Things the Americans name differently

"Cé hé sin" (michael-m-mouse) 04/03/2016 at 15:30 • Filed to: Americana, George Bernard Shaw

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It’s been said by (GB Shaw) that Britain and America are two nations separated only by a common language and you can substitute Britain by much of the English speaking world.

I’ve come across some examples (using their names) over the years of familiar items which the Americans have unexpected words for.

1. Dumpster

2. Backhoe

3. Faucet

4. A arm

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

5. Muffler

6. Transmission

No, I wouldn’t call any of those by those names

Honeybunchesofgoats > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 15:35

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I love gearbox. It sounds so cute and on the nose, like calling an engine a “explosion box” or shocks “bump lesseners.”

djmt1 > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 15:37

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Well I don’t see this ending well. Worst case scenario, I’m gonna have to explain why Leicester is spelt the way it is and I hate doing that.

djmt1 > Honeybunchesofgoats 04/03/2016 at 15:38

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I’m taking bump lesseners that bloody brilliant.

Your boy, BJR > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 15:39

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What do you call them?

Cé hé sin > djmt1 04/03/2016 at 15:39

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Worcester.

Beaulieu.

Cé hé sin > Your boy, BJR 04/03/2016 at 15:42

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By the right names of course.

1. Skip

2. JCB (regardless of actual make)

3. Tap

4. Wishbone

5. Silencer

6. Gearbox

djmt1 > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 15:44

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French! Actually I’m not surprised since we can’t even modernise 2000 year old Roman names.

Cé hé sin > djmt1 04/03/2016 at 15:44

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Not me.

Dampers don’t absorb shocks, they damp. Springs absorb shocks. Could call springs “bump lesseners” though.

You’ll need “bounce reducers” for dampers.

djmt1 > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 15:46

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Fair enough.

Cé hé sin > djmt1 04/03/2016 at 15:47

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Ah, and Beaulieu is a tricky one too. Should be something like “Bowlyu” but isn’t!

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 15:48

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Canadians call them taps a lot of the time as well

not for canada - australian in disguise > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 15:48

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Also, Celica and Prelude have weird pronunciations. In Canada (and I believe pretty much everywhere else) it’s sel-eek-a, and prel-yood. But in the states, it’s sell-ik-a, and pree-lood.

And then there’s Sportage, Protege, et cetera.

Cé hé sin > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/03/2016 at 15:49

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To say nothing of Hyundai.

Svend > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 15:50

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Number 2) is generally called a ‘digger’ in the U.K.

not for canada - australian in disguise > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 15:51

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Hyundai’s just a complete shitshow when it comes to pronunciation in North America. Hoondai, Henday, Hi-un-day, Hi-un-dai, literally everybody pronounces it in a different way from someone else. Or at least in Canada.

buford-t-justice > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/03/2016 at 15:52

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Is it not pronounced like Sunday?

buford-t-justice > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 15:54

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And why is there usually 2 taps for the sinks? Are you supposed to plug the drain and fill the sink up?

Cé hé sin > buford-t-justice 04/03/2016 at 15:55

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Not by me.

Hi un die.

As to what they call it in Korea, I’ve no idea.

Cé hé sin > Svend 04/03/2016 at 15:57

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We often call them that, but as they’re so ubiquitous “JCB” is probably more common.

Svend > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 15:58

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British and American

Wheel nut = Lug nut

Saloon = Sedan

Estate = Wagon

Petrol = Gasoline

Bonnet = Hood

Boot = Trunk

Windscreen =Windshield

Wheel trim = Hub cap

djmt1 > buford-t-justice 04/03/2016 at 15:59

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Mattbob > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:00

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would you perhaps like to put down what you call them, so we can all argue about it like a proper internet forum?

Cé hé sin > Svend 04/03/2016 at 16:02

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And there’s more:

Wing = Fender

Gas = propane

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:04

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What would you call these?

Cé hé sin > Mattbob 04/03/2016 at 16:04

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But I already have!

