Stylish brother speaking “Proper English” in London; (c) Clem Onojeghuo/UN
I Thought We Both Spoke English
When you first travel to London, you will be sure to think .. I thought we both spoke English.
American English and British English are similar, but keywords and the context of many phrases are different. For example, restrooms can be referred to as the WC which stands for water closet, or the loo. Other common differences — lift means elevator, the boot of the car is its trunk, nappy means diaper, fag means cigarette, and football (futbol) means soccer. A circus, as in Picadilly Circus, is a road traffic circle where busy streets intersect.
Some words are pronounced with accents on syllables other than Americans are used to, causing misunderstanding. For example, what we call aluminum in the United States is pronounced aw-loo-MIN-e-um by the British.
The Thames River is pronounced Tims River. If you’re going somewhere that has a name with several syllables and you are unsure of the pronunciation, write the name down to show to cab drivers or transportation staff.
Be descriptive if people give you a blank look (or look offended) when you ask for something. Everyone in London will recognize your American accent. Given the changing U.S. foreign policy, however, it’s best to avoid political conversations or make sure to remind them that you like Brits.
One sister found out that a towel is a feminine napkin. She learned this after calling the front desk of her hotel and asking for a towel. She was wondering why the male front desk clerk sounded taken aback since he kept saying “Excuse me.”
She finally said, “I need a towel to wash my face.” He sounded so relieved when he said, “Oh a washcloth.”
Many sisters and brothers living in London are from English-speaking African and Caribbean countries. Don’t expect local Sisters and Brothers to greet you the same way that they do in the United States.
If you want to see many people of African Descent concentrated in an area, check out Brixton and Brighton. They often speak Proper English + their native language, but will instantly pick up on your American English.