Robin Laing wrote: > And to add to this, many British people call it the "Queen's English". > > There are allot of terms that can cause embarrassment for those from > across the pond coming to North America. > > Rubber in England is an eraser. Think of asking a girl in a bar for a > rubber. > > Fag is a cigarette. Could be a quick way for a punch in the face. > > There are others but best left off the list. :) What can be even funnier is the difference in pronunciation. I remember years ago an Australian came up here to Taiwan to assist in the installation of what was then called a "super computer". The guy was very astute and knew ahead of time that the majority of Taiwanese are taught "American English". So, when he first asked for a tool he made sure he asked the locals for a "wrench" and not a "spanner". They looked at him with blank faces. He repeated his request and each time was met with questioning looks. I turned to them and said, "Lawrie would like a wrench". Their response was immediate. It was at that point Lawrie's face took on the look of puzzlement. -- miracle: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment. -- Webster's Dictionary