1. Skip

2. JCB (regardless of actual make)

3. Tap

4. Wishbone

5. Silencer

6. Gearbox

Cé hé sin > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 04/03/2016 at 16:05

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1. Skip

2. JCB (regardless of actual make)

3. Tap

4. Wishbone

5. Silencer

6. Gearbox

buford-t-justice > djmt1 04/03/2016 at 16:06

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Well I’m glad I didn’t accidentally take a gulp of hot water last summer while visiting my sister in East London

That's gonna leave a mark! > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:08

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Noticed there was a problem with the language when we got off the boat here.

Fixed it for ya. Your welcome.

Mattbob > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:09

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Thanks. It seems like the U.S. words are more accurate... But I do hear people say Tap here for a faucet, so thats not really different.

Svend > djmt1 04/03/2016 at 16:10

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Don’t even try to explain the surnames Featherstonehaugh and how it’s pronounced Fanshaw and Cholmondeley is Chumley.

Svend > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:11

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There’s soooo much more.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/03/2016 at 16:12

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I’m with you on Celica, but “prel-yood” is difficult to wrap my tongue around. It’s a musical term for an intro, and I’ve always said it “prey-lude”.

gmctavish needs more space > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/03/2016 at 16:13

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I’ve always heard sel-ik-a and prey-lood. But Vancouver is weird

NeedForSwede > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:14

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What’s your name for the time we GOT OUR INDEPENDENCE, LIMEY?????

And that other time a couple decades later when you KIND OF TROUNCED US AND BURNED OUR CAPITAL BECAUSE OUR MILITARY KIND OF SUCKED AT THE TIME?????

Master Cylinder > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:17

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Never heard of the first two, but the last four are used here in the US too. Just not as commonly as the words listed in the OP.

Goggles Pizzano > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/03/2016 at 16:17

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Growing up a schoolmate’s Dad worked at a dealership. This would have been ‘85-’90 or so, and I was 10-15 years old. The schoolmate explained to me it was actually pronounced sell-ik-a. Not sure if his dad told him this was the way it was pronounced in the US, or if this was how his Dad just said it.

I have no memory of any Toyota TV or radio ads at the time. Could sel-eek-a have been started by the public? Was Toyota still trying to correct this in ‘85?

¯\_()_/¯

RazoE > Mattbob 04/03/2016 at 16:23

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Tap water

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:23

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But a wing provides lift...

RazoE > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:24

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Mufflers muffle, though. They don’t silence.

46and2aheadofme > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:28

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I just got lost down an Internet rabbit hole researching transmission vs. gearbox. I thought I knew the difference but now I’m confused. Personally, I use gearbox for manuel and transmission for auto.

Spridget > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:28

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Here in the US we say that we get tap water from a faucet.

It’s dumb now that I think about it.

Svend > NeedForSwede 04/03/2016 at 16:32

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I’m not totally sure but pretty sure Cé hé sin is Irish which I’m pretty sure calling an Irishman a Limey isn’t a good idea.

FYI, I’m a (U.S.) Limey aka (Australia) whinging pom aka (France) roast beef, etc...

Hoccy > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:33

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Started thinking about what words I would use.. 1 is a container (we use that in Norwegian as well), 2 is a tractor, 3 I have never needed but I think I would use tap. 4 is an A arm for sure, 5 is a couple of mufflers (direct translation from Norwegian would be exhaust pot!) and 6 is a gearbox (also a very direct translation from Norwegian).

Seems like the internet and various car games have made me confused.

Nick Has an Exocet > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:34

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I spent 3 months in Scotland last year (I’m heading back for a couple weeks this month as well). Here are some of my favorites. Er, favourites?

Shopping Cart = Trolley

Jacket = Jumper

Zucchini = Courgette

Eggplant = Aubergine

Cookie = Biscuit

Biscuits = You have no equivalent, and therefore are lesser people. No, a scone is not the same thing.

Hood = Bonnet

Trunk = Boot

Heavy Cream = Double Cream

Tic-tac-toe = Knots and Crosses

Fries = Chips

Chips = Crisps

“Are you here for table service or take-out?” = “Are ye settin’ in er takin’away?”

interstate366, now In The Industry > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 16:34

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We also say “shopping cart” instead of “shopping trolley”, among many many others. Between listening to lots of underground music from the UK over the years and having a British ex-girlfriend, I like to (half-jokingly) say I’m “fluent” in UK English.

