - a Straight DAY RELEASE, n - a system whereby workers
razor. are released for part-time education with-
CUTTING, n - a clipping from a newspaper, or, out loss of pay.
in the horticultural sense, from a plant. DAYBOY, n - a boy who attends a boarding
school daily, but returns home each
evening. Cf. BOARDER.
DAYCARE, n - treatment or supervision during
the working day for people who might be
at risk if left on their own, usually provided
D by a local authority or health service.
DEAD, adv (col) - very or exactly. The exam
D-NOTICE, n - an official notice sent to news- was dead easy. They were running dead
papers, prohibiting the publication of cer- level until the last few seconds of the race.
tain security information. If something is DEAD ON, it is exactly right.
DAB, n (col) - a fingerprint. DEATH DUTY, pi n - formerly, a tax on property
DAB HAND, n (col) - a person who is particu- inheritance comparable to estate tax. Now
\ar\y skilled 3t something. Get Alan to do it called inheritance tax, although the older
- he's a dab hand at hanging wallpaper. term survives, especially in the plural.
DADDY-LONGLEGS, n (col) - another name for a DEBAG, n (col) - to remove someone's pants
crane fly. by force, usually as a prank. See BAGS.
DAFT, adj (col) - foolish, simple, stupid. DECORATOR, n - a professional house-painter
DAILY, n - another name for a CHARWOMAN. and paper-hanger.
DAILY DOZEN, n - regular physical exercises. DEED POLL, n - a legal declaration made by
DAME, n - 1. the title of a woman who has one party only, used when a person
been awarded the Order of the British Em- changes his name.
pire as well as certain other orders of chiv- DEKKO, n (col) - a look, glance, view. Let him
alry equivalent to a knighthood. Also the have a dekko at the photo, maybe he knows
legal title of the wife or widow of a knight or her.
baronet. Dame Elizabeth. 2. the role of a DEMERARA, n - a brown crystallized cane sugar
comic old woman in a pantomime, usually from the West Indies.
played by a man. DEMO, n (col) - short for demonstration.
DAMN-ALL, n (col) - absolutely nothing. See DEMOB, n & i/(col, old) - short for demobilize
ALL. 3nd demobilization, meaning discharge
DAMPCOURSE, n - a horizontal layer of imper- from the services.
vious material in a brick wall, close to the DEMOCRAT, n - a member or supporter of the
ground, to protect against moisture rising. Social and Liberal Democratic Party.
DARBIES, pi n (col, old) - handcuffs. DENIZEN, n - an individual permanently resi-
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dent in a foreign country where he enjoys DIRECT LABOUR, n - workers who are part of
certain rights of citizenship. an employer's own labor force rather than
DEPOSIT ACCOUNT, n - a savings account. hired through a contractor, e.g. construc-
DEPOT, n - a building used for the storage and tion workers employed by a local authority.
servicing of buses or railroad engines. DIRECTORY INQUIRIES, n - information (on the
DERV, n - another name for diesel oil when telephone).
used for road transport. DIRTY, n (col) - in the expression DO THE DIRTY
DESELECT, v - of a constituency organization, ON SOMEONE: to behave meanly or unkindly
to refuse to select an existing MP for re- towards someone.
election. DISCOUNT HOUSE, A? (col) - a financial organi-
DETACHED, adj - of a house, standing apart, zation engaged in discounting bills of ex-
not connected to another house. In Britain change, etc. on 3 large sca\e, primarily by
SEMI-DETACHED HOUSES Or SEMIS, i.e. houses borrowing call money from commercial
separated on one side and joined on the banks.
other, are very common. In thirty years of DISHY, adj (col) - good-looking, attractive.
nuclear power generation, this country has Used by women to describe men. / saw this
produced enough high level waste to fill a really dishy bloke in the pub last night.
pair of semi-detached houses. DITHER, v - to be uncertain or indecisive. Af-
DEWDROP, n - euphemistically, a drop of mu- ter dithering helplessly for several minutes,
cus on the end of one's nose. he picked up the phone.
DIABOLICAL, adj (col) - excruciatingly bad or DIVERSION, n - detour.
outrageous. His Japanese is diabolical. It DIY, n (abbr) - short for do-it-yourself. DIY
had been a diabolical conspiracy on the stores sell everything for the home handy-
part of the police, the prosecution, the man.
judge; they were all actively involved (G.F. DO, v (col) - to treat violently, to assault.
Newman). DOCKER, n (col) - 3 longshoreman.
DIAL, n (col) - face. DOCKET, n (col) - 1 . a piece of paper sccom-
DIBBLE, n - a small hand tool used to make panying a package or other delivery, stat-
holes in the ground for planting seeds, ing contents, delivery instructions, etc. 2. a
bulbs and roots. customs certificate declaring that duty has
DICEY, adj (col) - difficult, dangerous, risky, been paid.
tricky. DODDLE, n (col) - something easily accom-
DICKY, adj (col) - in a bad condition, shaky, plished, a pushover. I'd like to pretend that
unsteady, unreliable. / feel a bit dicky to- it took great cunning on my part to smuggle
day. He has a dicky heart. it in, but in fact it was a doddle.
DICKY BOW, n (col) - a bow tie. DODGEM, n - another name for a bumper car.
DIDDLE, n - to swindle, gyp. A trademark.
DIFFERENTIAL, n - the difference between rates DODGY, adj (col) - risky, difficult, uncertain,
of pay for different types of labor, especially tricky. Conmen are cashing in on the re-
when forming a pay structure within an in- cession with a record number of dodgy cut-
dustry. price deals and get-rich-quick schemes.
DIGESTIVE BISCUIT, n - a soft, whole-meal Synonymous with DICEY.
cookie. DOGS, pi n (col) - greyhound racing.
DIGS, pi n (col) - lodgings. DOGSBODY, n (col) - a person who does me-
DINKY, adj (col) - small and neat, dainty. nial work.
DINNER JACKET, A7 - a tUXedO. DOINGS, pin (col) - anything of which the name
DINNER LADY, n (col) - a female cook or can- is not known or euphemistically left unsaid.
teen worker in a school. Have you brought the doings for unblock-
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FIDDLE FRIGATE
FIDDLE, n (col) - an illegal or fraudulent trans- FLASHER, n (col) - a person who indecently
action or arrangement. Also used as a verb. exposes himself. The verb is to FLASH.
He's been fiddling his expense claims for FLAT, n - an apartment. A FLATMATE is a per-
years. To be ON THE FIDDLE is to be engaged son with whom one shares a flat.
in fraudulent transactions. FLEET STREET, n - British journalism. Many
FIDEI DEFENSOR, n - Latin: defender of the faith. newspaper offices were formerly situated
This was the title given to Henry VIM by in this central London street.
Pope Leo X. It appears on modern British FLEX, n - flexible insulated electric cord.
coins as FD. FLICK KNIFE, n - a switchblade.
FILL IN, v (col) - to attack and injure someone FLIPPING, adj (col) - see BLOOMING.
severely. FLIT, v (col) - to depart hurriedly and stealth-
FILMSETTING, n - photocomposition, photoset- ily in order to avoid obligations. Also DO A
ting. FLIT, which has the same meaning.
FILTER, n - a traffic signal permitting cars to FLOAT, n - a flutterboard.
turn either left or right when the main sig- FLOG, v (col) - to sell. Subtlety is the key -
nals are red. trying to flog a vacuum cleaner at a dinner
FILTH, n (col) - underworld slang for the po- party is clearly out. The expression FLOG A
lice. The adjective FILTHY has a much wider DEAD HORSE means to harp on some long
application, meaning extremely unpleasant. discarded subject.
What filthy weather, eh? FLUTTER, n - a small bet or wager. With or with-
FIN, n - a plane's vertical stabilizer. out the customary flutter, the Grand Na-
FINANCIAL YEAR, n - the fiscal year. tional is part of British life.
FINGER, n (col) - in the expression PULL ONE'S FLY, adj (col) - sharp-witted and wily.
FINGER OUT: to begin or to speed up activity, FLYOVER, n - an overpass.
especially after initial delay or slackness. FOOLSCAP, n - a size of writing paper, 13.5 by
FIRE BRIGADE, n - the fire department. 17 inches.
FIRST, n - a university degree with first-class FOOTBALL, n- SOCCer.
honors, the highest class. FOOTPATH, n - in common usage a synonym
FISH SLICE, n - a kitchen spatula, a pancake for pavement, i.e. the sidewalk.
turner. FOOTSTEPS EDITOR, n - in film-making, a foley
FISHMONGER, n - a retailer of fish. I've got to or foley artist.
go to the fishmonger's. FORM, n - 1. a grade in a secondary school.
FIT UP, v (col) - to incriminate someone on a What form is he in? 2. the track record of a
false charge, to frame. The filth fitted him horse, an athlete, etc. 3. (col) - a criminal
up for the Romford bank job. A FIT-UP is a record.
frame-up. FOUNDATION SUBJECTS, pi n - the subjects stud-
FITTED CARPET, n - wall-to-wall carpeting. ied as part of the NATIONAL CURRICULUM, in-
FIXTURE, n - a scheduled sporting event. cluding the compulsory CORE SUBJECTS.
FLAG, n - the part of a taximeter that is raised FREE CHURCH, n - any Protestant Church, es-
when a taxi is for hire. pecially the Presbyterian, other than the
FLAKE OUT, v (col) - to collapse or fall asleep Church of England.
because of exhaustion. FREE HOUSE, n - a pub not bound to sell only
FLAMING, adj (COl) - See BLOOMING. one brewer's products.
FLANNEL, v (col) - to talk evasively or to flatter FREEFONE, n - toll free. A trademark.
in order to mislead. As a noun, it means FRENCH STICK, n - a long straight stick loaf.
evasive talk or deceiving flattery. He gave FRENCH WINDOWS, pi n - French doors.
us no flannel, but, on the contrary, told us FRIESIAN, n - a breed of dairy cattle, Holstein.
exactly what we needed to know. FRIGATE, n - a warship larger than a corvette
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FRINGE GEORGE
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GUMPTION HOCKEY
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HODMAN ILLUMINATIONS
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IMMEDIATELY JOLLY
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JOY KNOCK-ON
to say. tion.
JOY, n (col) - success, satisfaction. Did you KINK, n (col) - a sexual deviation. The adjec-
get any joy with that loan you asked for? tive is KINKY.
JUDY, n (col) - a girl or woman. KIOSK, n - a telephone box.
JUG, n - a pitcher. KIP, n - sleep, a nap. /'// leave the baby at
JUGGERNAUT, n - a very large truck for trans- your place, so I can get some kip. I feel like
porting freight by road, especially one that a kip. Also used as a verb: You can kip in
travels throughout Europe. my bed.
JUMBLE SALE, n - a rummage sale. KIPPER, n - smoked herring.
JUMP SEAT, n - a folding seat in a London taxi. KIRBY GRIP, n - a bobby pin.
JUMPER, n - a light pullover. KIT OUT, v - to provide with a kit of personal
JUNIOR SCHOOL, n - school for children aged effects and necessities.
between 7 and 11. See PRIMARY SCHOOL. KITTENS, pi n (col) - in the expression HAVE
KITTENS: to have a cow. Another expression
with an identical meaning is HAVE A CANARY.
KNACKERED, adj (col) - exhausted. Is it much
further? I'm knackered.
KNEES-UP, n (col) - a lively and noisy celebra-
K
tion, especially one with dancing. Deriving
from the Cockney dancing song 'Knees up
KEEN, adj- of prices, extremely low, competi- Mother Brown'.
tive. KNICKERS, pi n - panties. Colloquially, to GET
KEEP, v - to have permanently in stock. This ONE'S KNICKERS IN A TWIST is to become un-
shop keeps all kinds of wools. duly angry or annoyed about something. I'm
KEG, n - an aluminum container in which beer not a toy-boy, but if it amuses you to call
is transported and stored. KEG BEER is kept me that, I'm not going to get my knickers in
in such a container, infused with gas, and a twist over it.
served under pressure. KNOBS, pi n (col) - in the expression AND THE
KERB, n - a curb. KERB-CRAWLING is the act of SAME TO YOU WITH KNOBS ON: the same to you
driving slowly along the edge of the pave- but even more so.
ment while soliciting a prostitute. A KERB- KNOCK BACK, v (col) - to drink, either quickly
CRAWLER is a person who does this. or in quantity. / never met anybody who
KERFUFFLE, n (col) - commotion, disorder, agi- could knock back the beer the way you can.
tation. KNOCK OFF, v (col) - to steal.
KEY STAGE, n - in education, one of the four KNOCK UP, n - not to make someone pregnant
broad age-group divisions to which the NA- but 1. to wake or rouse someone. Can you
TIONAL CURRICULUM applies. These are 5-7, knock me up early tomorrow morning? 2.
7-11, 11-14 and 14-16 years. to make something quickly or to improvise,
KG, n (abbr) - Knight of the Order of the Gar- e.g a meal, a set of shelves, etc. Do you
ter. want me to knock you up a few sand-
KIDOLOGY, n (col) - the art of bluffing or de- wiches? 3. to warm up before a tennis or
ception. Cf. US sayings like Don't kid a kid- squash match.
der. KNOCK-ON, adj - resulting indirectly but inevi-
KING OF THE CASTLE, n - a children's game in tably from another event or circumstance.
which each child tries to stand alone on a // the factory closes, the 500 people who
mound, sandcastle, etc. by pushing other work here will lose their jobs, and, because
children off it. By extension, any person of the knock-on effect, so will hundreds of
who is in a commanding or superior posi- others in the area.
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KNOCKDOWN LOAF
KNOCKDOWN, adj - cheap. If you wait until the LEAGUE TABLE, n - a tabulated comparison of
January sales, you can get them at a knock- clubs or teams competing in a sporting
down price. league. By extension, a comparison of per-
KNOCKING SHOP, o (col) - a brothel. formance, merit, importance, etc. in any
competitive situation. They refer to a league
table of wages.
LEFT-LUGGAGE OFFICE, n - a baggage room,
checkroom.
LEG-PULL, n (col) - a practical joke or mild de-
L ception.
LEMON SQUASH, n - a drink made from a sweet-
L-DRIVER, n - a learner-driver, who must be ened lemon concentrate and water.
accompanied by a qualified driver and dis- LET, v- to lease or rent property. As a noun,
play L-plates on the car. An L-PLATE is a it means the act of renting property or ac-
white rectangle with a red 'L' and must be commodation. The majority of new lets are
fixed to both the front and the rear of the covered by the rent regulations.
car. LETTER BOX, /7 - 1 . 3 dOOr Slot, USU3lly COV-
LABOUR PARTY, n - one of the two main politi- ered with a hinged flap, through which let-
cal parties in Britain, formed in 1900 to se- ters are delivered to a building. 2. a public
cure adequate parliamentary representa- box into which letters are put for collection
tion for labor. and delivery. In the Iatter sense, also called
LADDER, n - a run in hose or stockings. a POSTBOX Or a PILLAR BOX.
LADYBIRD, n - a ladybug. LEVEL CROSSING, n - a grade crossing.
LAMPPOST, n - a street lamp. LEVEL PEGGING, n (col) - equaIity between two
LANDLORD, n - a pub-keeper. contestants.
LARRY, n (col) - in the expression AS HAPPY AS LIBERAL STUDIES, n - a supplementary arts
LARRY: extremely happy. course for those specializing in scientific,
LASH OUT or SPLASH OUT, v (col) - to spend technical or professional studies.
money freely or extravagantly. This year we LICENSING LAWS, pi n - the laws governing when
decided to lash out on a really good holi- 3nd where liquor may be sold.
day, so we're going to India. LID, n (col) - in the expression PUT THE LID ON
LASHINGS, pi n (col) - lavish quantities, espe- SOMETHING: to be the final blow to some-
cially when referring to food or drink. Roast thing.
beef with lashings of gravy. LIE-IN, n - a long stay in bed in the morning.
LAUNDERETTE, n - a laundromat. Both words LIFE PRESERVER, n - not a life jacket but a kind
are trademarks. of blackjack kept for self-defence.
LAVATORY PAPER, n - another name for toilet LIFT, n - an elevator.
paper. LIMB, n (col) - in the expression OUT ON A LIMB:
LAW CENTRE, n - an independent service pro- isolated, especially because of unpopular
viding free legal advice and information to opinions.
the general public and financed by a local LIMITED or (abbr) LTD, n - or a company, in-
authority. corporated. It refers to the shareholders'
LAY ON, v - to install. / hope they can lay on limited liability. See PLC.
electricity. LINESMAN, n - a lineman.
LAY-BY, n - a place for drivers to stop at the LIP-SALVE, n - chap-stick.
side of a highway, a pull-off. LIVER SAUSAGE, n - liverwurst.
LEADER or LEADING ARTICLE, n - the main edito- LOAF, n (col) - head, brains. Use your loaf!
rial in a newspaper. RHYMING SLANG: loaf of bread.
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LOCAL, n (col) - a pub close to one's residence in a pub or hotel, most pubs being divided
or place of work and an Englishman's sec- into PUBLIC BAR and lounge.
ond home. LOUNGE SUIT, n - a business suit.
LOCAL AUTHORITY, n - local government. LOVE or LUV or LOVEY, n (col) - a friendly or
LOCK, n - the extent to which a car's front affectionate way of addressing anyone of
wheels will turn to the right or left. This car the opposite sex. That'll be 6.50, love. Is
has a good lock. this your first visit to England, love?
