American English: Difference between revisions

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For those interested in articulation rather than vocabulary, there are many pages about [[Accent Tropes|various nations' accents]], including [[American Accents|American ones]].

* '''Bathroom''', where somebody goes to relieve themselves, and may or may not contain a bath or shower<ref> Those which do not contain a shower or bathtub are referred to as "half-bathrooms," which is ''only'' really used when discussing real estate. It is also sometimes called a "powder room"</ref>. "Restroom" is generally reserved for public toilets, though the word "toilet" itself is considered a bit rude in polite society and, at any rate, refers only to the porcelain basin itself, not the room. Nobody uses "water closet" (unless it's necessary to distinguish the small, closet-like room that actually contains a toilet and nothing else from a larger part of a bathroom consisting of more than one ~~room--but~~ even then it's not something you hear every day and many people with WC's may not know the term). In Canada, a public "restroom" is called a "washroom," just a slight difference and even though not common, if you ask where the washroom is in the U.S., people will know you mean the restroom. "Lavatory" (which is pronounced as LAV-uh-tore-ee) is recognized but relatively rare, and "loo" is recognized in context (and giggled at), if the speaker is clearly British/Scottish. People with military experience sometimes use the terms "head" (Navy/Marines) or "latrine" (Army/Air Force). "John," "can," and "crapper" are increasingly harsh cacophemisms that are still mostly acceptable in public (except don't use "crapper" at a fancy dinner party).

* '''Bathroom''', where somebody goes to relieve themselves, and may or may not contain a bath or shower.<ref>Those which do not contain a shower or bathtub are referred to as "half-bathrooms," which is ''only'' really used when discussing real estate. It is also sometimes called a "powder room"</ref> "Restroom" is generally reserved for public toilets, though the word "toilet" itself is considered a bit rude in polite society and, at any rate, refers only to the porcelain basin itself, not the room. Nobody uses "water closet" (unless it's necessary to distinguish the small, closet-like room that actually contains a toilet and nothing else from a larger part of a bathroom consisting of more than one room—but even then it's not something you hear every day and many people with WC's may not know the term). In Canada, a public "restroom" is called a "washroom," just a slight difference and even though not common, if you ask where the washroom is in the U.S., people will know you mean the restroom. "Lavatory" (which is pronounced as LAV-uh-tore-ee) is recognized but relatively rare, and "loo" is recognized in context (and giggled at), if the speaker is clearly British/Scottish. People with military experience sometimes use the terms "head" (Navy/Marines) or "latrine" (Army/Air Force). "John," "can," and "crapper" are increasingly harsh cacophemisms that are still mostly acceptable in public (except don't use "crapper" at a fancy dinner party).

* '''Busboy''': Nothing to do with public transport. Instead an employee of a restaurant whose duties include dish washing and "bussing" the tables, that is, gathering up the dirty dishes/napkins/etc and wiping the tabletop down.

* '''Cell phones''' are mobile phones. Both terms are used on both sides of the Atlantic, but "cell" is used much more often than "mobile" in America, vice versa in Britain.

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** '''Lesbian''' is used for a female homosexual.

** '''Gay''' has two distinct meanings, confusingly enough- a homosexual person of any gender, OR a homosexual man specifically. Most commonly it carries the former meaning ''unless'' it's specifically contrasted with lesbian, in which case it only refers to men. Also see [[Have a Gay Old Time]] for how gay ''used'' to be used.

** '''Queer''' basically means anything but ~~heterosexual -- homo~~-, bi-, pan-, a-, whatever. It is a slur that has been ''partially'' "reclaimed." Basic rule is, [[N-Word Privileges|use it only for yourself and groups you belong to]].

** '''Queer''' basically means anything but heterosexual—homo-, bi-, pan-, a-, whatever. It is a slur that has been ''partially'' "reclaimed." Basic rule is, [[N-Word Privileges|use it only for yourself and groups you belong to]].

* '''Fanny''' is a polite, fastidious word for your rear end. If someone's grandmother or old maiden aunt were talking to a misbehaving five-year-old, she might threaten to "spank him on his little fanny." Though you wouldn't use the term when visiting the UK as it is generally considered an offensive term for female genitalia.

** '''Fanny packs''' are equivalent to bum bags, i.e. a small sealable bag with an integrated belt worn over the top of clothes.