Nick Has an Exocet > Nick Has an Exocet 04/03/2016 at 16:34

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Another good one is:

Fall = Autumn

Svend > Nick Has an Exocet 04/03/2016 at 16:48

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That ‘jumper’ isn’t a jumper. A jumper doesn’t have a zip.

A jumper is:-

A jacket is generally what we’d call a coat.

Your picture I would call a zip up top or zippered top.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Nick Has an Exocet 04/03/2016 at 17:03

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funny is that both are British words, and autumn is more recent invention and derived from french.

http://grammarist.com/usage/autumn-f…

NeedForSwede > Svend 04/03/2016 at 17:05

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Had no idea sincerely sorry

SirDrivesAlot (now with hybrid powerrrr) > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 17:08

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Having lived in/been partially educated in the UK, I still find myself using “British-isms” around my colleagues from time to time- when I see their blank stares I have to go back and think of what I had just said and re-speak it in“’Murican”. Excuse me, but I have to go off and wash my smalls now....

interstate366, now In The Industry > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/03/2016 at 17:14

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The only time I’ve heard “pree-lood” was from a guy from (IIRC) Alberta.

ranwhenparked > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 17:17

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Also, we say “Optima” instead of “Magentis” and “Fusion” instead of “Mondeo”.

Cé hé sin > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 04/03/2016 at 17:19

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Here we have an Old Car. Note the long, flowing mudguards. These were fancifully thought of as looking a bit like wings and as the shape changed the name stuck.

TheOnelectronic > Master Cylinder 04/03/2016 at 17:20

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Yeah, there’s a reason we call it “tap water”

Cé hé sin > ranwhenparked 04/03/2016 at 17:22

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You also say 328d rather than 320d because it sounds bigger. Or so BMW say.

At one time the Audi 100 was called the 5000 in America beause fifty times bigger. That obviously meant that the 80 became the 4000.

Cé hé sin > Hoccy 04/03/2016 at 17:26

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Ah, but 2 isn’t a tractor, it’s what’s also called a digger but as JCB invented them and make a lot of them JCB it is

Here’s a tractor. Your eastern neighbours say it is anyway.

scoob > Svend 04/03/2016 at 17:27

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WHAT?!

scoob > djmt1 04/03/2016 at 17:27

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LAY-SESS-TURR

not for canada - australian in disguise > interstate366, now In The Industry 04/03/2016 at 17:30

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Ironically, I’m from Alberta, lived here basically my whole life. And I’ve pretty much never heard “pree-lood”. That guy was probably from the southern bit of the province, where the accents tend to be a lot more American sounding.

The further away from the border you go, the thicker the accent, or so it seems.

Scott > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 17:30

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We say trunk... the Brits say Boot... which since we came up with trunk because we used to strap trunks to the back of cars for storage it makes sense. As a result when I here boot referring to the trunk I imagine an old English country side filled with old cars with someone’s boot strapped to back.

My favorite is a childhood friend of mine’s Dad had a Morgan. The starting procedure said to extract the strangler... took a while to figure out it was pull the choke.

scoob > That's gonna leave a mark! 04/03/2016 at 17:30

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You’re*

:P

djmt1 > Scott 04/03/2016 at 17:34

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To be honest you’re not far off. Swap out the cars for horse drawn carts.

Cé hé sin > Scott 04/03/2016 at 17:34

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I think it’s a very long time since anyone used strangler (although it means the same of course as both describe how air is being cut off).

The French call a choke a “starter”.

Scott > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 17:36

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I kind of gathered that since some of my English friends don't even understand extract the strangler, or if they understand it, say they don't call it that... but then with FI who talks about a choke anymore anyways.

Cé hé sin > Scott 04/03/2016 at 17:40

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...people with lawnmowers, chainsaws, strimmers...

Hoccy > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 17:53

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I see. In native speech I would say “traktorgraver”, which translates to tractor digger. They’re not common here anyways though.