LOCKUP, n - a garage or storage place sepa- LUCKY DIP, n - a grab bag.
rate from the main premises. LUD, n - lord. Used only in the phrase M'LUD
LOCOMAN, n (col) - an engine-driver. (my lud) when addressing a judge in court.
LOCUM or LOCUM TENENs, n - a person who LUDO, n - a simple board game played by chil-
stands in temporarily for another member dren in which players advance counters by
of the same profession, especially a doc- throwing dice.
tor, chemist or clergyman. From Latin: hold- LUG, n - ear. A Scottish word.
ing the place. LUGGAGE VAN, n - the baggage car.
LODGE, n - a small house at the entrance to LUMBER, n- miscellaneous household articles
the grounds of a country mansion. that are stored away. As a verb, to clutter
LODGER, n - a roomer. up with such articles. A LUMBER ROOM is a
LOLLIPOP, n - a large piece of candy on a stick, spare room where things are stored.
for sucking slowly. LUMBER WITH, v- to burden with something un-
LOLLY, n (col) - 1. another name for LOLLIPOP pleasant, tedious, etc. Women still tend to
or ICE LOLLY. 2. a slang word for money. be lumbered with the cooking and clean-
LOO, n (col) - a toilet. In the middle of the ing. When reports have to be written, I'm
night he awoke to find he had to go to the always the one who gets lumbered.
loo again. LUMP, THE, n - self-employed workers in the
LORD, n - a title and way of addressing an construction industry considered collec-
earl, marquess, baron or viscount, or the tively, especially when referring to tax and
younger sons of a duke or marquess. national insurance evasion.
LORD CHANCELLOR, n - in the British govern- LUNCHEON VOUCHER or (abbr) LV, n - a voucher
ment, the cabinet minister who is head of worth a certain amount issued to employ-
the judiciary in England and Wales and ees to be exchanged for food in restaurants.
Speaker of the House of Lords. The British equivalent of a meal ticket.
LORD'S, n- Britain's main cricket stadium, in
London.
LORDSHIP, n - preceded by Your or His, a title
used to address or refer to a bishop, a judge
of the high court, or any peer except a duke.
M
LORRY, n - another word for truck. Colloqui-
ally, the phrase FALL OFF THE BACK OF A LORRY
implies that something has been dishon- MAC or MACK or MACKINTOSH, n - a raincoat.
estly acquired. If he's selling DVDs at that MAGISTRATES COURT, n - a court held before two
price, you can be sure they fell off the back or more justices of the peace or a stipendi-
of a lorry. ary magistrate and dealing with minor
LOSSMAKER, n - an organization, industry or crimes and preliminary hearings (to decide
enterprise that consistently fails to make a whether there is a case to answer).
profit. MAGPIE, n - a person who hoards small ob-
LOUNGE Or LOUNGE BAR Or SALOON BAR, n - a jects.
slightly superior and more expensive bar MAID OF HONOUR, n - a small tart with an al-
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fun of them. It was nothing serious, I was MOPED, n - a motorbike, i.e. not over 50cc.
just taking the mickey out of him. MOTHERING SUNDAY, n - another, less common
MIDLANDS, THE, pi n - the central counties of name for Mother's Day, the fourth Sunday
England, characterized by manufacturing in Lent.
industries. MOTION, n - 1. the evacuation of the bowels.
MILD, n - draught beer, darker colored than 2. excrement. I've been rather constipated
bitter and flavored with fewer hops. lately, Doctor - slow motion and no motion,
MILESTONE, n - a mlilepost. you know.
MILK FLOAT, n - a small truck used to deliver MOTOR, n - a car. A MOTORIST is a driver, espe-
milk to houses. cially when considered as a car-owner. The
MILK ROUND, n - a route along which a milk- MOTORING CORRESPONDENT Of a newspaper
man regularly delivers milk. By extension, covers developments in the automobile in-
a regular series of visits, especially those dustry. A MOTORWAY is a superhighway.
made by recruitment officers from industry MOUSETRAP, n (col) - cheese of poor quality.
to universities. The term may be used as a MOUTH ORGAN, n - another name for a har-
modifier: milk-round recruitment. monica.
MILLEFEUILLE, A? - a napoleon, i.e. a small cake MP, n (abbr) - Member of Parliament, i.e.
of puff pastry filled with cream. From elected to the House of Commons.
French: thousand leaves. MRS BEETON, n - a British cookery writer of
MINCEMEAT Or MINCED MEAT Or MINCE, n - ham- the 19th century, still referred to as an au-
burger meat. thority today.
MINCER, n - a meat grinder. MRS MOP, n (col) - a cleaning lady.
MIND OUT, v - to be careful or pay attention. MUCH OF A MUCHNESS, n - very similar. In gen-
You'd better mind out the boss doesn't see eral appearance they were all much of a
you doing that. muchness.
MINDER, n (col) - a bodyguard or an aide to MUCK ABOUT, v (col) - to waste time, to mess
someone in public life, especially a politi- about. To MUCK UP or TO MAKE A MUCK OF some-
cian, keeping control of press and public thing is to ruin or spoil it.
relations. MUCK IN, v (col) - to share something, e.g. du-
MINERAL, n - a soft drink, soda. ties, work, etc. with other people, to pitch
MINGE, n - the female genitals or women col- in together. If we all muck in, we can get
lectively considered as sexual objects. this finished in no time.
MINGY, adj(col)- meagre, niggardly. Probably MUCKER, n (col) - a friend.
a blend of mean and stingy. MUDDLE THROUGH, v - to succeed in doing
MINICAB, n - a small saloon car used as a taxi. something in spite of lack of organization.
It responds to phone calls but is not li- MUG, n (col) - someone who is easily
censed to cruise for fares. swindled, a sucker. A MUG'S GAME is an ac-
MISCARRY, v - of freight, mail, etc., to fail to tivity where one is sure to lose money. Bet-
reach a destination. ting on horses is a mug's game.
MISERY, n (col) - a person who is habitually MUGGINS, n (col) -1. a foolish person who has
depressed. He's such a misery. been taken advantage of by others, a
MISTER, n - the form of address for a surgeon. sucker. 2. a humorous way to refer to one-
MISTRESS, n - a female teacher. See MASTER. self. In both cases, it is normally used with-
MO, n - short for moment, especially in the out an article.
phrase HALF A MO. MUM, n (col) - mom.
MOBILE, n - a cellular phone. MUSIC-HALL, n - vaudeville.
MOG or MOGGY, n (col) - a cat. MUSO, n (col) - a derogatory term for a pop
MONKEY NUTS, pi n - peanuts in their shells. musician who is overconcerned with tech-
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NAAFI NORMAN
nique rather than content or expression. in the expression GET THE NEEDLE: to feel dis-
like, distaste, nervousness or annoyance.
He got the needle after she had refused
his invitation.
NERVY, adj - not brash, bold or brazen, but
tense, apprehensive, jumpy. Harding was
N
becoming nervy and irritable; having his
sleep interrupted in the manner it had been
NAAFI, n (abbr) - Navy, Army, and Air Force did nothing to induce calm (G.F. Newman).
Institutes, an organization providing can- NEVER-NEVER, n (col) - instalment plan. He
teens, shops, etc., for British military per- bought the car on the never-never. See HIRE
sonnel at home and overseas. A Naafi shop PURCHASE.
is similar to a PX store. NEWSAGENT, n - a newsdealer. His shop not
NAFF, adj (col) - inferior, in poor taste, socially only sells newpapers and magazines, but
unacceptable. Princess Anne used the verb also stationery, greetings cards, candy, etc.
NAFF OFF, in the imperative, to tell members NEWSREADER, n - a radio or television news
of the press to beat it. announcer.
NANCY or NANCY BOY, n (col) - like US nance, a NICK, v (col) -1. to steal. / left it in the car and
disparaging term for an effeminate man, es- some bastard nicked it. 2. to arrest. They
pecially a homosexual. nicked them as they came out of the bank.
NAPPY, n - a diaper. Diaper rash is NAPPY RASH. As a noun, the word means either a police
NARK, n (col) - 1. an informer or spy working station or the condition something is in. It's
for the police. 2. a person who complains had four previous owners, but it's still in
irritatingly: an old nark. Used as a verb, it fairly good nick.
means to annoy, upset or irritate: He was NICKER, n (col) - a pound sterling.
narked by her indifference. NIP, v (col) - to hurry, go quickly or for a short
NASTY PIECE OF WORK, n (col) - a cruel, dan- time. I'll just nip out and post these letters.
gerous or miserly person. They nipped into the pub for a quick one.
NATIONAL GRID, n - a network of high-voltage NIPPER, n (col) - a small boy.
power lines connecting major power sta- NIPPY, adj (col) - quick, nimble. It can also be
tions. used to describe a car which is small and
NATIONAL INSURANCE, n - the compulsory state relatively powerful.
insurance scheme based on weekly con- NISSEN HUT, n - British equivalent of a Quonset
tributions from employees and employers hut.
and providing payments to the unemployed, NO-GO AREA, n - a district in a town that is
the sick, the retired, etc., as well as medi- barricaded off, usually by a paramilitary or-
cal services. ganization, which the police, army, etc. can
NATTER, v - to talk idly, to chatter or gossip. only enter by force.
Also used as a noun. NOB, n (col) - a person of wealth or social
NAVVY, n - an unskilled worker on a construc- distinction. The nobs were forever snubbing
tion site, excavation or roadwork. In the the snobs (C.C. O'Brien).
19th century navvies dug the navigational NOBBLE, v (col) - 1. to disable a race-horse,
canals between the major industrial cen- especially with drugs. 2. to suborn a juror
ters. by threats or bribery.
NEARSIDE, n - the side of a car nearest the NON-U, adj - not characteristic of or used by
edge of the road, i.e. in Britain, the left side. the upper class, especially regarding lan-
Cf. OFFSIDE. guage.
NEEDLE, n (col) - ill-will, a grudge, especially NORMAN, adj - relating to the period in En-
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gland following the conquest of 1066. bad, sour, etc. This milk is off. 2. in a res-
NOSY PARKER, n - a prying person, a busybody. taurant, not being served at the moment.
NOT HALF, adV (COl) - See HALF. Sorry, sir, haddock is off.
NOTE, n - short for banknote. The word 'bill' is OFF COLOUR, adj - slightly ill, unwell.
not used in this sense. Have you got change OFF-LICENCE, n - a package store, liquor store.
for a ten-pound note? Sales of alcoholic drink for consumption off
NOUGHTS AND CROSSES, n - tick-tack-toe, criss- the premises by a pub or an off-licence at-
cross. tached to a pub are called OFF-SALES.
NOUS, n (col) - good sense, intelligence, OFF-THE-PEG, adj - off-the-rack, ready-made.
shrewdness. Hillela had the nous to take OFFSIDE, n - the side of a vehicle nearest the
up with the General when he was on the centre of the road, i.e. in Britain, the right
up-and-up again (Nadine Gordimer). Pro- side. The OFFSIDE LANE is the right-hand lane,
nounced noose. the OFFSIDE PASSENGER DOOR is the one on
NUMBER, n (col) - in the expression ONE'S NUM- the right. The opposite is NEARSIDE.
BER is UP: one is finished, one is ruined or OIK, n (col) - a person regarded as inferior
about to die. because ignorant, ill-educated, or lower-
NUMBER PLATE, n - the license plate on a car. class.
NUT, n (col) - in the expression DO ONE'S NUT: OLD BAILEY, n - the chief criminal court in Lon-
to be extremely angry, go into a rage. don. Also the Central Criminal Court of En-
NUTMEG, v (col) - in various sports, to kick or gland.
hit the ball between the legs of an oppos- OLD BILL, n (col) - the police or any individual
ing player. policeman.
NUTTER, n - a crazy person, a headcase. OLD BOY, n - a male graduate of a school, an
alumnus. Not necessarily of a British pub-
lic school, despite the disapproving term
OLD BOY NETWORK, meaning the appointment
to power of former alumni of the same small
group of public schools and universities. He
O got on to the board through the old boy net-
work. An OLD GIRL is a female ex-student.
O LEVEL, n - formerly, the basic level of the OLD LAG, n (col) - a long-term prisoner.
General Certificate of Education, now re- OLD SCHOOL TIE, n - a distinctive tie that indi-
placed by GCSE, an exam taken at age 16. cates which school the wearer attended.
He has eight O-levels. He failed O-level OLD SWEAT, n (col) - an old soldier, a veteran,
maths. The 'o' stood for ordinary, as op- or, generally, a person who has a great deal
posed to advanced. See A-LEVEL. of experience in some activity.
O.N.O., n (abbr) - in advertisements the ab- OM, n (abbr) - Order of Merit, an order con-
breviation of or nearest offer. Equivalent of ferred on civilians and servicemen for emi-
USo.b.o. nence in any field.
QBE, n (abbr) - Officer of the Order of the ONE-OFF, n - something that is carried out or
British Empire. made only once. As a modifier: a one-off
OBSTACLE, n - a fence or hedge in job. The group is set to play a one-off show
showjumping. with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
ODDS, pin-a significant difference, especially ONIONS, pi n (col) - in the expression KNOW
in the phrase IT MAKES NO ODDS. ONE'S ONIONS: to be fully acquainted with a
ODDS AND SODS, pi n (col) - miscellaneous subject.
people or things. OPEN UNIVERSITY, n - a university founded in
OFF, adj - 1. of food and drink, having gone 1969 for mature students studying by cor-
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respondence courses, aided by television PACK, n - another word for a deck of cards.
and radio lectures, local counselling and PACK IN, v (col) - to stop doing something, es-
summer schools. pecially in the phrase PACK IT IN. I'm getting
OPENCAST MINING, n - strip mining. too old for this kind of work. Soon I'm go-
OPENING TIME, n - the time at which pubs can ing to have to pack it in.
legally start selling drinks. PACK UP, v- to break down, stop working. The
OPERATING THEATRE, n - the operating room in engine packed up just before we reached
a hospital. Dover.
OPTIC, n - a device attached to an inverted PACKED LUNCH, n - a SaCk lunch.
bottle for dispensing measured quantities PAKI, n (col) - a derogatory term for a Paki-
of liquid, e.g. whiskey, gin, etc. stani or person of Pakistani descent, or,
ORDINARY SHARES, pi n - Common StOCk. loosely, for a person from any part of the
ORDNANCE SURVEY, n - the official map-mak- Indian subcontinent. The racist practice of
ing body of the British or Irish government. making unprovoked physical assaults on
ORPINE or ORPIN, n - the plant live-forever. such people is called PAKI-BASHING. Pro-
OTHER RANKS, pi n - all those who do not hold nounced pack-ee.
a commissioned rank in the armed forces. PANDA CAR, n - a police cruiser. So called be-
OUTFITTER Or MEN'S OUTFITTER, n - a Shop that cause its blue-and-white markings re-
sells men's clothes, a haberdasher. semble the black-and white markings of the
OVEN GLOVES, pi n - pot holders. giant panda.
OVERALL, n - a loose-fitting protective outer PANNIKIN, n - a small metal cup or pan.
garment, a smock. PANTECHNICON, n (old) - a furniture removal
OVERSPILL, n - the movement of people from truck.
overcrowded cities to less populated areas. PANTO, n (col) - short for pantomime. See next
OVERTAKE, n - to pass another vehicle. entry.
OWNER-OCCUPIER, n - a person who owns or is PANTOMIME, n - a kind of play peformed at
in the process of buying the house or apart- Christmas, characterized by farce, music,
ment he or she lives in. lavish sets, stock roles, and topical jokes.
OXBRIDGE, n - Oxford and Cambridge univer- Or, generally, any confused or farcical situ-
sities regarded as the seat of traditional ation.
academic and social excellence, privilege PANTS, pin - underpants. US pants = GB trou-
and exclusiveness. Used as a modifier: He sers.
spoke with an Oxbridge accent. Oxbridge PARAFFIN or PARAFFIN OIL, n - kerosene.
graduates have long dominated the diplo- PARALYTIC, adj (col) - blind drunk.
matic service. PARCEL, n - another word for a package.
OXONIAN, adj - relating to Oxford or Oxford PARKY, adj (col) - of the weather, chilly, cold.
University. As a noun, it means someone PART EXCHANGE, n - a transaction in which used
who comes from Oxford or who is a mem- goods are taken as partial payment for
ber of the university. more expensive ones of the same type. A
trade-in.
PARTERRE, n - the pit in a theater.
PASS OUT, v- to qualify for a military commis-
sion. General Anderson passed out from
Sandhurst in 1957.
P PASSENGER, n (col) - a member of a group or
team who is a burden on the others be-
p & P, n (abbr) - postage and packing. cause of not participating fully in the work.
PA, n (abbr) personal assistant. / expect everybody to pull his weight, be-
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PASTY PLACE
cause there's no place for passengers on are trademarks but are often written in
this project. lower case. The receptionist regrets the
PASTY, n - a pie or turnover, especially one construction of a perspex divider at her
filled with seasoned meat or fish. counter.
PATHETIC, adj (col) - ludicrous, beneath con- PETITIONER, n - the plaintiff in a divorce suit.
tempt, worthless. The standard of PETROL, n - gasoline. A PETROL STATION is a fill-
goalkeeping in amateur football today is pa- ing station.
thetic. PETTY SESSIONS, n - another name for a mag-
PATIENCE, n - the card game solitaire. istrates' court.
PATROLMAN, n - a man employed to patrol an PEW, n (col) - a seat, especially in the phrase
area to help drivers in difficulty. TAKE A PEW.