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** Americans also pronounce H without using an H sound. "Aytch" instead of "haytch".

** There isn't that somewhat rare letter ash ("Æ"). "E" is used instead, or in some cases type out an A followed by an E. "Æsthetic", for example, is "aesthetic" or "esthetic". To type out an "ash" requires the use of the alt codes on U.S. keyboards (alt-145 for lowercase and alt-146 for uppercase, if you were wondering). The same goes for ''ethel'' ("œ").

* '''Check''' -- the U.S. spelling of ''cheque'' ~~-- in~~ a restaurant refers to the bill. Hence, [[Check, Please!]]. It can also refer to an actual check, which you fill out to buy something. Thus, you can pay a check with a check.

* '''Check''' -- the U.S. spelling of ''cheque''—in a restaurant refers to the bill. Hence, [[Check, Please!]]. It can also refer to an actual check, which you fill out to buy something. Thus, you can pay a check with a check.

** Although virtually no restaurant accepts checks any longer.

* '''Bills''' is the colloquial name for paper money in the US, such as "a one-dollar bill," rather than "notes," which is the technical term used in banks.

* '''Buck(s)''' is a very common slang word for "dollar(s)." There have been any number of other such words ("pictures of the president", "dead presidents"~~--neither~~ of which are [[Alexander Hamilton|strictly]] [[Benjamin Franklin|accurate]]--"smackeroos", etc.) but "bucks" the only one you'll need to learn. Think of it as an equivalent of "quid".

* '''Buck(s)''' is a very common slang word for "dollar(s)." There have been any number of other such words ("pictures of the president", "dead presidents"—neither of which are [[Alexander Hamilton|strictly]] [[Benjamin Franklin|accurate]]--"smackeroos", etc.) but "bucks" the only one you'll need to learn. Think of it as an equivalent of "quid".

** Conveniently for Britons, "fiver" and "tenner" for five- and ten-dollar bills are generally understood, and if they're not generally used, they're not really remarked upon, either.

** '''Jacksons''' - The most commonly used slang terms for twenty dollar bills, slightly more common than "double sawbuck" (a sawbuck being ten). By which we mean, "Almost nobody ever uses them." You might hear "Jacksons", "Hamiltons", "Lincolns", or "Washingtons" in jest,<ref>Someone making a crappy wage might joke that they're "bringing in the Washingtons", parodying the saying "bringing in the Benjamins" for "making the big bucks", i.e. a good salary.</ref> but that's about it. The most common term for a twenty-dollar bill is just "a twenty."

** '''Benjamins''' for one hundred dollar bills. One might refer to the figure on the bill by name in conversation, "Me and my friend, Benjamin Franklin, here, would like to make an offer..."

*** You may refer to many Benjamins as "Bennies"<ref>which, confusingly, is also an old slang term for benzadrine</ref> or "C-Notes".

* '''Ground floor''' is interchangeable with "first floor" in America, unlike most other places. So the second floor up from the ground is called the second floor, not the first, and so on. But it depends on the building. Typically the ground floor is the bottommost floor that isn't a basement, regardless of function. The first floor is the floor where things like the reception area are, or the commons area or the equivalent for whatever type of building you are ~~in -- essentially~~ the floor you are on when you enter the building. They are the same thing in many buildings but not all of them. Hotels and dorms will often have separate ground and first floors, with the ground floor having things other than rooms, but this varies widely. Sometimes the first floor will be called the "lobby" and there won't be a first floor; the elevator will have an "L" button instead of 1, and the next floor above it will be "2".

* '''Ground floor''' is interchangeable with "first floor" in America, unlike most other places. So the second floor up from the ground is called the second floor, not the first, and so on. But it depends on the building. Typically the ground floor is the bottommost floor that isn't a basement, regardless of function. The first floor is the floor where things like the reception area are, or the commons area or the equivalent for whatever type of building you are in—essentially the floor you are on when you enter the building. They are the same thing in many buildings but not all of them. Hotels and dorms will often have separate ground and first floors, with the ground floor having things other than rooms, but this varies widely. Sometimes the first floor will be called the "lobby" and there won't be a first floor; the elevator will have an "L" button instead of 1, and the next floor above it will be "2".

