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by steelhamster@aol.com on March 5th, 2007

steelhamster@aol.com

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The word "Fanny" has a different meaning in the UK, and I have to stifle a smile when I heard the expression "I'll pat you fanny for you" as uttered by Marge Simpson on 'The Simpsons'.

Is there any expression that lose translation across the pond?

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Answers. 9 helpful answers below.

  • by Tamilze on March 5th, 2007

    Tamilze

    To the aforemetioned "fag":

    A British guy goes into a store in the U.S. He asks for a "pack of fags." The American behind the counter replies, "No, YOUR a fag!" The British guy retorts,"A fags a cigarette, mate." Then the American, enraged, screams, "I'M NOT YOUR MATE, FAG!" Then he tackles him from across the counter.

    That's one example of minor mistranslations causing utter hilarity.

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  • by This Daley has a new bundle of joy on March 5th, 2007

    This Daley has a new bundle of joy

    Crack. In Ireland, "having a bit of crack" means having some fun. In the U.S., crack is a narcotic drug.

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  • by DavidHume on March 5th, 2007

    DavidHume

    There are loads. "Fag" for cigarette (UK), homosexual (U.S.) is another one with obvious potential to cause embarrassment.

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  • by steelhamster@aol.com on March 5th, 2007

    steelhamster@aol.com

    Another favourite curse is the phrase "Bugger me!" meaning, taken by surprise.... Imagine if I was to utter it in San Francisco *shudder* *Smirk*

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  • by steelhamster@aol.com on March 5th, 2007

    steelhamster@aol.com

    A faggot is a type of food in the UK... ah the UK and US, countries seperated by a common language.

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  • by broken on March 5th, 2007

    broken

    what on earth was marge simpson refering to? i'm pretty sure we use "fanny" to mean butt here. isn't that what it means in the uk?

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  • by Anonymoose on March 5th, 2007

    Anonymoose

    Well, I know in England the word Bloody is a curse word. Can you imagine working in a hospital? "Clean up that bloody mess!" "Gasp! What did you say?!!" (Just kidding to all those from UK).

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  • by anonymous on March 5th, 2007

    anonymous

    I recently read that New Yorkers have so often heard "an arm and a leg" (as in UK "this is costing me an arm and a leg", for a thing that is outragously expensive) that they have created from it "a nominal egg" with the same sense. I'm not sure about how true this is, any New Yorkers feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. I found it quite interesting though.

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  • by NovemberRaiin on April 29th, 2011

    NovemberRaiin

    It means vagina in the UK.

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