PAVEMENT, n - the sidewalk. PIAZZA, n - a covered passageway or gallery.
PAVILION, n - a building at a sports ground, PICTURES, THE, n - a movie theater or film show.
especially a cricket pitch, in which players When we were kids, we used to go to the
change. pictures every Saturday afternoon.
PAWKY, adj - shrewd and cunning, often in a PIGEON, n (col) - concern or responsibility, as
humorous way. in It's his pigeon now, let him worry about
PAYE, n (abbr) - Pay As You Earn, a system it.
whereby tax is deducted from wages at PIGSTY, n - a pigpen. Figuratively, a dirty or
source. untidy place. When was the last time you
PEASOUPER, n (col) - a dense, dirty yellowish cleaned out your room? It's a pigsty!
fog. PILLAR BOX, n - a red pillar-shaped box for
PEBBLE DASH, n - a rough finish for external mailing letters.
walls consisting of small stones embedded PILLOCK, n (col) - a stupid or annoying per-
in plaster. son.
PECKER, n (col) - courage, pluck, spirits, es- PINK, adj (col) - left-wing.
pecially in the expression KEEP ONE'S PECKER PINK GIN, n - gin and bitters.
UP. Keep your pecker up, mate, we haven't PINT, n - 1 UK pint = 0.568 litre, 1 US pint =
lost this match yet. 0.473 litre. Informally, a pint always refers
PECKISH, adj (col) - feeling slightly hungry. to a pint of beer, as in He's gone out for a
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING, n - a CrOSSWalk. AISO pint.
called a ZEBRA CROSSING. PISSED, adj (col) - not angry, but drunk. To GO
PEER, n - a member of the nobility, a noble- ON THE PISS means to go on a drinking binge.
man. A life peer, e.g. Margaret Thatcher, is A PISS-UP is a drinking session. A PISSHEAD
one who has been given the title of baron is a drunkard, a bullshit artist, or, very of-
or baroness and an accompanying seat in ten, both. A PISS ARTIST is a boastful or in-
the House of Lords, and whose title lapses competent person, or one who drinks
at death. heavily. To TAKE THE PISS means to tease or
PERIPATETIC, adj - employed in two or more to make fun of someone. To PISS OFF, used
educational establishments and travelling only in the imperative, means to go away.
from one to another. A peripatetic football PIT, n (col) - bed. It's nearly noon and the
coach. lazy bugger's still in his pit.
PERK, n (col) - short for perquisite. PITCH, n - 1. in many sports, e.g. soccer and
PERSISTENT CRUELTY, n - in British law, conduct cricket, the field of play. 2. a vendor's sta-
causing fear of danger to the life or health tion, especially on a sidewalk. Colloquially,
of a spouse. The term is used in matrimo- to QUEER SOMEONE'S PITCH is to upset their
nial proceedings before magistrates. plans or opportunities.
PERSPEX, n - similar to plexiglass. Both words PLACE, n - in horse racing, the first, second
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or third position at the finish. PONCE, n (col) - another word for a pimp. To
PLACEMAN, n - a derogatory term for a person PONCE ABOUT is to do something slowly, in-
who holds a public office as a reward for correctly or unseriously.
political support and for private profit. PONG, n (col) - an offensive smell, a stench.
PLASTER, n - see STICKING PLASTER. He removed his shoes and instantly a pow-
PLATELAYER, n - a trackman. erful pong filled the room. Also used as a
PLATFORM, n - a raised area in a railroad sta- verb. The bazaars ponged of filthy oriental
tion, from which passengers have access spices. Pooh! it pongs!
to the trains. The 9:30 to Manchester is now PONTOON, n - another name for twenty-one,
departing from platform 8. i.e. the cardgame bisckjack.
PLAY UP, v (col) -1. to function erratically, e.g. PONY, n (col) - a sum of 25.
a machine. The bloody photocopier is play- POOF, n (col) - derogatory slang for a male
ing up again. 2. to hurt or cause one pain. homosexual.
My back's playing me up something fierce. POOLS or FOOTBALL POOLS, pi n - an organized
PLC or PLC, n (abbr) - public limited com- nationwide postal gambling pool betting on
pany, a synonym for LTD (limited) after the the result of soccer matches.
name of a corporation. Equivalent to Inc. POORLY, adj (col) - ill, unwell.
PLEB, n (col) - a common vulgar person. Short POPOVER, n - an individual Yorkshire pudding,
for plebeian. The adjective is PLEBBY. It was often served with roast beef.
a plebby sort of party. PORTER, n - a person in charge of a gate or
PLIMSOLLS, pi n - rubber-soled cloth shoes, door, a doorman.
sneakers. Also called GYM SHOES. POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION, n - affirmative action
PLONK, n (col) - cheap wine, usually of infe- (to counter discrimination against minority
rior quality. The word probably derives from groups in employment and education).
French blanc, white, in vin blanc. POST, v- to transfer to a different unit or ship,
PLUMMY, adj (col) - of speech, having a deep e.g. on taking up a new appointment.
tone and a refined and somewhat drawling POSTAL CODE Or POSTCODE, n - Zip COde.
articulation. POTHOLING, n - a sport dedicated to the ex-
PM, n (abbr) - the Prime Minister. ploration of underground caves. Practised
PO, n (col, old) - short for chamber pot. by a POTHOLER.
POCKET MONEY, n - a small weekly sum of POTTER ABOUT, v- to busy oneself in a desul-
money given to children by parents as an tory though agreeable way. I've been
allowance. pottering about in the garden all morning.
POET LAUREATE, n - the poet appointed as court To POTTER AWAY a period of time means to
poet of Britain, a lifetime post. The first was waste it. / intended to do all kinds of things
Ben Jonson in 1616. during the holidays, but in the end I just
POINTS SYSTEM, n - a system used to assess pottered them away as usual.
applicants' eligibility for local authority POTTY, adj (col) - slightly crazy, eccentric.
housing, based on points awarded for such PRAM, n - a baby carriage.
factors as the length of time the applicant PRAT, n (col) - an incompetent or ineffectual
has lived in the area, how many children person. Often used as a term of abuse.
are in the family, etc. PREFECT, n - a schoolchild appointed to a po-
POLE, n (col) - in the expression UP THE POLE: sition of limited power over other students.
slightly mad or completely mistaken, on the PREFERENCE SHARES, pi n - preferred stock.
wrong track. PREZZIE, n (col) - a present, gift.
POLYTECHNIC, n - 3n institute of higher educa- PRIMARY SCHOOL, n - grade school, for children
tion offering courses, especially vocational below the age of 11. It is usually divided
courses, at degree standard and below. into INFANT SCHOOL, for children aged be-
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tween 5 and 7, and JUNIOR SCHOOL, for those PURSE, n - a change purse. US purse = GB
aged between 7 and 11. handbag.
PRIVATE PATIENT, n - a patient receiving medi- PUSH-BIKE, n (col) - a bicycle.
cal treatment not paid for by the National PUSHCHAIR, n - a stroller.
Health Service. Similarly, a PRIVATE PRACTICE PUT PAID TO, v - to end or destroy. This latest
is a medical practice that is not part of the injury puts paid to his hopes of participat-
NHS. ing in the forthcoming Olympics.
PRIVY PURSE, n - the money voted by Parlia-
PUT THROUGH, n - on the telephone, to con-
ment for the personal expenses of the mon-
nect.
arch.
PRODUCER, n - the director of a play. Similarly,
PRODUCTION refers to artistic direction, not
finance.
PROLE, adj (col) - short for proletarian.
PROMENADE, n - a public walk, especially at a Q
seaside resort.
PROVINCES, THE, pin- all of Britain outside Lon-
don. QUACK, n (col) - a doctor.
PROVOST, n-a military policeman. Informally, QUARTERLIGHT, n - a small pivoted window in
a REDCAP. Cf. US provost marshal. the door of a car for ventilation.
PSEUD, n (col) - a person who is false, unau- QUEEN'S COUNSEL or (abbr) QC, n - see BAR-
thentic, especially because of unwarranted RISTER.
intellectual pretensions. QUEER FISH, n (col) - an odd or eccentric per-
PUB-CRAWL, n (col) - a bar-hopping tour. son.
PUBLIC BAR, n - a bar in a pub serving drinks QUEER-BASHING, n - the practice of making
at a slightly cheaper price than in the sa- unprovoked physical assaults on homo-
loon bar or LOUNGE. sexusls or supposed homosexuals. Cf. PAKI-
PUBLIC LENDING RIGHT or (abbr) PLR, n - a BASHING.
scheme whereby authors receive payment QUEUE, n - a line of people waiting for some-
when their books are borrowed from public thing. There was a long queue in front of
libraries. the cinema. Also used as a verb: to stand
PUBLIC SCHOOL, n - a private school.
in line. We had to queue for hours.
PULL, v (col) - to attract and pick up mem-
QUICK ONE, n (col) - a speedily consumed 3l-
bers of the opposite sex. A good-looking
coholic drink.
lad like Jim has no trouble pulling the birds.
QUID, n (col) - one pound sterling. To BE QUIDS
PULL-IN, n - a roadside cafeteria, especially
for truck drivers. IN is to be in a very favorable or advanta-
PUNCH-UP, n (col) - a fight or brawl. geous position.
PUNTER, n - a person who gambles, a QUIETEN DOWN, v - to m3ke or become calm,
prostitute's trick, or the victim of a grifter. silent.
The favourites, as any punter will tell you, QUIFF, n - a prominent tuft of hair, especially
don't always win. Also, any member of the one brushed up above the forehead.
public, especially when a customer. The QUIN, n - a quint (quintuplet).
punters flock into the sales. QUINTILLION, n - a nonillion, i.e. one followed
PUP, n (col) - a conceited young man, espe- by 30 zeros.
cially in the phrase YOUNG PUP. QUIZ MASTER, n - the chairman of a quiz or
PURPLE HEART, n (col) - a heart-shaped purple panel game.
tablet consisting mainly of amphetsmine.
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RABBIT ON ROCKET
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SERVIETTE SMARMY
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SPLASH OUT STREAM
SPLASH OUT, V (COl) - See LASH OUT. STATELY HOME, n - a large mansion, especially
SPOD, n (col) - an Internet addict. one open to the public.
SPOKE, n - in the expression PUT A SPOKE IN STATEROOM, n - a large room in a palace or
SOMEONE'S WHEEL: to thwart someone's other building for use on st3te occasions.
plans. STD, n (abbr) - subscriber trunk dialling. The
SPONGE BAG, n - a water proof bag for toilet UK equivalent of direct distance dialing.
articles. STEEP, n - of a statement, extreme or far-
SPONGE PUDDING, n - a light steamed or baked fetched.
pudding, spongy in texture, made with vari- STEWED, adj-1. a word used to describe tea
ous flavorings or fruit. that has been left to infuse for too long and
SPOT-ON, adj (col) - absolutely correct, very so has a bitter taste. 2. (col) - a slang word
accurate. Cf. BANG-ON, DEAD-ON. for drunk.
SPOTTED DICK, n - a steamed or boiled suet STICK, n (col) - abuse. The wife's been giving
pudding containing dried fruit. him a lot of stick about spending so much
SPOUT, n - in the expression UP THE SPOUT: 1. time down in the pub.
pregnant. 2. completely wrong. These fig- STICKING PLASTER or PLASTER, n - a band-aid,
ures are completely up the spout. 3. com- adhesive tape.
pletely wasted. That's another 50 up the STILETTO or STILETTO HEEL, n - 3 spike heel on
spout. 4. in great difficulty. Now you're re- a woman's shoe.
ally up the spout. STOCKBROKER BELT, n (COl) - the area outside
SPRING ONION, n - a scallion. a city, especially London, in which rich com-
SPUD BASHING, n (col) - in the military, the task muters live.
of peeling potatoes, given as a punishment. STOCKING FILLER, n - a small present, espe-
Other activities are similarly named, e.g. cially one suitable for inclusion in a Christ-
SQUARE-BASHING: drill on a barrack square. IT13S stocking.
SPUNK, n (col) - semen. STONE, n - 1. the pit of certain fruits, e.g. a
SQUIRE, n (col) - an ironic term of address peach or cherry. 2. a unit of weight, used
used by one man to another. Now, squire, especially to express human body weight,
what can I do for you? equal to 14 pounds or 6.350 kilograms.
STAFF, n - in surveying, a rod. ASTAFFMAN holds STONE THE CROWS, interj (col) - an expression
the levelling staff when a survey is being of surprise, dismay, etc. 'Well, stone the
made. crows,' she shouted. 'Corporal Pine. After
STAFF SERGEANT, n - a noncommissioned of- all these years. What on earth have you
ficer with a rank between sergeant and done to your hand?' (John le Carre)
warrant officer, employed on administrative STONY-BROKE, adj (col) - stone-broke, fist-
duties. broke.
STAGE, n - a division of a bus route for which STOP PRESS, n - news items inserted into a
there is a fixed fare. newspaper sfter the printing has been
STAND, n - to be a candidate for office. US started.
politicians run. He has announced his in- STORM CONE, n - a canvas cone hoisted as a
tention to stand for Parliament at the next warning of high winds.
elections. STORM IN A TEACUP, n - 3 tempest in 3 teapot.
STANDARD LAMP, H - a floor lamp. STRAIGHT, n - the straightaway of a racetrack.
STARKERS, adj (col) - stark naked. STRAIGHT UP, sent sub (col) - honestly, truly,
STARTER, n - the first course of a meal. exactly. Straight up, guv, those were his
STARTING STALLS, n - a line of stalls in which very words.
horses are enclosed at the start of a race. STRAIGHTFORWARD, adj- of a task, simple, easy.
STATE SCHOOL, n - a public school. STREAM, v - to divide students into streams
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STRETCH SWISH
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TRADE UNION, n - a labor UNION She kept dropping hints but still he didn't
TRADESPEOPLE, pi n - storekeepers. twig.
TRAFFIC WARDEN, n - a person who is appointed TWISTER, n - a swindling or dishonest person.
to supervise road traffic and report traffic TWIT, n (col) - an idiot.
offences. TYKE, n (col) - a person from Yorkshire or a
TRAM, n - a streetcar. A TRAMWAY or TRAMLINE is boor.
a streetcar line.
TRAPEZIUM, n - a trapezoid, i.e. a quadrilat-
eral with two parallel sides of unequal
length.
TRAVELLING PEOPLE, pi n - gypsies or other itin-
erant people. They use this term to describe
U
themselves.
TREACLE, n - similar to molasses. U, adj (col) - characteristic of the upper class,
TRENDY, adj (col) - consciously fashionable. especially as regards language habits. Cf.
The word is often used derogatorily. It's one non-U.
of London's trendiest nightclubs. Every time U CERTIFICATE, n - the equivalent of a 'g' rat-
I turn on the box, I get trendy intellectuals ing in the US, allowing admission to mov-
talking about life. ies of persons of all ages.
TRICK CYCLIST, n (col) - a shrink, psychiatrist. UNDERCARRIAGE, n - the landing gear of an air-
TRIFLE, n - a cold dessert made with sponge craft.
cake spread with fruit, soaked in wine or UNDERSEAL, n - the undercoat of a car, ap-
sherry, and covered with a custard sauce plied to prevent corrosion.
and cream. UNIONIST, adj - relating to trade unionism.
TRIPPER, n - a tourist or excursionist. UNIT TRUST, n - a mutual fund.
TROUSERS, pin- pants. GB pants = US under- UNOFFICIAL STRIKE, n - another term for a wild-
pants. To WEAR THE TROUSERS in a marriage cat strike.
is to wear the pants. UP, n - in the expression ON THE UP AND UP: on
TRUNCHEON, n - a policeman's nightstick. the upward trend or movement. After sev-
TRUNK CALL, H - a long-distance telephone call. eral hard years, the company's finally on
TUBE, THE, n - the subway, especially in Lon- the up and up again.
don. Also called THE UNDERGROUND. UPPISH, adj (col) - snobbish, arrogant, pre-
TUCK, n (col) - a schoolchild's word for food, sumptuous.
especially pastry and candy.
TUP, n - an uncastrated male sheep, a ram.
TUPPENCE or TWOPENCE, n - a very small
amount. He doesn't care tuppence about
politics.
TURF ACCOUNTANT, n - the formal name for a
V
bookmaker.
TURF OUT, n (col) - to throw out. They were VAN, n - a closed railroad car used for carry-
turfed out of the club. ing baggage, freight or mail. A heap of lug-
TURN-UPS, pi n - trouser cuffs. gage had been thrown from the guard's
TWEE, adj - excessively sentimental, sweet van.
or pretty. They live in a twee little cottage in VARNISH, n - another word for nail polish.
a twee little village. Derived from tweet, a VAT, n (abbr) - value-added tax, a tax on
mincing or affected pronunciation of sweet. practically all products and services, ulti-
TWIG, v- to realize or understand something. mately paid by the consumer. Comparable
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VC WHITEHALL
to sales tax, but included in the price WASH UP, n - to wash the dishes.
marked on the product. WASHING POWDER, n - soap powder.