** And it's not uncommon to find that the thirteenth floor is omitted in American buildings.

* An '''elevator''' is a lift that runs indoors. "Lift" is still used for hydraulic outdoor lifts used by construction workers, and is acceptable for lifts used for transporting goods (but more commonly known as "freight elevators" or "service elevators") and possibly dumbwaiters (probably derived from the association with ''English'' manors).

** And elevators, those things that you put in the back of your shoes, are called "lifts."

** '''Electric Steetcars''' are the equivelent of a "tram" or "trolly"~~--a~~ bus that runs on rails or wires. They are occasionally thought of as the types of cable cars that run in San Francisco, but that is not the correct term for them. A "tram" is an interchangeable word for either. Tourist trolleys are considered different vehicles, and are called "trolley replicas".

** '''Electric Steetcars''' are the equivelent of a "tram" or "trolly"—a bus that runs on rails or wires. They are occasionally thought of as the types of cable cars that run in San Francisco, but that is not the correct term for them. A "tram" is an interchangeable word for either. Tourist trolleys are considered different vehicles, and are called "trolley replicas".

* '''Gasoline''' or '''gas'' is what fuels cars in America, not "petrol." Filling a car's fuel tank is sometimes called "gassing up," and to tell the driver to press down on the accelerator pedal you can say "give 'er the gas."

* '''[French] fries''' (No one actually calls them "[[wikipedia:Freedom fries|freedom fries]]".) are what people in the US call "chips"

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** The TV series [[Adam-12]] also popularized "211" (two-eleven), which means a robbery, and "415" (four-fifteen), which means a public disturbance.

** A similar example is a "Section 8," US Military slang for a crazy person (referring to a discharge for mental illness). It's also an old term for federally subsidized housing.

*** Speaking of the US Military, the various military dialects<ref> Each branch of service, and sometimes even specific career fields in each branch, have their own often mutually incomprehensible versions of the language</ref> provide some similar terms. To be "Article Fifteened" or "NJP'd"<ref> "En-Jay-Peed"</ref> is to face Non-Judicial Punishment, where one's commanding officer can dole out punishment for relatively minor offenses without involving a court of law (the military courts are instead reserved for the ''big'' screw ups). "Article 15" comes from the portion of the Uniform Code of Military Justice that details the procedures for Non-Judicial Punishment.

*** Speaking of the US Military, the various military dialects<ref>Each branch of service, and sometimes even specific career fields in each branch, have their own often mutually incomprehensible versions of the language</ref> provide some similar terms. To be "Article Fifteened" or "NJP'd"<ref>"En-Jay-Peed"</ref> is to face Non-Judicial Punishment, where one's commanding officer can dole out punishment for relatively minor offenses without involving a court of law (the military courts are instead reserved for the ''big'' screw ups). "Article 15" comes from the portion of the Uniform Code of Military Justice that details the procedures for Non-Judicial Punishment.

** "Chapter 11" (from Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code) refers to bankruptcy. Hence, people file Chapter 11 <ref> Curiously, though, Chapter 11 covers the bankruptcy of a ''business''; individuals usually choose between two methods of resolving their debts, described in Chapters 7 (total liquidation) and 13 (reorganization of debts). However, since large corporate bankruptcies often receive nationwide media attention, "Chapter 11" has become the most common term.</ref>

** "Chapter 11" (from Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code) refers to bankruptcy. Hence, people file Chapter 11 <ref>Curiously, though, Chapter 11 covers the bankruptcy of a ''business''; individuals usually choose between two methods of resolving their debts, described in Chapters 7 (total liquidation) and 13 (reorganization of debts). However, since large corporate bankruptcies often receive nationwide media attention, "Chapter 11" has become the most common term.</ref>

** "420" has become slang for Marijuana, although this number doesn't appear to be used in any jurisdiction's legal codes for marijuana crimes and its origin is [[Rule of Cautious Editing Judgement|hotly debated]].

* People of African racial decent are typically called "black" without insult. '''African-American''' is a very common and politically correct term for American blacks, to the point that Americans will occasionally slip up and use the term to refer to any black person, regardless of where they live ([[Freema Agyeman]] and [[Being Human (UK)|Lenora Crichlow]] have both been referred to as African-American, despite the obvious problems with that.) The term is generally used only in a racial sense, and it's therefore incorrect to use it for non-black people who immigrated from Africa to America. "People of color" often refers to all non-white racial groups. The terms "colored," "negro," "mulatto," and "Afro-American," are all dated and usually considered insensitive. (See also the trope on [[N-Word Privileges]].)

