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mesmark Aug 13th, 2007 11:59 pm

Same word, different meaning
 
Can you help me think of some examples of words that have different meanings in different Englishes (different dialects)?

Example: a solid

American English: a favor (slang)
Can you do me a solid?

British English: poop (slang)
There's a solid in the toilet.

clivehawkins Aug 17th, 2007 02:44 am

Re: Same word, different meaning
 
Hi Mark,

a fag: UK - cigarette US - a homosexual
a fanny UK - slang for women's genitalia US - backside
pants UK - underwear US - trousers
hood UK - type of hat US - front of the car (the bonnet in UK)
trunk UK - elephant's 'nose' US - rear of the car (the boot in UK)

I'm sure there are loads more but just off the top of my head that's all I can come up with.

Cheers

DaveESL Aug 17th, 2007 05:51 pm

Re: Same word, different meaning
 
Quote:

Quote clivehawkins (Post 10779)
Hi Mark,

hood UK - type of hat US - front of the car (the bonnet in UK)
trunk UK - elephant's 'nose' US - rear of the car (the boot in UK)

These two also have their UK meaning in the US.

Torch UK - flashlight US - flaming stick

mesmark Aug 19th, 2007 07:29 pm

Re: Same word, different meaning
 
Thanks for the examples


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