VC, n (abbr) - the Victoria Cross, Britain's WATERPROOF, n - another name for a raincoat.
highest military award for conspicuous WEAR, v (col) - to accept or put up with some-
valor. thing. He's gone too far this time and I'm
VERGE, n - the shoulder of a road. not going to wear it. Bill won't wear that ar-
VEST, n - an undershirt. US vest = GB waist- gument.
coat. WEE, n - the act of urinating, a leak. Be back
VET, v - to subject to thorough examination in a minute, just going for a wee.
or evaluation. Weaponry purchased by WEEK, adv - seven days before or after a
police forces is carefully vetted. Before he specified day. /'// be back on Friday week.
was appointed, he was very thoroughly WELL IN, adj (col) - on good terms with some-
vetted. one. Ask Bill to help you, he's well in with
VETERAN, n - a soldier who has seen consid- their Personnel Manager.
erable active service, not simply an ex-ser- WELL-STACKED, adj (col) - of a woman, having
viceman. large breasts. Voluptuously proportioned.
VICE-CHANCELLOR, n - the chief administrator WELLINGTONS or WELLINGTON BOOTS, pi n - knee-
of a university. See CHANCELLOR. length rubber boots, worn especially in wet
VILLA, n - a DETACHED or semidetached subur- or muddy conditions. Informally, shortened
ban house. to WELLIES.
VILLAIN, n (col) - a criminal. Police and un- WEST END, n - a part of west central London
derworld slang. Villains like to hear them- containing the main shopping and enter-
selves talking, that's why we catch so many. tainment areas.
VIVA, n - an oral examination. WESTMINSTER, n - the part of central London
VOUCHER, n - a ticket or card serving as a sub- in which Parliament is situated, hence of-
stitute for cash. A gift voucher. ten used to mean the center of government.
WET, adj- feeble, foolish, ineffectual. Used in
a political context, as a noun, the word re-
fers to a Conservative politician who is con-
sidered not to be a hard-liner (a dry).
WHACK, n - a share or part. Whatever hap-
W pens, I want my whack - that was the agree-
ment. Don't worry about Dick, he always
WAFFLE ON, v (col) - to speak or write in a pays his whack.
vague or wordy manner. He waffled on in- WHACKING, adj & adv (col) - enormous. A
terminably about what Yeats was 'painting whacking great piece of pie, a whacking big
a picture of. As a noun, waffle is verbal lie.
padding. WHIP, v (col) - to steal something.
WAISTCOAT, n - vest. GB vest = US undershirt, WHIP-ROUND, n - an impromptu collection of
T-shirt. money. Somebody organized a whip-round
WALLY, n - a stupid person. at the office to buy her a wedding present.
WANK, v (col) - to masturbate. A WANKER is a WHIPPET, n - a swift, short-haired dog resem-
masturbator, or, in a very common usage, bling a greyhound but smaller, developed
a stupid or useless fellow. for racing in some parts of England.
WANT, v - to need (doing). / expect the house WHIRLIGIG, n - a pinwheel.
will want cleaning up a bit. WHISKY, n - Scotch whisky.
WARDEN, n - a park ranger. WHITE SPIRIT, n - a substitute for turpentine.
WARDER or (fern) WARDRESS, n - a prison guard. WHITEHALL, n - a street in London where most
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A TO ZED: A GB / US LEXIS
YOMP
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P A R T F I V E
A to Zee: a US / GB lexis
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A LA KING ANTEBELLUM
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ANTENATAL BAGEL
the antebellum South, an antebellum man- sion HAVE AN ATTITUDE: to be resentful, hos-
sion. tile and generally uncooperative.
ANTENATAL, adj - another word for prenatal. ATTORNEY, n - another word for lawyer.
ANTENNA, n - aerial. AUDIT, v-at university, to attend a course with-
ANTSY, adj - restless, fidgety, apprehensive. out seeking or receiving 3n academic credit
The longer his speech dragged on, the for it.
antsier his audience became. AUTOMAT, n - an automated restaurant where
APARTMENT, n - a flat. An apartment house or food and drink are dispensed from vend-
apartment building is a block of flats. ing machines.
APE, adj (col) - completely unrestrained, es- AWESOME, adj (col) - great, outstanding, bril-
pecially with enthusiasm. To GO APE, or more liant. Sampras played a really awesome
crudely, to GO APESHIT over something game.
means to become wildly excited or enthu-
siastic about it.
APPALOOSA, n - a sturdy breed of saddle horse
characterised by its spotted rump.
APPLE BETTY, n - apple crumble.
B
APPLE BUTTER, n - 3 sauce made from stewed
spiced apples.
APPLE POLISHER, n (old) - a sycophant or toady. BABBIT, n - a complacent and narrow-minded
APPLE-PIE, adj-1. nearly perfect. If something middle-class American. After the main char-
is IN APPLE-PIE ORDER, it is shipshape or in scter of the novel Babbit by Sinclair Lewis.
good order. 2. characterised by values re- Also, BABBITRY.
garded as distinctly American. BABY CARRIER, n - a carrycot.
APPLEJACK, n - a brandy distilled from cider, BACK UP, v -1. to drive a car in reverse. Re-
usually homebrewed. versing lights are BACK-UP LIGHTS. 2. to cause
APPLESAUCE, n (col) - nonsense, foolishness. to accumulate, as in The accident backed
APPRAISE, v - to value a house. The person the traffic up for miles.
who performs this APPRAISAL is an APPRAISER. BACKLOG, n - a desirable reserve of some-
AREA CODE, n - dialling code. thing, e.g. a backlog of orders. But also, as
AREA RUG, n - a large rug. in GB, an undesirable accumulation of
ARMORY, n - a building in which training in the something, e.g. work or correspondence.
use of arms and drill takes place, a drill hall. BAD, n (col) - very good, great. Declined
ASH CAN, n - dustbin. BADDER, BADDEST. A bl3Ck Slang Usage at-
ASPCA or SPCA, n (abbr) - American Soci- tested from slavery times.
ety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. BAD NEWS, n (col) -La persistently annoy-
Equivalent of the RSPCA. ing, unpleasant or dangerous person. Stay
ASS, n (col) -1. arse. 2. sexual intercourse or away from him, he's bad news. 2. a regret-
a woman considered sexually, especially t3ble situation or event.
in the phrase A PIECE OF ASS. BAD-MOUTH, v (col) - to criticize or disparage,
ASSEMBLY, n - the lower chamber in various often spitefully or unfairly. Personally I don't
state legislatures. like the guy, but that doesn't mean I'm go-
ASSIGNMENT, n - homework. ing to bad-mouth him.
ATM, n (abbr) - a cash dispenser. Short for BAG LADY, n - a homeless or destitute woman
Automatic Teller Machine. who wanders city streets with all her pos-
ATTABOY or ATTAGiRL, n (col) - a pat on the back, sessions in shopping bags.
a commendation. BAGEL, n - a breadroll in a doughnut shape. It
ATTITUDE, n (col) - especially in the expres- has 3 tough, chewy texture.
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BAGMAN BAYOU
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BAZOOLAS BLACK
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BONDSMAN BROWNIE
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CHIFFON COLLEGE
court having several judges, especially the CIRCULATING NURSE, n - a theatre sister.
US Supreme Court. CITY EDITOR, n - a newspaper editor respon-
CHIFFON, adj - made frothy and light by the sible for local news and reporters' assign-
addition of beaten egg whites, as in lemon ments. Unlike a British city editor, he has
chiffon pie. nothing to do with commercial or financial
CHILL OUT, v (col) - to relax or to calm down. news.
Chill out and enjoy yourself, life is short. CLAPBOARD, n - a long thin timber board with
When the stress gets too much, we have one end thicker than the other, used in
this little place we go to chill out. wood-frame construction by lapping each
CHINCH, n - another name for a bedbug. board over the one below. Often used as a
CHINOOK, n - a warm dry wind blowing down modifier, as in a clapboard house.
the easterly slopes of the Rocky Mountains CLERK or SALESCLERK, n - shop assistant. Pro-
and causing a sudden rise in temperature. nounced clurk. Also called SALESPERSON.
Also called a snow eater. CLOSET, n - a cupboard or wardrobe. A US
CHIPPED BEEF, n - dried beef smoked and cupbosrd is found only in the kitchen.
sliced very thin. CLOSET, adj (col) - secret, undeclsred. Used
CHIPPER, adj- lively, cheerful, chirpy. until recently only in such expressions as
CHIPS, pi n - potato crisps. GB chips = French CLOSET QUEEN, meaning a secret male ho-
fries. mosexusl, or COME OUT OF THE CLOSET, mean-
CHISEL, v (col) - to cheat or obtain by cheat- ing to acknowledge one's homosexuality
ing. publicly, it now has a wider application, e.g.
CHOPPED LIVER, n (col) - something insignifi- a closet alcoholic, closet information.
cant. Why does she always ignore me? CLOTHES PIN, n - clothes peg.
What am I? Chopped liver? CLUNKER, n (col) - a decrepit old car, an old
CHORINE, n - chorus girl. banger. You actually bought that clunker?
CHOW, n (col) - grub. COASTER, n - a table mat placed under glasses
CHOWDER, n - a thick soup or stew containing and bottles to protect a table top or other
fish, clams, potatoes, onions, and toma- surface.
toes. COBBLER, n - a hot dessert made of fruit cov-
CHUCK UP, v (col) - to vomit ered with a rich cakelike crust.
CHUCK WAGON, n (col) - a wagon carrying cook- COED or CO-ED, n - a female undergraduate.
ing utensils and food for men working in Used as a modifier, as in a coed university,
the open, such as cowboys or ranch hands. a coed dorm or a coed pool, it means open
CHUTES AND LADDERS, pi n - snakes and lad- to both sexes. Derived from coeducational.
ders. COFFEE CAKE, n - a cake or sweetened bread,
CHUTZPAH, n (col) - shameless audacity, un- usually containing nuts and raisins, to be
believable nerve, effrontery. Leo Rosten de- taken with morning coffee. Not coffee-
scribes as having chutzpah a man who flavoured.
killed his father and mother and then threw COFFEE KLATSCH Or KAFFEEKLATSCH, H - a CasuaI
himself on the mercy of the court because social gathering for coffee and conversa-
he was an orphan. A Yiddish word, pro- tion, usually among housewives.
nounced khoot-spah. COLLAR BUTTON, n - Collar Stud.
CIGAR STORE, n - tobacconist's shop. Formerly COLLAR STAY, n - collar stiffener.
a cigar-store Indian, i.e. a wooden effigy of COLLECT ON DELIVERY, n - cash on delivery.
a Native American brandishing a cluster of COLLEGE, n - in everyday speech, synony-
cigars, stood emblematically at the en- mous with university. In the words of the
trance. song: Old Bill Jones had a daughter and a
CINCH, n (col) - an easy task, a piece of cake. son, The son went to college and the
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griddle. Also called johnnycake. As a modi- uneducated white person of the rural South.
fier, it means folksy, homespun in manner A country bumpkin.
or speech: He had a penchant forcornpone CRACKER-BARREL, adj - rural, rustic, home-
humor. spun, especially with regard to CRACKER-
CORNSTARCH, n - Cornflour. BARREL PHILOSOPHY. After the cracker barrels
CORPORATION, n - limited company. around which people would allegedly
COT, n - camp bed. gather for conversation in old-time general
COTTON, v (col) - to take a liking to. The dog stores.
ain't naturally vicious, it just don't cotton to CRANBERRY, n - a red berry, used for making a
strangers. To COTTON UP TO someone is to jelly-like sauce without which no Thanks-
suck up to them. giving dinner would be complete.
COTTON CANDY, n - candy floss. CRANKY, adj - not eccentric but irritable, bad-
COTTONWOOD, n - a kind of N. American pop- tempered, fussy.
lar, whose seeds have a tuft of cottony CRAPS, n - a popular gambling game using
hairs. two dice. To SHOOT CRAPS is to play this
COUCH POTATO, n (col) - a person who lounges game.
around watching television. He's not a CRAWFISH, v (col) - to walk sideways or, meta-
couch potato like you, he actually goes out phorically, to withdraw from an undertak-
sometimes and does things. ing.
COULEE, n - a steep-sided ravine formed by CRAZY BONE, n (col) - funny bone.
heavy rain or melting snow, or an intermit- CRAZY QUILT, n - patchwork quilt.
tent stream in such a ravine. From French CREAM, v (col) - to defeat overwhelmingly.
couler, to flow. Pronounced koo-lay. CREAM OF WHEAT, n - semolina.
COUNSELOR, n -1. a lawyer, especially one who CREEK, n - a stream, often shallow or inter-
conducts cases in court. 2. a person who mittent.
supervises children at a summer camp. CRIB, n - a cot as well as a crib. Hence CRIB
COUNTERCLOCKWISE, adj & adv - anticlockwise DEATH is cot death.
COUNTERMAN, n - a man who tends a snack CRIMP, n (col) -1. something which obstructs
bar or lunch counter. or hampers. 2. a dreary, boring person.
COUPE or COUPE, n - a closed two-door car. CRITTER, n (col) - a living creature. The pro-
COURTESY CAR, n - a vehicle sent by a hotel to nunciation of this corruption of 'creature'
pick up guests from an airport or station at would have been familiar to Shakespeare,
no extra charge. since, in the 17th century, the suffix -ture
COVERALLS, pi n - overalls, a boiler suit. still had not acquired its modern ch sound.
cow, n (col) - in the expression HAVE A cow: to CROSSWALK, n - pedestrian crossing.
have kittens, have a canary. CROTCH, n - crutch, in the sense of the geni-
COW-CATCHER, n - the triangular metal frame tal area.
projecting from the front of a locomotive, CROW, n - humble pie, especially in the ex-
serving to clear the track of obstructions. pression EAT CROW, to be forced to accept
COYOTE, n - a small, wolflike animal roaming or do something humiliating.
the western deserts and prairies. Also CRUD, n (col) - a piece of sticky filth, espe-
called prairie wolf. Pronounced ki-o-tay. cially when encrusted. The adjective is
CPA, n (abbr) - certified public account, the CRUDDY: nasty, repellent, worthless.
equivalent of a chartered accountant. CRUISER, n - a police car. Also called a PROWL
CRACK UP, v (col) - to laugh unrestrainedly or CAR, a squad car or a PATROL CAR.
to cause to do so. / crack up just thinking CRULLER, n - a small ring-shaped cake, fried
about those old jokes. They crack me up. in deep fat.
CRACKER, n - a disparaging term for a poor or CUBE SUGAR, n - lump sugar.
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CUFFS DINGBAT
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DIRECTIONAL DROPOUT
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ERASER, n - rubber. In the US, a RUBBER is a right. Curiously, water from the faucet is
colloquial term for a condom. called tap water.
ERECTOR SET, n - a children's toy, similar to FAVA BEAN, n - broad bean. Pronounced fah-
Meccano. ve.
ESTATE TAX, pi n - death duties. FAVORITE SON, n - a man favoured for nomina-
ETHNIC, n - a member of a minority ethnic tion as a Presidential candidate by del-
group, especially one who maintains the egates from his own state at a national
language and customs of the group. political convention.
EUROPEAN PLAN, n - a hotel rate covering room FEDORA, n - a trilby hat.
and service but not meals. Cf. AMERICAN FEISTY, adj- 1. touchy, temperamental. 2. full
PLAN. of pluck or spirit.
EVERGLADES, n - a subtropical swampy region FENDER, n - the wing or mudguard of a car or
of southern Florida, noted for its tall grass, bicycle. A FENDER-BENDER is a car crash re-
winding waterways, alligators, crocodiles sulting in minor damage.
and egrets. FERRIS WHEEL, n - the big wheel at a fair-
EXPIRATION DATE, n - expiry date. ground.
EXPLANATION POINT, n - exclamation mark. FIELD GOAL, A7 - See TOUCHDOWN.
EXPLORER, n - a dental probe. FIELD HOCKEY, n - hockey. Used by itself,
EXPRESSWAY, n - motorway. See FREEWAY. hockey means ice hockey.
EYEBALL, v (col) - 1. to look over carefully, to FIFTH, n (col) - a bottle of spirits containing
scrutinize. 2. to estimate roughly by look- one fifth of a gallon. Marlowe opened the
ing: He eyeballed the area of the wall to be drawer of the desk and pulled out a fifth of
painted. bourbon.
FIG NEWTON, A7 - a fig roll.
FIGURE, v - to think.
FILE CABINET, n - filing cabinet.
FILL OUT, v - (forms) to fill in.
FILLING STATION, n - petrol station.
F FIN, n (col, old) - a five-dollar bill.
FINAGLE, v (col) - 1. to obtain by deceitful
FACILITY, n - something, often a building, cre- means. He finagled a day off work. 2. to
ated for a specific function: hospitals and cheat, swindle. He finagled the old lady out
other health care facilities. of a fortune. Pronounced fi-nay-gel.
FACULTY, n - all administrative and teaching FINK, n (col) -1. a police informant. 2. a strike-
staff at a school or university. breaker, blackleg. 3. a contemptible person.
FAGGOT or FAG, n (col) - a disparaging term As a verb it means to inform on someone
for a male homosexual. or to renege on a promise: They said they
FAIRY, n (col) - a male homosexual. would help us, but then finked out.
FALL, n - another word for autumn. FIRE DEPARTMENT, n - the fire brigade. A FIRE
FANNY, n (col) - the backside, the buttocks. HOUSE is a fire station, A FIRE TRUCK a fire
FAR-SIGHTED, adj - long-sighted. engine.
