Thursday, September 27, 2007

Vernacular Musings: Part 1

One of the most entertaining things about living in another country is learning the intriguing language differences - even when living in another English-speaking country. Here are some of the interesting words and phrases in comparison to U.S. English:

- FAT LANE - the walking path on the promenade next to the bike lane
- DELPH - set of dishes (plates, bowls, cups)
- HOB - stove
- CLOTHES HORSE - clothes dryer (wooden or metal standing rack)
- BOOT - car trunk
- SALOON CAR - sedan
- JUGS - pitchers
- TROLLEY - cart
- LITTER or REFUSE - trash
- OFFIE - an off-license (e.i. wine and liquor store)
- CHIPS - french fries
- CRISPS - potato chips
- BISCUITS - cookies
- SCONES - biscuits
- CRAIC - (pronouced "crack") / having a good time
- COOKERY - cooking
- CAR PARK - never with -ing here / parking isn't ever used
- MIND - "watch" / "mind your children" or "mind the gap"
- GARDA - police or GARDAI (plural)
- LIFT - elevator
- PROGRAM - training schedule
- TRAFFIC CALMING - traffic slowing down

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