Residing in France since 2012 has taught me greater than I might have ever imagined. I’ve realized tons about myself, my means to adapt. I’ve realized a brand new language, the best way to thrive in a brand new tradition and a lot extra. These are fairly critical points of shifting to a international nation, however there are some lighter penalties of shifting overseas too and that’s what I’ll be moving into right here.
Imagine it or not, residing in France has truly expanded my English vocabulary. Listed here are a bunch of British English phrases I didn’t know till I moved to France. Yup, I’ve expanded my English language lexicon residing in France. I hope my UK readers get a kick out of this!
Credit score: Depositphotos.com/ischukigor
As you learn this put up, you’ll both have a very good chuckle otherwise you’ll simply assume I’m an fool. Perhaps each. I hope simply the previous. :-)))))
Whereas residing within the U.S., simply to present you some context, I didn’t know many British individuals past a number of informal acquaintances over time. I wasn’t into any British TV reveals on the time, so my ear didn’t get a lot apply with any of the UK accents. However nowadays, that’s all modified and my English vocabulary has majorly opened up.
One thing to bear in mind is that worldwide audiences are very accustomed to American English and our accent on account of Hollywood’s pervasive affect. Folks in every single place hear our accent and slang in movies and on TV reveals. However for me to listen to a Geordie accent, a Scottish one, or a Northern Irish accent, effectively that may be uncommon. Even residing in New York Metropolis, I didn’t commonly encounter these accents.
I can solely communicate for myself right here and whereas I don’t have any scientific stats, I’d guess that the majority Individuals aren’t overly accustomed to the British English phrases under. I’ve achieved a casual ballot with members of the family and associates throughout age ranges and geography and those who knew the phrases under had a particular motive to (British associates, partner, lived within the UK, and many others.)
I’ve additionally met British people who’ve wanted a proof of the American time period I had used, so it goes each methods.
First, why has shifting to France taught me some British English? There are a number of causes:
1. I study British English phrases once I lookup French translations
I take advantage of my French/English translator app a number of instances per day each day. I at all times come throughout phrases I’m not accustomed to in French, so I attempt to instantly look them up and commit them to reminiscence (which works about half the time, the remembering half).
After I lookup the phrase, the English translation usually has a few choices, as proven in my above picture. Let’s take the phrase coffre, in French, which implies trunk (amongst different issues). After I look it up, I see that the UK phrase is boot. I’ve realized so many UK phrases this fashion.
2. Creating Oui In France + work I’ve achieved. My weblog, social media, and YouTube channel all put me in touch with far more British individuals than if Oui In France didn’t exist. Whereas my majority viewers is American, I’ve a strong British following and your emails and feedback have taught me a lot. If I don’t know the phrase, I look it up and I’ve realized many over time.
Additionally, the kind of work I do places me in touch with a extra worldwide viewers than my job again within the U.S. My former boss was British so I’d hear extra UK-isms than typical.
3. TV reveals/films/podcasts. This motive has nothing to do with residing in France particularly, however I really like British TV reveals, particularly police and detective ones. I’m watching Shetland in the meanwhile and it’s set in Scotland. GREAT accent! However it’s one I admit I had a number of bother with once I visited with my household a number of years again.
French phrases that sound tremendous formal in English >>
Listed here are the British English phrases which have stood out to me essentially the most and popped proper into my head once I sat down to jot down up an inventory. What British phrases don’t Individuals perceive in your expertise?
British phrases Individuals don’t know (simply me?):
Jumper. We’d name this a sweater in American English. A jumper to me can be somebody who jumps or a very completely different clothes merchandise and extra of a sleeveless costume that goes over one thing else.
Torch. That is only a common previous flashlight, like a battery-operated gentle for when the facility goes out. Very regular to have round the home. I used to be so confused why our British Airbnb host a number of years again was in search of a “torch” when he needed to go within the basement. Wouldn’t a flashlight work wonderful? DOH! It IS a flashlight.
P.S. Can a British individual inform me what you’d name a torch then? You recognize the keep on with a giant flame on prime, like those which might be snuffed within the Survivor elimination rounds?
Fancy costume. I realized this one from a British YouTuber I watch. She was telling us a comic story a couple of convo she had with an American about sporting fancy costume to a celebration. The American confirmed up in literal night put on. Fancy costume simply means a fancy dress, like a Halloween costume, nothing to do with formal apparel. I don’t know what a fancy dress would imply to a British individual. Let me know please? Merci.
Scheme. Scheme has a little bit of a unfavorable connotation in American English. Somebody who’s scheming is as much as no good. You additionally hear scheme used after the phrase pyramid and pyramid schemes are scammy as heck. That’s why it took a short time for me listening to scheme utilized in British English to comprehend it’s a impartial time period that’s synonymous with program.
A authorities scheme isn’t something nefarious within the UK (however a scheming authorities within the U.S. can be unhealthy). It’s only a authorities program. At any time when I’d hear a British individual use the phrase scheme, I assumed it was a unfavorable factor and was confused for a very long time. Ooops.
You’re a star. I first heard this one at a global work occasion I attended on behalf of my shopper. I used to be approached by a British man someday who wanted assist with one thing. After I gave him the data he wanted, he instructed me with a smile, “Diane, you’re a star.” I smiled and mentioned oh wow, thanks, glad I might aid you out! It sounded so particular and honest. I WAS A STAR!
I feel two years handed earlier than I spotted the British saying “you’re a star” is definitely not that specifically. It’s utilized in the identical approach we’d use “you’re superior” or “that’s nice.” Fairly generic. Rattling, I assumed he was actually pleased with my assist!
Niggle. The primary time I heard niggle, I assumed the individual was saying nickel and couldn’t determine it out. It simply means an annoyance or one thing inflicting discomfort. Like in case you labored out a bit arduous yesterday and now your knee is bothering you, you can say it’s a niggle. Or you’ve a niggling downside. One among my favourite Peloton instructors says this one loads.
Now to redeem myself, listed here are some fairly commonplace British English phrases I already knew (and possibly most Individuals know?):
-knackered is absolutely drained
-loo is bogs
-boot is a automotive trunk
-lift is an elevator
-holiday is a trip
-chuffed is joyful
-nick is to steal (and likewise my cousin’s title)
-dodgy is suspicious
-chemist is a pharmacist (what do British people name a chemist then?)
Some you possibly can choose up from context. I realized plaster (Band-Assist) this fashion together with nappy (diaper) and trolley (procuring cart).
One thing else that’s humorous is though I communicate with an American accent, I generally slip British-isms into no matter I’m saying. I’m certain it sounds bizarre. I’ve hesitated earlier than saying one thing like “My household goes…” in favor of the British ” my household ARE going.” Household is a singular noun in American English however plural in British English (possibly elsewhere too?). I hear it on a regular basis on podcasts and reveals. However with an American accent, it simply feels like poor grammar, so I attempt to hold it American in the case of singular vs. plural noun conjugation conventions.
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Anyway, I discover the subject of linguistics fascinating and that language is a fluid idea. I in all probability would have studied linguistics in faculty if I hadn’t gone the communications route.
Let me know if shifting overseas or one other life change has resulted in you studying much more phrases in your mom tongue. In case you’re British, what American phrases and phrases tripped you up?