FAT CAT, n (col) -1. a very wealthy or influen- FIRE PLUG, n (old) - another word for fire hy-
tial person. 2. a wealthy person who is a drant.
heavy contributor to a political campaign. FIRECRACKER, n - another word for firework,
Also used as a modifier: a fat-cat industri- especially a banger.
alist. FIRST FLOOR, n - the ground floor. GB first floor
FAUCET, n - a tap. In the US, for safety rea- = US second floor, and so on.
sons, the cold-water faucet is always on the FIRST LADY, n - the wife of the President of the
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FREEBIE, n - any article or service given away GARAGE SALE, n - a family-organised jumble
free. sale, with items sold from the garage. Also
FREELOAD, v (col) - to eat and drink at some- called a YARD SALE.
one else's expense, taking advantage of GARBAGE, n - rubbish. A GARBAGE CAN is a
their generosity. A FREELOADER is a person dustbin. A GARBAGE TRUCK is a dustcart.
who does this. GARTER BELT, n - another name for a sus-
FREEWAY, n - motorway. Also called express- pender belt. Suspenders are garters.
way, superhighway, or thruway. A freeway GAS MILEAGE, n - another term for the fuel con-
is specifically a highway without tolls. sumption of a car.
FREIGHT CAR, n - goods wagon on a train. GAS PEDAL, n - the accelerator.
FREIGHT ELEVATOR, H - a gOOdS lift. GASOLINE or GAS, n - petrol. Colloquially, the
FRENCH FRIES, pi n - chips or French fried po- verb is to GAS UP a vehicle.
tatoes. Usually thinner, crisper and less GAT, n (col, old) - a pistol or revolver.
greasy than British chips. US chips = GB GEARSHIFT, n - gear lever of a car.
crisps. GERMAN SHEPHERD, n - another name for an
FRESH, adj (col) - cheeky, impudent, saucy. Alsatian dog. The term disappeared in GB
FRESH OUT OF, adv (col) - having recently run during the First World War but continued
out of supplies of something. Sorry, we're to be used in the US.
fresh out of milk. GET OFF, v (col) - to have an orgasm, or, more
FRESH PAINT, n - Wet paint. generally, to experience great pleasure or
FRESHMAN, n - a first year undergraduate. A gratification.
student in the second year at university is GET OUT OF HERE!, interj (col) - an expression
a SOPHOMORE, in the third year a JUNIOR, and of surprise or disbelief.
in the fourth year a SENIOR. GET OUT OF SOMEONE'S FACE, v (col) - to leave
FROG'S EGGS, pi n - frogspawn. someone alone. Look, I have work to do,
FRONT DESK, n - in a hotel, reception. so get out of my face, will you.
FRUIT BREAD, n - currant bread. GET REAL, v (col) - to be serious, adopt a more
FRUIT CUP, n - fruit cocktail. realistic attitude. One of these days you're
FULL-COURT PRESS, n - an all-out effort. The going to have to get real and go out and
Administration undertook a full-court press look for a job.
to secure congressional approval. In bas- GIBSON GIRL, n - the fashionable American
ketball, it is the tactic of harrying the op- young woman of the 1890s, idealized in the
posing team in all areas of the court. drawings of Charles Dana Gibson.
FUNNIES, pi n - the comic strips in a newspa- GIMP, n (col) - a limp or a person who limps.
per. Also used as a verb. The adjective is GIMPY.
FUNNY FARM, A? (col) - a facetious term for a GIRL SCOUT, n - Girl Guide
mental institution. GISMO or GIZMO, n (col) - a mechanical device
or part whose name is unknown or forgot-
ten, a gadget, a whatchamacallit.
GIVEN NAME, n - Christian name.
GLEE CLUB, n - a group of singers performing
short pieces of choral music.
G GLOP , n (col) - any soft, soggy mixture, e.g.
cafeterias serving nondescript glop. Figu-
GABFEST, n (col) - a prolonged bout of con- ratively, sentiments! slush.
versation or gossip. GLORY HOLE, n (col) - a spare room or cup-
GALLON, n -1 US gallon is equivalent to 0.83 board where miscellaneous objects are
imperial gallon or 3.79 litres. stored untidily.
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GO-GO GRIND
GO-GO, adj (col) - dynamic, forceful, especially of six in the 1st grade and finish twelve
relating to discos and the music and danc- years later in the 12th grade. 2. a military
ing performed in them. rank.
GOBBLEDYGOOK, n - unclear and pretentious GRADE CROSSING, n - level crossing.
language, full of jargon and obscure GRADE POINT AVERAGE or (abbr) GPA, n - a
phraseology. Imitative of the gobbling of a student's overall average in examinations.
turkey. If a student gets a failing grade (i.e. fails
GODDAMNED OT GODDAMN Or GODDAM, adj (COl) - an examination), then his GPA may be too
damned, bloody. low to proceed to the next grade, in which
GOFER, n - an employee whose duties include case he usually has to repeat the year.
menial tasks such a running errands. Al- GRADE SCHOOL, n - primary school.
teration of go for. GRAFT, n - Corruption in public office; money
GOLDBRICK or GOLDBRiCKER, n - a person, es- or other advantages gained by unscrupu-
pecially a soldier, who shirks his work; an lous means.
idler or loafer. GRAHAM CRACKER, n - a. slightly sweet, usually
GONDOLA, n - a low open flat-bottomed rail- rectangular, wholemeal biscuit. Similar to
way goods wagon. a digestive biscuit.
GOOF or GOOF UP, v (col) - 1. to make a care- GRAND JURY, n - a jury of between 12 and 23
less mistake. 2. to hurt oneself. She goofed people whose function is to examine accu-
up her leg skiing. To GOOF OFF is to shirk sations of crime and decide whether there
work, idle or waste time. is sufficient evidence to warrant an indict-
GOOFBALL, n (col) - 1 . 3 fool or an eccentric. ment.
2. a barbiturate or tranquilliser in pill form, GRANDSTAND, v - to behave ostentatiously in
especially when taken for non-medical rea- an attempt to impress an audience. To MAKE
sons. A GRANDSTAND PLAY means the same.
GOOK , n (col) - 1. a racist term for a person GRAVEYARD SHIFT, n - night shift.
from a Far Eastern country. 2. a messy GREASE MONKEY, n (col) - a car mechanic.
sticky substance. GREASER, n (col) - a derogatory term for a
GOON, n - a thug hired to intimidate, espe- Mexican or other Latin American.
cially in an industrial dispute. GREASEWOOD or GREASEBusH, n - a spiny West-
GOOSE BUMPS, pi n - another name for goose ern shrub that yields an oil used as 3 fuel.
pimples. GREEN CARD, n - a government document al-
GOOSE EGG, n (col, old) -1. zero, written as a lowing aliens to work legally in the US.
numeral and indicating that no points have GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE, n - Vermont.
been scored. Cf. GB duck or duck's egg. 2. GREEN THUMBS, pi n - green fingers.
a bump on the head. GREENBACK, n (col) - a note of US currency,
GOP, n (abbr) - Grand Old Party, i.e. the Re- particularly a dollar bill.
publican Party. Often depicted in cartoons GRIDIRON, n -the field of play in American foot-
as an elephant (while the Democrats are ball and hence an informal name for the
usually represented by a donkey). game itself. Often used as a modifier, e.g.
GOTHAM, n - a nickname for New York City. a gridiron hero, a weekend of gridiron thrills.
GRAB BAG, n -1. a lucky dip. 2. (col) - a mis- GRIDLOCK, n - a traffic jam extending in all di-
cellaneous collection. The discussion rections within a grid of streets. Metsphori-
quickly turned into a grab bag of petty com- cslly, a complete Iack of movement or
plaints. progress. Also used as a verb.
GRADE, n -1. a group of pupils of similar age GRIFTER, n (col) - a con mart, a swindler.
or ability taught together at school. Ameri- GRIND, n (col) - a person, especially a stu-
cans start their formal education at the age dent, who works excessively hard.
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thing carefully: They hashed over their HIGH GEAR, n - top gear.
plans for the move. HIGH HAT, n (col) - another name for a top hat.
HASSLE, n -1. trouble, a nuisance. 2. a wrangle Colloquially, to HIGH-HAT someone means to
or row. Used also as a verb, meaning to treat them condescendingly or in a super-
argue or to harass. The noun hassle was cilious way, as does the expression GIVE
first recorded in 1945. Possibly a combina- SOMEONE THE HIGH HAT.
tion of harass and tussle. HIGH ROLLER, n (col) - A person who spends
HAT-CHECK GIRL, n - a female cloakroom at- extravagantly or who gambles for high
tendant. stakes. Roller refers to rolling dice in a crap-
HAYRIDE, n - a ride taken for amusement, e.g game.
by a picnic party, in a wagon filled with hay. HIGH SCHOOL, n - upper secondary school,
HAYSEED, n (col) - a yokel, country bumpkin. roughly covering the ages 14 to 18.
HAZE, y - t o persecute or play rough practical HIGHBALL, n - a long iced drink consisting of
jokes on a newcomer. whisky and soda or ginger ale.
HEAD, n (col) -1. the toilet. 2. a habitual drug HIGHBOY, n - a high chest of drawers, a tallboy.
user. 3. oral sex, as in the expression GIVE HIGHTAIL Or HIGHTAIL IT, V (COl) - tO gO Some-
HEAD. / remember you well in the Chelsea where in a great hurry.
Hotel, Giving me head on the unmade bed HIT, v (col) - to murder in fulfilment of 3n un-
(L Cohen). derworld contract. A HITMAN, or hired sssas-
HEATER, n - electric fire. sin, carries out such a hit.
HEAVY, adj (col) - of great significance or pro- HO-HUM, adj (col) - boring, dull, banal. He was
fundity. They sat up half the night talking a ho-hum speaker, unable to catch the at-
heavy, heavy politics. tention of his audience.
HEEL, n -1. the end of a loaf of bread, i.e. the HOBO, n - a tramp.
crust. 2. (col) - a contemptible person. / re- HOCK, v (col) - to pawn. As a noun it can mean
ally didn't mean to land her in trouble like either the state of being pawned (we put
that, I feel like such a heel. the jewellery in hock) or the state of being
HEIST, n (col) - a robbery or burglary. Used in debt (it took us years to get out of hock).
as a verb, it means to steal or rob. HOCKEY, n - ice hockey. See FIELD HOCKEY.
HELL'S KITCHEN, n -a district with a reputation HOG, n (col) - in the expression HIGH ON THE
for crime and violence. HOG, in a Iavish or extravagant manner.
HELP, n - a farm worker or domestic servant, Compare the Irish expression 'on the pig's
or such employees considered as a group. back'. He's been living high on the hog
Often used with the: The help will take care since he got his inheritance.
of it. HOGTIE, v - to tie the legs of an animal to-
HERO SANDWICH, n - half a French loaf slit gether. Figuratively, to impede, hamper,
lengthwise and copiously filled. Also known fetter.
as a HOAGY. HOLLER, v - to yell or shout.
HEX, n - an evil spell or a witch. Used as a HOME FREE, adj - home and dry.
verb, it means to cast an evil spell, to be- HOME RUN or HOMER, n - in baseball, a hit that
witch. allows the batter to make a complete cir-
HICK, n (col) - a gullible, unsophisticated, pro- cuit of the bases to score a run.
vincial person; the opposite of a city slicker. HOMELY, adj- unattractive, plain or ugly. The
Sometimes used as a modifier, e.g. a hick GB meaning - warm in manner or appear-
town. ance - is never understood.
HICKEY, n (col) - the mark left by a love bite. HOMEMAKER, n - housewife. A word introduced
HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS, pin- main beam head- and spread by women's magazines.
lights. HOMINY GRITS, pi n - See GRITS.
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
HONCHO, n (col) - the person in charge, a man- keeper in a women's hall of residence.
ager or boss. HOUSEWARES, pi n - cooking utensils, dishes,
HONKY, n (col) - a common black American and other small articles used in a house-
term for a white person, used disparagingly. hold, especially in the kitchen.
HONOR SYSTEM, n - a set of procedures HOUSING PROJECT, n - a housing estate, a hous-
whereby students or prisoners are trusted ing development. Often shortened to
to act without direct supervision. PROJECT.
HOOCH or HOOTCH, n (col) - alcoholic drink, es- HUCKLEBERRY, n - a wild fruit related to the
pecially illicitly distilled spirits. blueberry.
HOOD, n - the bonnet of a car. 2. (col) a gang- HUCKSTER, n - a person who uses aggressive
ster, shortened from hoodlum. or showy methods to sell a product. Used
HOOF AND MOUTH DISEASE, n - foot and mouth ironicslly of television and radio advertis-
disease. ing copywriters.
HOOFER, n (col, old) - a professional dancer. HUDDLE, n - in American football, a brief gath-
HOOKY or HOOKEY, n (col) - truancy from school. ering of the team behind the line of scrim-
The verb is to PLAY HOOKY. mage to receive instructions for the next
HOOSEGOW, n (col) - a jail. From the Spanish play. Metaphorically, any secret planning
juzgado. conference.
HOOSIER, adj - nickname for a native or resi- HUNDREDWEIGHT, n -100 pounds, not 112.
dent of Indiana. Origin unknown. HUNG JURY, n - a jury that is divided and so
HOOTCHY-KOOTCHY, n (col) - a deliberately sen- unable to render a unanimous verdict.
sual belly dance, performed as part of a HUNK, n (col) - a sexually attractive man with
carnival. a muscular physique.
HOP, v (col) - to travel by means of an air- HUNKY, n (col) - a derogatory term for an im-
plane, bus, etc. He hopped a train to Chi- migrant from east-central Europe.
cago. HUNKY-DORY, adj (col) - perfectly satisfactory,
HOPE CHEST, n - a bottom drawer. More spe- fine.
cifically, a chest used by a young woman HURDY GURDY, n (col) - barrel organ.
to store clothing and household goods in HUSH PUPPY, n (col) - a small, slightly oblong,
anticipation of marriage. deep fried cornmeal cake. Perhaps from the
HORATIO ALGER, n -American author of inspir- fact that they were originally fed to the dogs
ing rags-to-riches adventure books, e.g. to keep them quiet.
Ragged Dick (1867). HUSTLE, v (col) - to obtain something by de-
HORNY, adj (col) - randy, sexually aroused. ceitful, aggressive or illicit means, or (of a
HORSE TRAILER, H - horse bOX. pimp or prostitute) to solicit customers. The
HOSE, n - another word for stockings. noun is HUSTLER, often a con man or a pros-
HOSTLER, n - another word for ostler. titute, male or female.
HOT FLASH, n - hot flush. HUTCH, n - a Welsh dresser.
HOTFOOT, n - the practical joke of surrepti- HYPE, n (col) - excessive publicity and the en-
tiously inserting a match between the sole suing commotion, or exaggerated claims in
and upper of a person's shoe and lighting advertising. As a verb: to promote by ex-
it. As a verb, it means to hurry. I've got to travagant claims. When all the hype dies
hotfoot it down to the bank before it closes. down, we'll be able to decide whether it's a
HOTS, n (col) - sexual attraction or desire, in good movie or not.
the expression HAVE THE HOTS FOR. She cer- HYPHENATED NAME, n - double-barrelled name.
tainly seems to have the hots for him.
HOUSE-BROKEN, adj - house-trained.
HOUSEMOTHER, n - a supervisor or house-
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
I J
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
or who, for other reasons, has lost author- bling a broad bean. Also known as butter
ity or become ineffectual. Also used as a bean.
modifier, e.g. a lame-duck president. LIMEY, n (col) - an English person. From the
LATEX PAINT, n - emulsion paint. use of lime juice on British warships to pre-
LAUNDROMAT, n - launderette. Both words are vent scurvy.
trademarks. LINE, n - queue. The verb is to LINE UP or to
LAY SCRATCH, v (col) - to accelerate a car STAND IN LINE. About 200 people were stand-
quickly, thereby leaving a skid mark. ing in line at the box-office.
LAYER CAKE, n - a sandwich cake. LINE-UP, n - an identity parade.
LAYOVER, n - stopover. LINKS, pi n - breakfast sausages.
LAZY SUSAN, n - a revolving tray for condi- LIQUOR, n - 3ny alcoholic drink, especially
ments or food. spirits.
LEAD FOOT, n (col) - a tendency to drive fast. LIQUOR STORE, n - an off-licence. Also called a
He thinks he's a great driver because he package store.
has a lead foot. LITTLE DIPPER, n - the constellation Ursa Mi-
LEADER, n - an article offered at a sufficiently nor.
low price to attract customers. A LOSS LEADER LIVERWURST, n - liver sausage.
is one sold below cost, in the hope that LOADED, adj (col) - drunk or drugged. Also,
people who buy it will buy other goods as as in GB, wealthy.
well. LOAFER, n - a moccasin-like shoe for casual
LEATHERNECK, n (col) - a member of the US wear.
Marine Corps. A term more often read than LOAN, v - to lend. Not considered incorrect.
heard. LOCAL, n - not a pub, but the local branch of
LEFT FIELD, n (col) - in the expression OUT IN a trade union.
LEFT FIELD: weirdly unconventional, very un- LOCATE, v - to become established, to settle.
orthodox and wrong. Originally a baseball Where do you intend to locate?
term. LOCO, adj (col) - crazy. A Spanish word.
LEG IT, v (col) - to walk. The battery's dead, LOCOWEED or CRAZYWEED, n - a plant found in
we're going to have to leg it. the Southwest that, when eaten by live-
LEGAL HOLIDAY, n - a bank holiday. stock, causes severe poisoning and brain
LEMON, n (col) - something that proves to be disease.
unsatisfactory or defective, especially a car. LOFT, n - the upper storey of a warehouse or
A dud. Did you actually pay money for this factory, or such an area converted into an
lemon? apartment or artist's studio.