* The native cultures and races of America are most appropriately called "Native Americans." "American Indians" is also generally acceptable. "Indians" by itself is considered somewhat insensitive and also confusing, since it could also refer to ''actual'' Indians.

** It is fairly common to simply call Native Americans "Natives" while using terms like Aboriginals and Indiginous Peoples to refer to those native to other regions, the exact location is often specified directly especially when not set up by context.

** You will find many Native Americans who prefer "Indian" for whatever reason. Some don't like being called Native Americans because it feels possessive, some like Indian because it is supposed to mean "People with God" (from Spanish ''[gente] en Dios'' ~~-- but~~ this is a folk etymology), some like it because many indigenous groups are clearly different in appearance from one another, and some simply don't care how you refer to them.

** You will find many Native Americans who prefer "Indian" for whatever reason. Some don't like being called Native Americans because it feels possessive, some like Indian because it is supposed to mean "People with God" (from Spanish ''[gente] en Dios''—but this is a folk etymology), some like it because many indigenous groups are clearly different in appearance from one another, and some simply don't care how you refer to them.

** Because of the persistence of using "Indian" to mean Native ~~American -- the~~ U.S. government has an official department that's still called the Bureau of Indian Affairs to this ~~day -- people~~ from India will sometimes have to say that they're "An Indian from India" just to avoid confusion.

** Because of the persistence of using "Indian" to mean Native American—the U.S. government has an official department that's still called the Bureau of Indian Affairs to this day—people from India will sometimes have to say that they're "An Indian from India" just to avoid confusion.

** If you are going to carry conversation or a relationship with a Native American, it is considered acceptable to politely ask their tribe of origin, although many prefer "nation" to "tribe." This is useful because many of the native nations do have animosity with other nations, and calling a member of one nation by another name can be upsetting.

*** The reason for this is the rise of the term First Nations to refer to them.

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* A '''bender''', if not used to indicate "[[Futurama|something that]] [[Avatar: The Last Airbender|bends things]]," generally refers to a wild night, or series of nights, spent partying with copious amounts of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. As in: "I had several days off, so I went on a complete three-day bender." This does not imply homosexual (or any sex) acts were committed during the time period, but it might be true anyway.

* When the British want to refer to someone as having a less than noble character, they'll use "bent," like a "bent policeman." In America, they have a similar "not straight" term, but '''crooked''' is used, like a "crooked cop." It's pronounced in two syllables as well; "crook-ed" instead of one syllable like "looked."

* [[Baseball]] terms are sometimes used in everyday conversation as metaphors. "Strike out" means to fail, as in: "I went to a bar hoping to meet a girl, but I totally struck out." "Home run," or "out of the park," means to succeed greatly. Strange ideas "come out of left field." Inappropriate comments are "off base." "Foul tip" meaning something that ends with neither a complete failure nor a satisfactory outcome. "Seventh-inning stretch," refers to a brief break from something to stretch your legs. "Getting to # base" refers to sexual activity, with each base coming closer to intercourse. <ref>First base is kissing, second base is feeling up your partner, third base is touching each other's genitals, and a home run is sex.</ref>

* [[Baseball]] terms are sometimes used in everyday conversation as metaphors. "Strike out" means to fail, as in: "I went to a bar hoping to meet a girl, but I totally struck out." "Home run," or "out of the park," means to succeed greatly. Strange ideas "come out of left field." Inappropriate comments are "off base." "Foul tip" meaning something that ends with neither a complete failure nor a satisfactory outcome. "Seventh-inning stretch," refers to a brief break from something to stretch your legs. "Getting to # base" refers to sexual activity, with each base coming closer to intercourse.<ref>First base is kissing, second base is feeling up your partner, third base is touching each other's genitals, and a home run is sex.</ref>

* [[American Football]] metaphors are generally pretty simple. "Touchdown!" ~~-- sometimes~~ accompanied by raising both arms in the air like a football ~~referee -- is~~ common as a synonym for success or reaching a goal. "Third and long" refers to a last chance long-shot, and "going for two" refers to taking a risky move with a greater reward. By the same token, a "Hail Mary" is a desperate, usually final, attempt at something. "Punting" generally means a mediocre effort with limited results, a minor defeat, or passing responsibility on to someone else.

