English and american language !

[scooder]

First, that's not a bonnet, it's a girl.
Second, what the bloody hell is a "Flexion Units".
Third, "British pronunciation and idioms unique to GB loses the American audience." could be also said" American pronunciation and idioms unique to US loses the British audience." but that would not reflect my view. I love lots of your films, and telly programs (tv shows) and you cars and lots beside. I also like our stuff, but stuff that's often related to as British humour, ie Monty python, I'm with you there, can't stand it, it's like a private joke that you, the viewer isn't in on.
Forth, the two fingers also known as "flicking the Vee's" it is a English thing. Most here find it funny when used by grown ups, and in this case is sort of a term of endearment. And is no where near as offensive as the single finger (flipping the bird)
The commonly held belief is the "Vee's" is from when the English long bow was a weapon feared in battle. English men practiced with the long bow from a young age. They were very accurate and deadly. When the bows men were captured in battle oftentimes the two bow fingers were cut off.
The "Vee's" were flicked to the opposing army as a threat, and as mockery of the opposing army. Story says it was predominantly used against the French.
Fifth. Their is a famous quote that says " Britain and America, two country's separated by the same language."
Martin.

[scooder]

Sixthly, nothing wrong with Lucas electrics, on a car, Work well and last long. Put Lucas electrics on a British motor bike, that's a different story altogether.
Martin.

[Tudorp]

"flicking the V's" are you refering to?

Actually as I understand that gesture that got popular during the 1960's in the US as a "Peace" sign used by the "Hippies", originated after WWII and was meant and used as the sign of "Victory" after the US and Allied (including the UK) took the victory in WWII.

[BobbyG]

2 Nations divided by a common language

[Pete]

I have several Aussie friends and when we meet we usually have several minutes
of joking word exchange. (many similar words to Limey)
Aside from that, I usually have some plonk in the evening.

[ReggieK]

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I have had the privilege to spend some time in several countries. My favorite is NZ, My wife and myself spent our 40th anniversary there in 1995. We were there for a month, and learned to drive on the RH side of the car and the LH side of the road. I was informed that it was not the wrong side of the car and the wrong side of the road. Loved to talk to all of the locals, and learn the "language". "American English" is quite different from "English English".

[4dFord/SC]

"Two nations divided by a common language."

[Mike51Merc]

Isn't Lucas the Prince of Darkness?

[Henry Hopper]

In the US I see you refer to the " drivers side or left or right side" when identifying the position of a car........we refer to it as either " the near side or the off side" this refers to the the near side being closest to the kerb, the off side being away from the kerb.eg,near side front wheel or off side rear wheel etc


Indicators are turn signals

Bias Ply tires are Crossply tyres

Sedan is a Saloon( don't ask)

Semi(semmy) as opposed to Semi( see my)

Gearbox is transmission

Gear lever (leever) is shifter

[Henry Hopper]

In the US I see you refer to the " drivers side or left or right side" when identifying the position of a car........we refer to it as either " the near side or the off side" this refers to the the near side being closest to the kerb, the off side being away from the kerb.


Indicators are turn signals

Bias Ply tires are Crossply tyres

Sedan is a Saloon( don't ask)

Semi(semmy) as opposed to Semi( see my)

Gearbox is transmission

Gear lever (leever) is shifter

[Henry Hopper]

Originally Posted by Mike51Merc

Isn't Lucas the Prince of Darkness?

Just another misconception that seems to pop up regularly on these forums..same as that we drink warm beer.

Lite beers are ice cold, but ale is kept at 50 f in cellars.....serving ales at ice cold temps ruin it and make it a horrible drink.

[29AVEE8]

Articulated Lorry.

[Tudorp]

When I was in Germany, I thought it was weird to drink room temp beer, but it didn't take long to adapt. If the beer is a good full beer, it is better at room temp. Crappy American beer needs to be served cold to mask the taste IMHO.. lol.. I been a beer snob ever since I came back from Germany in 86. They also drank their soft drinks at room temp. I never did get used to that, and always got looked at weird when I asked for ice..

[Henry Hopper]

Originally Posted by 29AVEE8

Articulated Lorry.

Almost always referred to as an " artic". ..( are tick)

Most old people use the term lorry or wagon but most people use truck these days.

[V12Bill]

Lucas refrigerators, the reason Britons drink warm beer.

[ford38v8]

Martin, You can really defend The Prince Of Darkness?

No, I wasn't referring to the Victory sign. The two finger salute I referred to was with the fingers together, used in a derogatory manner: "Oop yours!" ...But how is that more socially acceptable than flipping the bird?

[swoopNZ]

In a bar in East Texas years back, a guy says to me that he knew where I was from, just by listening to my accent.
I said OK where ?
He said Sweden.

I'm from New Zealand.

[51 MERC-CT]

Speaking of translating, perhaps most are familiar with the Tv show coming out of the UK called 'Top Gear'.
There was an attempt to do a US version which I felt was lacking.
It can only be done with a British accent.

[tiger.1000]

On more than one occasion on the Barn I've read the expression "a cheap knock-off"

Please translate......

[32BBflathead]

I enjoy the British Top Gear far more than the American one. Also in the UK a trash can is a bin, and what we know of as soccer is football.
I remember talking to my Australian Uncle once, he said my bahn needed a new ruff. After asking a couple times i determined he thought my barn's roof was inadequate. I do enjoy watching most British shows.