LETTER, n - the initial of a university on a LOGE, n - the front rows of the dress circle in
sweater, awarded for outstanding perfor- a theatre.
mance in sports. A LETTER JACKET is a kind LOGROLLING , n - the practice of undemocratic
of windcheater bearing the initial or initials agreements between politicians, involving
of a school or university. mutual favours, the trading of votes, etc.
LEVEE, n - an embankment alongside a river, ei- From the early American practice of
ther natural or manmade to prevent flooding. neighbours gathering to help clear each
LEVERAGE, n - gearing, i.e. the ratio of a other's land by felling trees and rolling off
company's debt capital to its equity capital. the logs to be burned. Also, LOGROLLER.
LIABILITY INSURANCE, n - third party insurance. LONE STAR STATE, n -Texas.
LICENSE PLATE, n - the numberplate on a car. LONG-DISTANCE, n - used as a modifier, a long-
LIFE PRESERVER, n - a life belt or life jacket. distance call: a trunk call.
LIGHTNING BUG, n - a glow worm or firefly. LONGSHOREMAN, n - a docker, dock worker.
LIMA BEAN, n - a common vegetable resem- LOSE IT, v (col) -1. to throw up, vomit. 2. to go
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
LOT MAVERICK
crazy. He's started talking to the furniture, MAILMAN, n - another name for postman. A
that's why I think he's losing it. mailbox is both the US equivalent of a pil-
LOT, n - a plot of land, often one used for a lar box and the box outside the home where
specific purpose, e.g. a parking lot, a film letters are delivered.
lot. MAIN STREET, n - equivalent of High Street.
LOUNGE SUIT, n - not the customary suit of The term also stands for the inhabitants of
matching jacket and trousers worn by busi- small-town America considered as a group.
ness men, but a woman's pyjama-type suit, MAITRE D., n - a common term for head waiter.
suitable for relaxing and lounging about in. Short for maitre d'hotel and pronounced
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS, pin -dipped headlights. may-tre dee.
LOWBOY, n - a low table-like chest of drawers. MAJOR, n - a university student's principal field
LOX, n - smoked salmon. The word is of Yid- of study. Her major is psychology. Some-
dish origin. times used of the student: She's a psychol-
LUCK OUT, v (col) - to get lucky, have a stroke ogy major. And often as a verb: He's ma-
of luck. joring in history.
LUG NUT, n - a wheel nut. MAKE, v (col) -1. to achieve the rank of, as in
LULU, n (col) - an outstanding person, object He made captain. 2. to seduce.
or idea, something extraordinary. MAKE OUT, v (col) - to engage in snogging or
LUMBER, n -timber. petting, or to succeed sexually.
LUMPS, pi n (col) - punishment, defeat or re- MAKE OVER, v - to redo, do up, renovate. Also
verses. He took his lumps. to change, as in the song: Why must you
LUNCH PAIL, n - lunchbox. always try to make me over? / Take me as
LUNKHEAD, n (col) - a stupid person. I am or let me go.
LUSH, n (col) - a drunkard. MANHATTAN, n - a cocktail consisting of four
LYE, n - caustic soda. parts rye whisky, one part sweet vermouth
and a dash of bitters.
MANIFEST DESTINY, n - especially in the 19th
century, the belief that the US was a cho-
sen land and had the right and duty to gov-
ern the whole continent of North America.
M
MARKET, n - to shop for household supplies,
as in We marketed fora special Sunday din-
MACE, n - an aerosol causing tears and nau- ner.
sea, used to immobilize an assailant tem- MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, n - a public holiday
porarily. Used also in riot control, like CS occurring on the third Monday in January.
gas. A trade name which has become a MASON-DIXON LINE, n -the boundary between
generic word. Pennsylvania and Maryland, regarded as
MAD MONEY, n (col) - a small sum of money the division between free states and slave
kept for unlikely contingencies, specifically states before the Civil War.
by a girl when she goes out on a date, in MASONITE, n - a type of fibreboard used for
case she gets mad at her companion and insulation, partitions, etc. Originally a trade
has to make her own way home. name.
MADISON AVENUE, n - a New York street that is MAT, n - (around a picture) mount.
home to advertising and public relations MATH, n - maths.
agencies, and has come to symbolize their MATRON OF HONOR, n - similar to a bridesmaid
attitudes and practices. but married.
MAGNA CUM LAUDE, adv - See CUM LAUDE. MAVERICK, n - an unbranded cow that has wan-
MAID OF HONOR, n - bridesmaid. dered away from the herd. By extension, a
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
person who is independent in thought and caravan, that can be moved from one site
action. to another and installed for relatively long
MAZUMA, n (col) - money. periods. Also called a manufactured home.
MD, n (abbr) - medical doctor, a term as com- MOCKINGBIRD, n - a native American bird noted
mon as GP in Britain. for its ability to mimic the song of other
MEAN, adj- 1. selfish, spiteful, malicious, and birds.
generally nasty. But not specifically stingy. MOLASSES, n - black treacle.
2. (col) excellent, skillful: He sure plays a MOM, n - mum.
mean game of golf. MOMENTARILY, adv - very soon, in a moment.
MECHANICAL PENCIL, /? - propelling pencil. The manager is busy right now but he'll be
MEDAL OF HONOR, n - the Congressional with you momentarily. This usage, common
Medal of Honor, the highest award for in everyday speech, is considered unac-
bravery. ceptable by many critics.
MEDIAN STRIP, n - central reserve. MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK, n (col) - a per-
MEDICARE, n - a programme whereby the US son who is wise after the event (who criti-
Social Security Administration reimburses cizes, passes judgement and generally de-
hospitals and doctors for medical care pro- clares how the weekend's game should
vided to citizens over 65 years of age. have been played).
MEMORIAL DAY, n - 30th May, a public holiday MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT, n - a high interest ac-
observed in commemoration of members count.
of the armed forces killed in war. Formerly MONKEY, n (col) - 1. an addict's dependence
known as Decoration Day. It marks the un- on a drug, especially in the expression HAVE
official beginning of summer. A MONKEY ON ONE'S BACK. 2. slang for $500.
MESA, n - a high plateau with steep edges, MONKEY WRENCH, n - an adjustable spanner.
common in the Southwest. From Spanish Colloquially, to THROW A MONKEY WRENCH INTO
mesa, table. SOMETHING is to throw a spanner in the
METERED MAIL, n - franked mail. works.
MEXICAN STANDOFF, n - a stalemate, deadlock, MONONUCLEOSIS, n - glandular fever. Often
impasse. shortened to MONO.
MEZZANINE, n - dress circle in a theatre or cin- MOOLAH, n (col) - money.
ema. MOOSE, n - an elk.
MILK CAN, n - a milk churn. MOPBOARD, n - skirting board. Also known as
MILQUETOAST, n (old) - a meek, mild-mannered, BASEBOARD.
weak or submissive person, a wimp. From MORTICIAN, n - undertaker.
a comic-strip character, whose name is an MOSEY, v (col) - to walk in a leisurely manner,
unadventurous combination of milk and stroll, amble.
toast. MOSSBACK, n - an old turtle or shellfish that
MINOR, n - a university student's secondary has a growth of algae on its back. Figura-
subject. See MAJOR. tively, an extremely old-fashioned or con-
MINT JULEP, n - a long frosted drink made with servative person.
bourbon, or sometimes brandy or rum, MOTHER, n (col) - short for motherfucker. 1. a
crushed ice, sugar and sprigs of mint. person or thing that is unpleasant or exas-
MITT, n - a large padded leather glove worn perating. 2. anything big or imposing.
by the catcher in baseball. MOTORBIKE, n (col) - a moped.
MIXOLOGY, n - the study or skill of mixing cock- MOTORMAN, n - the driver of an electric train
tails. A MIXOLOGIST is a bartender. or tram.
MOB, n - organized crime, the Mafia. MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME or MOUNTAIN TIME or
MOBILE HOME, n - a trailer, much larger than a (abbr) MST, n - standard time in the 7th time
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
zone west of Greenwich, used in the Rocky federal service by the President, e.g. in time
Mountain states. of war.
MOUTH OFF, v (col) - to talk disrespectfully orNATIVE AMERICAN, n -American Indian.
insolently. / don't understand parents who NAVY YARD, n - a naval shipyard.
let their kids mouth off to them like that. NEAR-SIGHTED, adj - short-sighted.
MOVIE THEATER or MOVIE HOUSE, n - a cinema. NEAT, adj (col) - wonderful, terrific. It was a
MOXIE, n (col) - spunk, aggressive energy, ini- neat party.
tiative. NEBBISH, n (col) - a weak-willed, timid, inef-
MR. CHARLIE or MISTER CHARLIE, n (col) - a fectual person. From Yiddish nebekh, poor,
black term for a white man or white people unfortunate. The adjective is NEBBISHY.
considered as a group. NECK, v (col) - to snog. They were seen neck-
MUFFLER, n - silencer on a car. ing in the park.
MUG SHOT, n (col) - a photograph of a person's NERD, n (col) - a stupid or objectionable per-
face, especially one taken for police files. son, or one interested in scientific pursuits
MUGWUMP, n - a person who acts indepen- but socially inept.
dently or remains neutral, especially in poli-NERVY, adj- bold, brash, impudent or brazen,
tics. but, in any case, with a lot of nerve. GB
MULESKINNER, n (col) - muleteer, mule driver. nervy = jumpy, apprehensive.
MULLIGAN STEW, n - Irish SteW. NEWSHAWK or NEwsHouND, n (col) - a newspa-
MURPHY BED, n - a bed that folds into a cup- per reporter.
board when not in use. Named after its in- NEWSMAN, n - a man who gathers, reports or
ventor. edits news.
MUSKEG, n - an undrained swampy area. NICKEL, n - a five-cent coin.
MUSS, v (col) - to make untidy, rumple. NICKELODEON, n -an early type of jukebox. For-
MUSTARD, n (col) - in the expression NOT CUT merly, a cinema charging five cents for ad-
THE MUSTARD: to be unable to achieve or fin- mission.
ish something. Round here, those who don't NIGHT CRAWLER, n - a large earthworm that
cut the mustard just don't survive. crawls out of the ground at night. Often
MUTT, n (col) - a mongrel dog, cur. used as fishing bait.
MUTUAL FUND, n - unit trust. NIGHT LETTER, n - a telegram sent for delivery
the next day a\ a cheaper rate than an or-
dinary telegram.
NIGHT STICK, n - a policeman's truncheon.
NIGHTGOWN, n - nightdress.
NIP AND TUCK, adv & adj - neck and neck.
N
NIPPLE, n (col) - a baby's dummy or the test
on a baby's bottle.
NAIL THE BRAKES, v (col) - to apply the brakes NISEI, n - a person born in the US of parents
of a car suddenly. Seeing the child run to- who emigrated from Japsn.
wards the road, he nailed the brakes. NIX, v (col) - to veto, deny or refuse.
NAPKIN, n - a serviette. NO-GO, adj - not in a suitable condition to go
NARC or NARK, n (col) - a policeman who deals ahead. Used also a a noun: The launch was
with narcotics violations. a no-go due to technical problems.
NATCH, adv (col) - naturally, of course. NO-NO, n (col) - something completely unac-
NATIONAL GUARD, n - the military reserve force ceptable, or a social blunder.
controlled by each state and equipped by NORMAL SCHOOL, n (old) - teacher training
the federal government. It is made up of school.
part-time soldiers and can be called into NOSH, n (col) - a snack of light meal, and not
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
NOTIONS PAD
as in GB food in general. From a Yiddish istered voter may vote for any nominee, re-
word meaning to nibble on something. gardless of party. In a CLOSED PRIMARY, only
NOTIONS, pi n - pins, thread, ribbons, buttons, members of a particular party may vote.
and similar wares used for sewing; haber- OPERATING ROOM, n - operating theatre.
dashery. ORCHESTRA or ORCHESTRA SEATS, n - the front
NUDNIK, n (col) - an obtuse, dreary or annoy- stalls in a theatre.
ing person. ORDINANCE, n - by-law.
NUTS, pi n (col) - the testicles. ORNERY, adj - mean-spirited and contrary,
cantankerous.
OUT OF IT, adj (col) -1. in a daze, bewildered,
often because of drugs. 2. unable to suc-
ceed. The Hawks are out of it this season.
OUT TO LUNCH, adj (col) - not in touch with the
O real world, crazy.
OUTFIT, n (col) - a group of people working
OATMEAL, n - porridge. together, especially a military unit or a busi-
OBO, n (abbr) - in the small ads short for Or ness organization.
Best Offer. Equivalent of ONO - Or Near- OUTHOUSE, n - an outside lavatory.
est Offer. OUTLET, n - a power point. Another name for
OBSERVATION car, n - a railway carriage fitted a socket.
with large glass windows to give passen- OUTSIDE LANE or OFFSIDE LANE, n -the slow lane
gers a good view of the scenery. on a US highway. Hence, the opposite of
ODOMETER, n - milometer. GB usage, where the slow lane is the in-
OFAY, n (col) - a disparaging term for white side lane.
people, used by blacks. OUTSIZE, adj- of clothing, extra large or XL.
OFF, v (col) - to murder. OVER EASY, adj & adv - see SUNNY-SIDE UP.
OFFICE, n - (a doctor's or dentist's) surgery. OVERPASS, n - flyover.
OIL PAN, n -sump.
OKIE, n (col) - a migrant farm worker, espe-
cially one fleeing the dust bowl of Okla-
homa in the 1930s.
OLD GLORY, n - the flag of the US.
OLD MONEY, n - the inherited wealth of estab- P
lished upper-class families, or the people
possessing it. He married old money. The PACIFIC STANDARD TIME OR PACIFIC TIME or (abbr)
contrast is with the nouveau riche. PST, n - standard time in the 8th time zone
OLEO, n (old) - margarine. Short for oleomar- west of Greenwich, therefore eight hours
garine. Pronounced o-lay-o. behind GMT. Used in the Pacific coastal
ONE-ON-ONE, adj- one-to-one, individualised. states.
You will receive one-on-one instruction. PACIFIER, n - a baby's dummy.
OP-ED PAGE, n - a newspaper page, usually PACK RAT, n (col) - a petty thief or a hoarder
opposite the editorial page, that carries of miscellaneous objects.
signed columns and other articles express- PACKAGE, n - packet, parcel.
ing personal viewpoints. PACKAGE STORE, n - an off-licence. Also called
OPEN HOUSE, n - 1. a period of time when a a LIQUOR STORE.
house for sale may be viewed, or the house PACKINGHOUSE, n - an abattoir.
itself. 2 an at-home or open day. PAD, n (col) - bribe money taken and shared
OPEN PRIMARY, n - a primary in which any reg- by police officers. The expression ON THE PAD
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
PADDLE PESKY
means taking such bribes. PARLOR CAR, n - 3 firSt-Class railway Coach With
PADDLE, v (col) - to spank. Used as a noun, it individual reserved seats. Also called a
means a ping-pong bat. chair car.
PALOOKA, n (col) - a stupid or clumsy person, PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, n - a school supported by
especially a broken-down boxer. So this a church parish, usually Roman Catholic.
bum Wilson gets the title shot... and what PARTY, v - to carouse or revel.
do I get - a couple of bucks and a one-way PARTY FAVOR, n - a Christmas cracker.
ticket to Palookaville (On the Waterfront). PARTY-POOPER, n (col) - a wet blanket, a per-
PANCAKE TURNER, n - fish Slice. son who refuses to participate with enthu-
PANEL TRUCK, n - a delivery van. siasm.
PANHANDLE, v (col) - to approach strangers PASS-THROUGH, n - a hatch, especially one be-
and beg for money or food. A person who tween a kitchen 3nd a dining room that is
does this is a PANHANDLER. used for passing food.
PANTIES, pi n - knickers. PASTIES, pi n - small, adhesive pstches used
PANTOMIME, n - not a traditional Christmas en- to conceal a woman's nipples. Worn prin-
tertainment, but communication by means cipally by exotic dancers.
of gesture and facial expression. Having PASTRAMI, n - highly seasoned smoked beef.
lost his voice, he could make himself un- PATROL WAGON or PADDY WAGON, n - Black Maria.
derstood only by pantomime. Also a show PATROLMAN, n - 3 policeman who patrols an
performed by a mime artist. assigned area, i.e. an ordinary policeman.
PANTS, pin -trousers. GB pants = underpants. PATSY, n (col) - a person easily taken advan-
PANTYHOSE, pi n - tights. US tights = ballet tsge of, manipulated or cheated. Perhaps
tights. from Italian pazzo, a fool.
PANTYWAIST, n (col) - a sissy, a pansy. PAY STATION, n -a coin- or card-operated pub-
PAPER ROUTE, n - a paper round. lic telephone.
PAPERHANGER, n - a person who hangs wall- PAYOLA, n (col) - money paid in bribes, espe-
paper as an occupation. Colloquially, a per- cially to disk jockeys to promote records,
son who passes bad cheques or a coun- or the practice of paying such bribes.
terfeiter. PEANUT GALLERY, n - in a theatre, the gods.
PARAFFIN, n - paraffin wasx. GB paraffin = US PECAN, n - a hickory tree or its sweet edible
kerosene. nut, similar to a walnut.
PARAKEET, n - budgerigar or other small par- PECKER, n (col) - penis.
rot. PEELER, n (col) - a striptease dancer.