* [[American Football]] metaphors are generally pretty simple. "Touchdown!"—sometimes accompanied by raising both arms in the air like a football referee—is common as a synonym for success or reaching a goal. "Third and long" refers to a last chance long-shot, and "going for two" refers to taking a risky move with a greater reward. By the same token, a "Hail Mary" is a desperate, usually final, attempt at something. "Punting" generally means a mediocre effort with limited results, a minor defeat, or passing responsibility on to someone else.

* '''Pissed''' in America means "angry," not "drunk", which is why "piss drunk" can sound redundant. Sometimes, people will say "pissed off," which means the same thing ("angry"). "Pissing the night away," however, will generally be understood as a long drinking session. "Go on a pisser" means the same thing. A "pisser" can also refer to a fun or amusing person or event. Or a urinal.

** On that note, pissing or taking a piss means to urinate, as does taking a leak. Thus, you can [[Incredibly Lame Pun|get pissed off at getting pissed on]] [[Rule of Three|by a piss drunk.]]

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* The syntax for a job title is not ''title name'' for ''whatever'', it's ''title name'' '''of''' ''whatever''. What this says about leadership philosophies on opposite sides of the pond belongs on [[Wild Mass Guessing|a different page]].

* '''Line power''' is the American term for what Commonwealth countries call ''mains power''. And you'll rarely hear an American use the term, either - this is mainly due to the fact that Americans don't wire their buildings in a massive loop circuit directly connected to the the powerline. Instead, the powerline comes into a central control panel - technically called a ''service'', but usually referred to as a ''fusebox'' or ''breaker box'', where it's stepped down (excepting certain high-draw appliance lines) and split out into independent circuits.

** The standard American electrical outlet produces 120 volts AC. Only for special high-power appliances like electric ovens, clothes dryers, and central air conditioners are 220-volt outlets provided. Additionally, the alternating current in American homes oscillates at a frequency of 60 Hz, not the 50 Hz that's standard in Britain and most Eurpoean countries, so most appliances that hum do so on a B-flat below middle C (instead of the pitch mid-way between G and G-sharp heard from most humming British appliances).

** The standard American electrical outlet produces 120 volts AC. Only for special high-power appliances like electric ovens, clothes dryers, and central air conditioners are 220-volt outlets provided. Additionally, the alternating current in American homes oscillates at a frequency of 60 Hz, not the 50 Hz that's standard in Britain and most Eurpoean countries, so most appliances that hum do so on a B-flat below middle C (instead of the pitch mid-way between G and G-sharp heard from most humming British appliances).

* In the DC Metropolitan area, if you hear the initialism "DMV," it's very likely that whomever is not referring to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Over the last several years, more and more people have been referring to this area as the D(C)M(aryland)V(irginia).

* '''[[Country Matters|Cunt]]''' is ''extremely'' ~~offensive -- possibly~~, barring racial slurs, one of the most offensive words you can use, and one almost exclusively aimed at people. (You won't hear anyone over here saying "I had a cunt of a day.") Mostly applied to women, though if you want to truly insult a man, you could call him one. Either way, don't be surprised if you get punched for it.

* '''[[Country Matters|Cunt]]''' is ''extremely'' offensive—possibly, barring racial slurs, one of the most offensive words you can use, and one almost exclusively aimed at people. (You won't hear anyone over here saying "I had a cunt of a day.") Mostly applied to women, though if you want to truly insult a man, you could call him one. Either way, don't be surprised if you get punched for it.

* '''Yankee''' or '''Yank''' applies to people from the northeastern states. Never, ever call someone from the Deep South a Yank. Those from other parts of the U.S. may not appreciate it, either.

* '''Shotgun''' can refer to either a gun or the passenger seat in a car: if someone wants to ride as the front passenger, they might say "I call shotgun". (The term dates from the [[Wild West]] era, when stagecoaches frequently required an armed guard; he would sit out on top of the coach to the right of the horses' driver.)