Oooh, the slow and uncomfortable method of transport known as the A-Traktor! Actually had the pleasure to ride in one of those a few years ago.

BlurpleToyotaDishwasher > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 18:07

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hyon-day, I think.

BlurpleToyotaDishwasher > djmt1 04/03/2016 at 18:09

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Don’t mention Leicester, then we’ll need to mention Belvoir :(

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 18:11

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#3 is also called a Tap in the US.

6# alsosometimes used. Ussually as “manual gearbox” or Automatic Transmission.

The US is so big geographically that there are a lot of very regional uses of words.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/20…

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Hoccy 04/03/2016 at 18:18

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I’m american and i use transmission, and gearbox. Somewhat interchangeably. But to me a gearbox is a term only for a manual transmission.

The funny thing is we call water you get out of the faucet ‘tapwater” verses spring or bottled water.

The A arm, well I’d either say A arm, or control arm depending on the suspension system.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Hoccy 04/03/2016 at 18:29

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Tractor has a much wider connotation, here but usually a more agricultural one as well. So when you say tractor here most people will think of something like this.

from a little riding mower, or lawn tractor. pretty much every one that owns more than 1 acre(is America the only one that uses acre?) of land thinks they need one of these.

To a massive John Deere

For me the first thing that comes to mind when I hear tractor is a little grey and red Ford N series.

ly2v8-Brian > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 18:30

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and you expect anyone to care? Diferent peoples describe things differently! The horror.

Stephen the Canuck > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/03/2016 at 18:38

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I think it’s more like prey-lude.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Cé hé sin 04/03/2016 at 20:19

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No, this is a silencer

Shmevans > Master Cylinder 04/03/2016 at 21:45

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If you’ve never heard Skip before you need to check out this pokey motoring show called Top Gear. Highly recommended.

Shmevans > buford-t-justice 04/03/2016 at 21:47

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Yes, it is.

JasonStern911 > Cé hé sin 04/04/2016 at 00:21

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I work at a company with offices worldwide. Whenever the “West Coast accent” or “American accent” conversation comes up, I politely remind them that a vast majority of the world’s most popular television shows and movies pronounce words the exact way we do. Doesn’t always work, but nobody can really counter argue it effectively.

Hoccy > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 04/04/2016 at 03:45

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Yep, that’s the normal use of “tractor” here as well. Apart from the lawn mower, we’ve made a word for that here, roughly translates to “sitting cutter”.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Cé hé sin 04/04/2016 at 05:51

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1. skip

2. backhoe

3. tap

4. lower / upper control arm

5. muffler

6. gearbox

Cé hé sin > pip bip - choose Corrour 04/04/2016 at 06:38

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So Oz is exactly 50% American?

pip bip - choose Corrour > Cé hé sin 04/04/2016 at 06:44

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yep.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > NeedForSwede 04/04/2016 at 08:05

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It’s odd actually. We don’t really talk about it in history lessons at school.

Probably because if we had to talk about that we'd have to talk about British Colonialism and we did some pretty horrible things there (invented concentration camps for one)...

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Hoccy 04/04/2016 at 08:51

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I guess “riding mower” isn’t that far off of sitting cutter.

jmedarts > Cé hé sin 04/04/2016 at 11:00

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Don’t even get me started on all the “u”s those people add. Mould, Colour, blah, blah.

Cé hé sin > jmedarts 04/04/2016 at 11:15

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Colour was colour before the Americans took out the u...

jmedarts > Cé hé sin 04/04/2016 at 11:32

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I have been taught history, yes :-)

uofime-2 > Cé hé sin 04/04/2016 at 11:41

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5 is funny because that is used a lot in the aftermarket for offroad bikes (dirt bikes, 4-wheeler/ATV, ect.) to describe “mufflers” that are anything but silent.

NeedForSwede > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 04/05/2016 at 00:16

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Yeah. A good bit of US history just alternates between learning about tariffs being raised and lowered constantly by presidents who didn’t do much else and then a laundry list of every group we fucked over. At least it’s being taught I guess