PARALEGAL, n - a person with specialised le- PEMMICAN, n - a small concentrated cake of
gsl training who assists a lawyer, compa- dried meat pounded into paste and mixed
rable to an articled clerk. with berries and nuts. Originally a Native
PARKA, n - anorak. American food, now used for emergency
PARKING GARAGE, n - a multistorey car park. rations.
PARKING LOT, n - a car park. PENITENTIARY, n - a state or federal prison.
PARKWAY, n - a wide road, often divided by a Sometimes shortened to pen.
median strip and Iandscaped with trees and PENNY, n - a cent.
plots of grass. PENNY-ANTE, adj - cheap, low-budget, small-
PARLAY, v -1. to stake the winnings of one bet scsle. A derogatory term.
on a subsequent one. The GB equivalent PERIOD, n - full stop.
is to double up. As a noun, it is similar to PERSIMMON, n - an orangecoloured fruit about
an accumulator. 2. to make money multi- the size of a plum.
ply. They parlayed some small investments PESKY, adj (col) - annoying, troublesome.
into a huge fortune. Pesky flies.
PHI BETA KAPPA, n - a society of university cial line of trading, e.g. the grain pit.
graduates of the highest academic ability, PITCH, n (col) - a line of talk designed to per-
or a member of this society. suade, especially a sales pitch. It can be
PHILADELPHIA LAWYER, n (col) - a lawyer who used as a verb, meaning to try to promote
is particularly shrewd and adept at manipu- or sell, but the usual expression is MAKE
lating legal technicalities. ONE'S PITCH.
PHONOGRAPH, n (old) - another word for PITCHER, n - in baseball, the player who
gramophone or record player. pitches the ball to the batter.
PHOOEY !, interject - used to express disbe- PITMAN, n - another name for the connecting
lief, contempt or disgust. rod in a car.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST, n - another name for a PITS, pi n (col) - the pits: the most loathsome
physiotherapist. person, thing, place or situation. McEnroe
PIAZZA, n - it also means a veranda. is remembered for repeatedly accusing a
PICAYUNE or PICAYUNISH, adj (col) - of small bemused Wimbledon referee of being the
value, trifling, petty. Also, any coin of little pits of the earth. From armpits.
value, especially a nickel or five-cent piece. PIZZAZZ or PIZAZZ, n (col) - an attractive mix-
PICKUP, n - 1. a pickup truck, a small open- ture of vigour and style.
backed lorry. 2. the ability to accelerate rap-PLACE, v - (of a racehorse) to finish in the
idly. This car has good pickup. 3. a hitch- first three, but especially to finish in sec-
hiker. 4. (col) - a stranger with whom one ond position.
makes casual acquaintance, usually in an- PLANK, v (col) - to cook or serve meat or fish
ticipation of sexual relations. on a special wooden board. They sell
PICKY, adj (col) - fussy, choosy, hard to boards specially made for planking food,
please. with grooves for the juices.
PIG OUT Or PORK OUT, V (COl) - See SCARF. PLAY, n - a strategic move or manoeuvre in a
PIECE, n (col) - gun. game, especially in American football. A
PIKER, n (col) - a petty or stingy person, or a brilliant play.
shirker. PLEA BARGAINING, n - an arrangement between
PILGRIM FATHERS or PILGRIMS, n - the English prosecution and defence whereby a defen-
Puritans who sailed on the Mayflower and dant in court pleads guilty to a lesser
founded the first colony at Plymouth, Mas- charge and the prosecutor in return drop
sachusetts in 1620. more serious charges.
PINCH HIT, v - in baseball, to take the place of PLEBE, n - a first-year cadet at a naval or mili-
the scheduled batter, especially when a hit tary academy.
is badly needed. Hence, to stand in for PLEXIGLASS, n - perspex. Both words are trade
someone else in a time of need. names which have become generic. The
PINK SLIP, n (col) - a notice of termination of display pieces are sealed inside plexiglass
employment. cases.
PINKIE, n - little finger. PLUG, n (col) - 1. something inferior, defec-
PINT, n -1 US pint = 0.473 litre. 1 GB pint = tive or worthless, especially an old worn-
0.568 litre. out horse. 2. a piece of chewing tobacco.
PINWHEEL, n - (firework) a Catherine wheel. PLUG UGLY, n (col) - a hard man, thug.
PISSED, adj (col) - profoundly angry, indignant. PLUMB, adu (col) - really. The word is used as
An abbreviation of PISSED-OFF, as is P O'D, an intensifier. The decision was plumb stu-
pronounced pee-owed. It never has the GB pid. After all that work I'm plumb tuckered-
meaning of drunk. out.
PIT, n -1. the stone of a plum, cherry, etc. 2. PLURALITY, n - a relative majority, i.e. when
a section of an exchange devoted to a spe- the winning party has more votes than any
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
other contending party but not an absolute POTATO CHIPS, pi n - potato crisps.
majority. POTHOLDERS, pi n - oven gloves.
POCKET BOOK, n (old) - handbag. POUND, n - the symbol #, called hash or
POCKET VETO, n - the action of the President square in GB.
in retaining a Congressional bill unsigned POUND CAKE, n - a rich fruit cake, similar to a
during the last ten days of a session, Madeira cake.
thereby effectively killing the bill. POWDER, n (col) - in the expression TAKE A POW-
PODIATRY, n - another word for chiropody. Also DER: to depart hastily, disappear, run away.
PODIATRIST, a chiropodist. POWDERED SUGAR, n - icing sugar. Also known
PODUNK, n (col) - any small, isolated, insig- as confectioner's sugar.
nificant place. Synonymous with JERKWATER. PRACTICAL NURSE, n - a person who has prac-
POISON IVY, n - a shrub which causes a pain- tical experience of nursing but is not a
ful rash and itching on contact with the skin. graduate of a degree programme in nurs-
POLECAT, n - a skunk. ing.
POLICE, v - to make an area neat and tidy, PRECINCT, n -1. a district of a city for adminis-
e.g. They policed the barracks. It's time you trative, electoral and police purposes. 2. the
started policing your room. police responsible for such a district.
POLLYWOG, n - another name for tadpole. PREPARATORY SCHOOL Or PREP SCHOOL, n - a pri-
PONY, n (col) - a crib, either a word-for-word vate boarding school which prepares sec-
translation of a foreign language text, used ondary students for university, and which
illicitly in a test, or a paper from which exam enjoys a similar social status to that of pub-
answers are copied. lic schools in GB. The adjective is PREPPIE,
PONY UP, v (col) - to pay money owed or due. meaning typical of the manners, style and
POOCH, n (col) - a dog. attitude of such schools or students. He ad-
POOP, n (col) -1. inside information. He gave dressed the crowd with preppie self-confi-
me all the poop on their new models. 2. ex- dence.
crement. A POOPER-SCOOPER is an instrument PRESIDENT, n - the general manager of a com-
for scooping up the faeces of a dog or other pany. Also, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
pet. PRESIDENTS' DAY, n - a public holiday occur-
POOP, v (col) -1. to tire out or exhaust. After ring on the third Monday in February, com-
the match he was pooped. To POOP OUT is to memorating the birthdays of George Wash-
abandon something because of tiredness. ington and Abraham Lincoln.
He pooped out of the race. 2. to defecate. PRETZEL, n -a brittle savoury stick-shaped bis-
POP THE CLUTCH, v (col) - to release the clutch cuit, glazed and salted on the outside, usu-
too quickly, thereby causing the car to lurch ally served as a snack.
forward. PRIMARY Or PRIMARY ELECTION, n - a local elec-
POPOVER, n -a light puffy hollow muffin, made tion in which voters registered with a par-
with eggs, milk and flour. ticular party choose a candidate from sev-
POPSICLE, n (col) - an ice lolly. Originally a eral nominees.
trademark. PROCTOR, n - a supervisor or monitor who
PORK BARREL, n (col) - a government project invigilates university examinations, en-
which creates jobs and other benefits in a forces discipline, etc. Also used as a verb.
particular locality as well as advantages for PRODUCE DEPARTMENT, n - in a supermarket, the
its political representatives. area where fresh fruits and vegetables are
POST EXCHANGE or (abbr) PX, n - a shop that found. Pronounced prod-oose.
sells goods to military personnel and their PROFESSOR, n - a title which is much more
families, on a military base. Similar to a common in US universities than in British.
Naafi. An ASSISTANT PROFESSOR is a lecturer, an AS-
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
PROM RAP
SOCIATE PROFESSOR is a senior lecturer or at one end and a lash of braided rawhide.
reader, and a FULL PROFESSOR is the equiva- QUITTER, n - a person who gives up easily, a
lent of a GB professor. defeatist or a deserter.
PROM, n - a ball or formal dance at a high QUONSET HUT, n - equivalent of a Nissen hut.
school or university. Short for promenade. Sometimes used without a capital.
PROWL CAR, n - a police patrol car.
PRUNERS Or PRUNING SHEARS, pi A7 - SeCateUTS.
PUBLIC SCHOOL, n - an elementary or second-
ary school supported by public funds and
providing free education. Hence, the oppo-
site of a private school or a GB public R
school.
PULL-OFF, n - a lay-by on a motorway. RACE CAR, n - racing car.
PULLMAN or PULLMAN CAR, n - a luxurious rail- RACE MEET, n - race meeting.
way coach, especially a sleeping car. RAFT, n (col) - a large number, collection or
PUNCHBALL, n - a game resembling baseball amount. They asked him a raft of questions.
in which a light rubber ball is struck with RAG, v (col) -1. to tease or taunt. 2. to berate
the fist rather than with a bat. or scold.
PURPLE HEART, n - a decoration awarded to RAILROAD, n - railway. US railway = tracks on
US military personnel wounded in action. which trains run, whereas railroad refers
PURSE, n - handbag. to the company, e.g. Union Pacific Railroad.
PUSHCART, n - another name for barrow. RAILWAY, n - any track for the wheels of a ve-
PUSSY, n (col) -1. the vulva. 2. a woman con- hicle to run on. But GB railway = US rail-
sidered as a sexual object. A man who is road.
PUSSY-WHIPPED is one who is henpecked. RAINCHECK, n (col) -La ticket stub for a sport-
PUT DOWN, v (col) - to criticize, belittle or dis- ing event that permits readmission at a fu-
parage. You're always putting me down. The ture date if the event is cancelled because
noun is PUT-DOWN, something disparaging. of bad weather. 2. a voucher issued to a
customer wishing to buy a sale item which
is temporarily out of stock and which per-
mits him to do so later at the sale price.
Colloquially, TAKE A RAIN CHECK means to ac-
cept the postponement of an offer: He de-
Q clined our invitation to dinner, saying he
would take a rain check.
QUART, n -1 US quart (0.946 litre) = 0.8326 RAISIN BREAD, n - currant bread.
GB quart. RAMBUNCTIOUS, adj - boisterous, disorderly.
QUARTER, n - a 25-cent coin. RAMPIKE, n - a standing dead tree or tree
QUARTERBACK, n & v - in American football, a stump, especially one killed by fire.
backfield player who leads the team and RAP, v (col) - to chat or exchange views, es-
decides the next move. Hence, colloquially, pecially in a candid way. 1960s youth cul-
as a verb: to lead or direct operations. ture was mainly drugs, the quest for mean-
QUICK-AND-DIRTY, adj - cheaply made or done, ing, and endless rapping. A RAPPER is a per-
of inferior quality. A quick-and-dirty con- son who participates in a RAP SESSION, a bout
struction project, a quick-and-dirty research of candid conversation, as well as a per-
report. Used as a noun, the word usually petrator of rap music.
refers to a cheap cafe. RAP, n (col) - a criminal charge, as in BEAT
QUIRT, n - a riding whip with a leather thong THE RAP, to escape punishment or be ac-
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
quitted, and TAKE THE RAP, to take the con- See LOCATE.
sequences of a crime, whether guilty or not. RESERVE BANK, n - one of the 12 main banks
RATHSKELLER, n - a bar or restaurant, usually of the US Federal Reserve System.
below street level, where important quanti- RESIDENT DOCTOR, n - registrar.
ties of beer are consumed. From the Ger- RESTROOM, n - a room equipped with Isvsto-
man word RATSKELLER, the cellar of a town ries for public use.
hall used for festive drinking. RESUME, n - another name for curriculum vi-
RATTY, n - tatty, shabby. The word has none tse. Pronounced rez-oo-mav.
of the GB connotations of irritability or an- REV or REV UP, v (col) - to stimulate or enliven.
noyance. / don't know what it would take to rev up
RAUNCHY, adj - lewd, vulgar or sexually ex- this deadass bunch - dynamite probably.
plicit. The adjective REVVED means primed and
RAZZ, v (col) - to tease, rag, banter, or de- ready.
ride. REVIEW, v - to revise for an exam. Or, as a
REAL-ESTATE AGENT Or REALTOR, n - estate agent. noun, revision.
REAR END, v - to bump into the car in front. A RHINESTONE, n - an artificial gem made of
REAR-ENDERis an accident in which one car paste or glass, with facets that sparkle in
hits another from behind. imitation of a diamond. A symbol of certain
RECESS, n - a break between classes at aspects of Americana, associated with the
school, or any similar break. costumes of country and western singers
RECONSTRUCTION, n -the period after the Civil and Las Vegas showgirls.
War when the South was reorganized and RIB ROAST, n - a joint of beef or venison, with
reintegrated into the Union (1865-77). AN a large quantity of meat on the outside of
UNRECONSTRUCTED PERSON is one who main- the rib.
tains outdated attitudes and beliefs, par- RICH, adj (col) - in the expression TOO RICH
ticularly a Southener. FOR MY BLOOD: too expensive. It's a good res-
REDCAP, n - a porter at a railway station or taurant, sure, but too rich for my blood.
airport. RIDE, v (col) - to tease, ridicule or harass with
REDNECK, n (col) -La poor uneducated white persistent criticism.
farm worker, especially in the southern RIDE, n - a lift in a car, e.g. We ran out of gas
states. 2. a reactionary and bigoted person. and had to thumb a ride into the city. Can I
Also used as a modifier: redneck attitudes. give you a ride someplace?
REFLECTORS, pi n - (on the road) Catseyes. RINGER, n (col) -1. short for DEAD RINGER, some-
REFORMATORY Or REFORM SCHOOL, n - a yOUth one who looks like someone else. He's a
custody centre, i.e. a penal institution for ringer for his dad. 2. in sport, a contestant,
young or first offenders. especially a horse, entered illicitly, e.g. un-
REGENT, n - a member of the governing board der false representations of identity, abil-
of certain schools and universities. ity, etc.
REGULAR, adj- the word also means ordinary RINKY-DINK, adj (col) - old-fashioned, worn out,
or customary, as in REGULAR COFFEE, coffee cheap or of inferior quality.
with cream and sugar. A REGULAR GUY is RIPPED, adj (col) - very drunk.
someone who is likable, dependable, nor- ROBIN, n - larger than the European robin. It
mal. is associated with the first days of spring
RELIEF, n - government welfare payments to rather than with Christmas.
people in need. Those who receive such ROCK, n - a stone.
aid are ON RELIEF. ROCK AND RYE, n - a liqueur made of whisky
RELOCATE, v - to move to a new place, espe- blended with fruit.
cially to another area or place of business. ROCK-RIBBED, adj - firm, inflexible, especially
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
ROCK-RIBBED SAP
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
mark. iS SCHMALTZY.
SASHAY, v (col) - to strut or flounce in a showy SCHMEAR or SCHMEER, v (col) - to bribe some-
manner, or to walk in a markedly casual one or to soft soap someone. From a Yid-
way. From French chasse, a gliding dance dish word meaning grease.
step. Pronounced sa-shay. SCHMUCK, n (col) - a prick, a stupid and ob-
SASQUATCH, n - a very large, hairy, manlike noxious person. From Yiddish shmok: pe-
beast purported to inhabit the woods of the nis, fool.
Pacific Northwest and to leave huge foot- SCHNOOK, n (col) - a sucker, a dupe, an easily
prints. For this reason, also known as victimized person.
Bigfoot. SCHNOZ, n (col) - a large nose.
SASS, v - to talk or answer back in an inso- SCHOONER, n - a large beer glass, holding a
lent way. As a noun, it means impertinent pint or more. Pronounced skoon-er.
or disrespectful speech. The adjective is SCOPE OUT, v (col) - to examine or study some-
SASSY. thing carefully or in detail. He had scoped
SAUCE, n (col) - booze. the company out before applying.
SAVINGS ACCOUNT, n - a deposit account. SCOTCH TAPE, A7 - SellOtape.
SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, n - US equiva- scow, n - a large flat-bottomed boat with
lent of a building society. square ends, used chiefly for transporting
SAWBUCK, n -1. a sawhorse, especially one freight. Also a sailing boat with a flat bot-
with an X-shaped supporting structure. 2. tom.
(col, old) - a ten-dollar bill. This usage was SCRATCH, v - to cancel the name of a candi-
inspired by the Roman numeral X, formerly date from a party ticket in an election.
printed on each corner of the note. SCRATCH PAD, n - notepad, writing block.
SCAG or SKAG, n (col) - 1. cheap, low-quality SCREEN DOOR, n - an outer door of fine-mesh
heroin. 2. a despicable person. The adjec- wire whose purpose is to exclude insects
tive is SCAGGY: sleazy. when the normal inner door is left open for
SCALLION, n - spring onion. coolness.
SCALP, v (col) - to resell at a much higher price SCRUB BRUSH, n - scrubbing brush.
than the established one, e.g. tickets to a SCRUBS, pin-a surgeon's theatre whites. Also
sporting event, i.e. to tout. He makes a liv- called a SCRUB SUIT.
ing scalping tickets to the big matches. SCUTTLEBUTT, A7 (col) - gossip, rumour.
SCAM, n (col) - a swindle. SCUZZY, adj (col) - dirty, grimy. Scuzzy win-
SCARF Or SCARF OUT, V (COl) - tO eat a lot. We dows. 2. disreputable, sleazy. They were
went to this new vegetarian place and re- running a scuzzy business.
ally scarfed out. Equivalent expressions are SECOND-GUESS, v -1. to criticize or judge after
PIG OUT and PORK OUT. the event, with hindsight. 2. to anticipate or
SCHEDULE, n - a time-table. Pronounced predict.
SKEDGE-ULE SECRET SERVICE, n - a branch of the US Trea-
SCHLEMIEL, n (col) - a clumsy or unlucky per- sury Department primarily concerned with
son, a habitual bungler. the suppression of counterfeiting and the
SCHLEP, v (col) - to trudge, lug, drag along. protection of the President. Nothing to do
SCHLOCK, n (col) - something that is shoddy, with the CIA.
trashy, e.g. literature or merchandise. A SEDAN, n - saloon car.
SCHLOCKMEISTER is a person who produces SELECTMAN, A? - any member of the local
or deals in it. boards of most New England towns.
SCHMALTZ, n - 1. animal fat used in cooking. SELF-RISING FLOUR, n - self-raising flour.
2. (col) - excessively sentimental art of mu- SEMESTER, n - a term at school. The academic
sic, maudlin sentimentality. The adjective year is divided into two semesters of 15 to
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
SENIOR SHUCK
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
SHYSTER SNOWBIRD
person, especially a lawyer or a politician. chines, etc., especially one used illegally.
SIDE MIRROR Or SIDEVIEW MIRROR, n - Wing mir- 2. (col) - a slow-moving or Iazy person.
ror. SLUGFEST, n (col) - 3 fight in which many heavy
SIDEBURNS, pi n - sideboards. blows are exchanged, or a baseball game
SIDESWIPE, v (col) - to scrape the side of an- in which many hits and runs are scored.
other car when driving. The guy must have SLUMGULLION, n - a cheap and watery meat
been drunk - he drove down the alley side- stew.
swiping parked vehicles all the way. SLUSH FUND, n - a fund created by a group for
SIDEWALK, n - pavement. corrupt practices, such as bribery.
SIDING, n - a covering on the outside wall of a SMALL POTATOES, pi n (col) - something insig-
house to make it weatherproof. nificsnt. His loftiest ambition is still pretty
SILK-STOCKING, adj - wealthy, aristocratic. A small potatoes. You think that's bad, believe
silk-stocking neighborhood, silk-stocking me it's small potatoes compared to what's
prep schools. going to happen if Harry finds out.
SILVERWARE, n - See FLATWARE. SMART-ASS, n (col) - another word for a smart
SIMON LEGREE, n - a brutal taskmaster. After sleek.
a cruel slave dealer in Uncle Tom's Cabin. SMARTS, pi n (col) - know-how, brains, intelli-
SINKER, n (col) - another name for a dough- gence.
nut. SMIDGEN, n - a very sma\\ amount.
SKEET or SKEET SHOOTING, n - a form of clsy- SMOKESTACK, n - 3 tall chimney.
pigeon shooting in which targets are SMOKEY, n (col) - a highwsy patro\man. From
launched from traps at varying speeds and the resemblance of some patrolmen's hats
angles to simulate the flight of birds. to that of Smokey the Bear, an animal who
SKI MASK, n - balaclava. warned against fires in US Forest Service
SKILLET, n - another word for frying pan. posters.
SKINNY-DIP, v (col) - to swim in the nude. A SMUDGE, n - a smoky fire intended to drive
person who does so is a SKINNY-DIPPER. insects away or to protect fruit trees and
SKINS, pi n (col) - tyres. My first set of skins plants against frost. As a verb, it means to
only lasted six months. light such a fire.
SLAMMER, n (col) - a jail or prison. SNAFU, n (col) - a chaotic or confused situs-
SLASH, n - stroke, as in and/or (and-slash- tion. Used also as a verb, to make chaotic,
or). and as an adjective. Originally a military
SLATE, n - a list of candidates in an election. term, an acronym of situation normal all
SLATE, v - to schedule or put on an agenda. fucked up. Pronounced sna-foo.
The history lecture is slated for Friday af- SNAKE OIL, n -1. a quake remedy. 2. Speech
ternoon. or writing intended to deceive, humbug.
SLED, n - another name for a sledge, tobog- SNAP FASTENER, n - a press Stud.
gan. SNATCH, n (col) - an act of kidnapping. Also a
SLEW, n - a great number or amount, a lot. verb: They snatched the kid on his way to
Behind him he left a slew of unpaid bills. school.
MS Office 2000 boasts a slew of new fea- SNEAKERS, pi n (col) - gym shoes, tennis
tures. shoes.
SLINGSHOT, n - catapult. SNOW, v (col) - to deceive or overwhelm some-
SLOPPY JOE, n - barbecued beef in a spicy to- one with elaborate, insincere talk. A
mato sauce, served on an open bun. snowjob is an instance of this.
SLOT MACHINE, n - a fruit machine. SNOWBIRD, n (col) - a winter vacationer in the
SLOWPOKE, n (col) - slowcoach. South.
SLUG, n -1. 3 metal token for use in slot ma- SOAK, v (col) - to overcharge. They intend to
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
introduce a series of soak-the-rich corpo- SPIGOT, n - an outdoor tap or the wooden tap
ration taxes. placed in the bunghole of a cask. An in-
SOCIAL REGISTER, n - a directory listing a door tap is a faucet.
community's social elite. SPIKE, v (col) - to 3dd alcoholic liquor to a
SOCIALITE, n - a person who is or who seeks nonalcoholic drink. The punch was spiked
to be prominent in fashionable society. with rum.
SODA CRACKER, n - another name for a soda SPIKE HEEL, n - stiletto heel.
biscuit, i.e. a plain biscuit leavened with so- SPIKE HEELS, pi n - another name for stiletto
dium bicarbonate. A water biscuit. heels.
SODA FOUNTAIN, n (old) - a counter serving soft SPIT CURL, n - kiss curl.
drinks, ice-cream dishes, sandwiches and SPITBALL, n -1. a piece of paper chewed and
snacks. shaped into a lump, as thrown by school-
SODA JERK, n (old) - a person who serves at a boys. 2. in baseball, an illegal pitch in which
soda fountain. saliva is applied to the ball before it is
SODA or POP or SODA POP, n - a fizzy drink. thrown.
SOFTBALL, n - a variation of baseball, played SPOOK, n (col) -1. r3cist term for a black per-
ten to a side instead of nine and using a son. 2. a spy. As a verb, it means to frighten:
larger, softer ball, pitched underhand. Any sudden noise or movement could
SOLICITOR, n -1. an officer responsible for the spook the cattle.
legal affairs of a town, city or government SPORT COAT, n - a sports jacket.
department. 2. a person who solicits trade SPORTING HOUSE, n (col) - 3 euphemism for
or contributions. brothel.
SOLITAIRE, n - patience (the card game). SQUARE KNOT, n - reef knot.
SOPHOMORE, n - a second-year student in sec- SQUASH, n - any of 3 number of marrow-like
ondary school or at university. See fresh- plants, or the fruit of these plants, eaten 3s
man. 3 vegetable.
SOREHEAD, n (col) - a disgruntled or easily of- SQUIRT GUN, n - another name for a water pis-
fended person. A whiner. Don't be such a tol.
sorehead. STANDUP, adj (col) - courageous and loyal. A
SORORITY, n - on campus, a social club for standup guy.
women students. The female equivalent of STARS AND BARS, n - the first flag of the Con-
a fraternity. federate states. Used with a singular or plu-
SOUTHPAW, n (col) - someone who is left- ral verb.
handed, especially a left-handed baseball STATE, adj- pertaining to state rather than to
pitcher. federal authority.
SOWBELLY, n (col) - salt pork or bacon. STATE TROOPER, n - a state policeman.
SOY BEANS, n pi - soya beans. STATE'S EVIDENCE, n - 1. the evidence for the
SPARK PLUG WIRES, pi n - spark plug leads. prosecution given on behalf of the state in
SPEAKEASY, n - a piace where alcohol was sold a criminal prosecution. 2. in the expression
illicitly during Prohibition. TURN STATE'S EVIDENCE, to give evidence
SPECIAL DELIVERY or (abbr) SD, n - express against a former accomplice. Equivalent to
mail. GB queen's evidence.
SPIC or SPICK, n (col) - a racist name for a STATEHOUSE, n - the building in which a state
Hispanic person. legislature holds sessions.
SPIEL, n (col) - a speech or argument intended STATESIDE, adj & adv - of or in the continental
to persuade, usually associated with sales- United States.
men. / made my spiel about how I thought I STATION WAGON, n - estate Car.
could improve the company's productivity. STATUTORY RAPE, n - the criminal offence of
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
having sexual intercourse with a girl under counted against the batter, e.g. one that is
the age of consent. swung at and missed. A batter is out when
STEAMER, n - a soft-shell clam, cooked usu- he has three strikes against him. Used figu-
ally by steaming. ratively in many situations.
STEER, n - a young ox, especially one cas- STRING BEANS, n pi - runner beans.
trated before sexual maturity and raised for STROKE, n (col) - a compliment or comment
beef. A bullock. To give or sell someone a that enhances a person's self-esteem. A
bum steer is to give bad information or ad- usage from transactional analysis. Also
vice. used as a verb. Used as an adjective, it
STENOGRAPHER, n - a shorthand typist. means pornographic or masturbatory, as in
STICK CANDY, n - rock, as sold at the seaside. stroke book, stroke mag.
STICK SHIFT, n - another term for manual trans- STROLLER, n - a child's collapsible pushchair.
mission. STUDENT, n - used in a broader sense in the
STICKPIN, n - a tiepin. US to refer to anyone studying, irrespec-
STIFF, v (col) -1. to tip someone inadequately tive of age.
or not at all. He stiffed the waiter. In the STUMBLEBUM, n (col) -La blundering or inept
US, tipping is expected, 15-20% being con- person. 2. a punch-drunk boxer.
sidered the basic rate. 2. to cheat some- STUMP, n - to campaign, especially by politi-
one of something owed. His roommate Cal speech-making. The expression on the
stiffed him for the rent. stump refers to a p\ace or occasion used
STOCK COMPANY, n -1. a company whose capi- for campaign oratory.
tal is divided into transferable shares. 2. a STUMP ORATOR, n - a rabblerouser.
repertory company. SUBDIVISION, n - a tract of Iand for building com-
STOCKADE, n - a military prison or detention posed of subdivided lots, or, by extension,
area. 3 housing estate built on such land.
STOGY or STOGIE, n - a cheap cigar. Pro- SUBMARINE, n - another name for hero sand-
nounced stoe-gy. wich.
STOMP, v (col) - to assault viciously, to clob- SUBSTITUTE TEACHER, n - supply teacher.
ber. The gang stomped anyone they SUBWAY, n -an underground railway, the tube.
thought might be homosexual. SUCK, v (col) - to be disgustingly nasty, of-
STOOL PIGEON, n (col) - a police informer. fensive, or of wretched quality. This movie
STOOP, n - a small porch or platform with steps not only fails as entertainment, it sucks.
leading up to it at the entrance to a house SUCKER, n (col) - another word for lollipop.
or building. SUDS, pi n (col) - beer.
STOPLIGHTS, pi n - see traffic signals. SUMMA CUM LAUDE, adv - See CUM LAUDE.
STORE, n - a shop. SUMMATION, n - an argument containing a sum-
STOVEPIPE HAT, n (COl) - a top hat. See HIGH mary of principal points, especially a
HAT. lawyer's closing speech in a law case.
STRAIGHT, adj- neat, not mixed with anything SUNNY-SIDE UP, adj- of eggs, fried on one side
else, undiluted. Straight bourbon. only. The alternatives are over easy, fried
STRAIGHTARROW, adj - absolutely honest, mor- on both sides but liquid in the centre, and
ally upright. over hard.
STRAW BOSS, n (col) - a worker who acts as a SUPER, n (col) - short for the superintendent
boss or foreman in addition to his normal (or caretsker) of a block of fiats or offices.
duties. SUPERHIGHWAY, n - motorway. See FREEWAY.
STREETCAR, n - a tram. SUSPENDERS, pi n - braces.
STREETLIGHT Or STREETLAMP, n - a lamppOSt. SWEET POTATO, n - a vegetable, orsnge-
STRIKE, n - in baseball, a pitched ball that is coloured when boiled, commonly eaten in
SWELL TERRITORY
the US instead of ordinary or white pota- of a lorry. As a verb, it means to drive too
toes. closely behind another vehicle. A TAILGATE
SWELL, adj (col, old) - great, wonderful. SALE is a boot sale.
SWELLED HEAD, n (col) - a bighead, a conceited TAKE FIVE, v - to take a five-minute break.
person. TAMMANY HALL, n - central organization of the
SWING SHIFT, n - the work shift between the Democratic Party in New York county. In the
morning and evening shifts, usually 4 p.m. early part of the 20th century, it became a
to midnight. byword for boss-ruled, corrupt municipal
SWINGER, n (col) - a person who freely en- politics.
gages in promiscuous sex, especially a TANK, n (col) - a jail or Jail cell.
husbandswapper or wifeswapper. TAR BABY, n - a situation or problem from which
SWITCH, n - a railway siding or railway point. it is virtually impossible to extricate one-
SWITCH HITTER, n (col) - in baseball, a player self. From an Uncle Remus story by Joel
who can bat either right-handed or left- Chandler Harris, Bre'r Rabbit and the Tar
handed. By extension, a bisexual person. Baby.
SWITCHBACK, n - a roller coaster. TARDY, adj - Iate, especially at school. A Iate
SWITCHBLADE, n - a flick knife. pupil is given a TARDY SLIP.
SYNDICATE, v - to sell programmes to several TARHEEL, n - a native or resident of North
independent television or radio stations, or Carolina. Tar was once a major product of
to sell columns or comic strips for simulta- the state.
neous publication in several newspapers. TAXI DANCER, n - a woman employed, e.g. by a
nightclub, to dance with customers for a fee.
So-Called because the dancers are hired,
like taxis, for a short period of time.
TEA CART, n - tea trolley.
TEAMSTER, n - a truckdriver. Formerly, the
T driver of a team of horses. The word is now
used mainly in the plural, to signify the
TAB, n (col) - a bill, e.g. in a restaurant. Who's Teamaters Union, one of the largest trade
picking up the tab? unions in the world.
TABLE, v - to suspend discussion of a motion TEE OFF, v (col) - to make or become angry or
or 3 bill indefinitely. The opposite of the GB disgusted, to brown off. He was teed off be-
meaning. cause she didn't call.
TABLE CREAM, n - single cream. TEETER-TOTTER, n - another name for a see-
TACKY, adj (col) - 1. dowdy, seedy, in poor SaW.
repsir. She always looks tacky. Tacky TELEPROMPTER, n - autocue. Both words are
clothes. A tacky old farmhouse. 2. tasteless, trademarks.
shabby. A tacky remark. A tacky thing to TELLER, n - cashier in a bank or Post Office.
do. TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT, n - a Storm in a tea CUp.
TAD, n - a small boy, a very small amount, 3 TEMPLE, n - another name for a synagogue,
bit. She may be a tad overweight but she's especially one of a Reform or Consen/3-
still a good-looker. tive congregation.
TAFFY, n - a chewy sweet made from brown TERRITORY, n - a subdivision of the US which
sugar or molasses boiled with butter. Also, is not a state but which is administered by
a less common name for toffee. an appointed or elected governor and an
TAG, n - label. elected legislature, e.g. the Virgin Islands.
TAG SALE, n - a jumble sale. Most states were territories before achiev-
TAILGATE, n - another name for the tailboard ing full statehood.
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
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A TO ZEE: A US / GB LEXIS
WHAMMY ZUCCHINI
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Suggestions for Further Reading
Baugh, Albert C. and Cable, Thomas: McCrum, Robert; Cran, William;
A History of the English Language. MacNeil, Robert:
London, 1951. The Story of English.
London, 1986.
Cheshire, Jenny (ed.):
English Around the World. Marckwardt, Albert H.:
Cambridge, 1991. A Common Language: British and
American English.
Crystal, David: London, 1964.
The English Language.
London, 1988. Mencken, H.L.:
The American Language, 4th ed.
Ekwall, Eilert: New York, 1936.
American and British Pronunciation.
Upsala, 1946. Rubinstein, Mary: Twenty-First Century
American English Compendium.
Finnegan, Edward: Rockville, 1997.
Attitudes Towards English Usage:
The History of a War of Words. Strevens, Peter: British and American
New York, 1980. English.
London, 1972.
Flexner, Stuart:
/ Hear America Speaking. Trudgill, Peter and Hannah, Jean:
New York, 1976. International English: A Guide to the
Varieties of Standard English, 3rd ed.
Lewis, J. Windsor: London, 1994.
A Concise Pronouncing Dictionary of
British and American English.
London, 1972.
McArthur, Tom:
The Oxford Companion to the
English Language.
Oxford, 1992.
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