British And American Idioms

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2010 in the subject Didactics for the subject English - Grammar, Style, Working Technique, grade: 10, University of Latvia, language: English, abstract: People use idioms to express something that other words do not express as clearly or as cleverly. Often they use an image or symbol to describe something as clearly as possible and that make our point as effectively as possible. An idiom is a group of words which, when used together, has a different meaning from the one which the individual words have. Many idioms are colourful and curious, and their origins are impossible to trace.

British to American English: A Dictionary and Guide to the English Language--perfect for every academician, whiz-kid or bookworm looking to conquer the language barrier. "The Americans are identical to the British in all respects except, of course, language." ~ Oscar Wilde Whether you're travelling to Great Britain or the United States of America, or you just want to understand the differences in our common language divided, this unique dictionary will answer all of your questions. The book contains a wide array of British terms and expressions and their American equivalents; coupled with a history of the language, numerous examples of its everyday usage such as making small talk, and customs and etiquette. BRITISH vs. AMERICAN ENGLISH. A LIFESAVER? The guide provides copious amounts of valuable material by covering the differences between the British and American English accents, pronunciation, grammar, spelling, as well as an A-Z on idioms, a glossary of common differences and variations in slang, and metaphors. The English language is a West Germanic language that was first spoken in early medieval England, and is now the global lingua franca. Travel back in time to find out how the earliest spoken dialects of English were brought to Great Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers back in the 5th century. Explore how English is closely related to the Frisian languages, and learn how its vocabulary has been significantly altered by other Germanic languages, including Latin and in particular French, after the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century. Part language guide, part cultural study. It's a superb addition to every English language learner and linguists library. Filled with extensive quotations from authentic, real-life English from both sides of the pond (the Atlantic Ocean), this is an easy-to-follow, precise and organised guide which tackles the differences, and the similarities between the grammar of British and American speakers. The book is especially effective and useful for learners with no prior knowledge of linguistics, as it demonstrates the grammatical differences and provides a sound account of contemporary English in use. William compares the customs, manners, and practical scenarios of everyday life in the United Kingdom and the United States. Furthermore, he wraps up with a humorous list of expressions that in one country are innocent, but that can be quite vulgar or suggestive in the other. Two large glossaries help travellers translate from British to American English with meanings such as: Flick knife (switchblade) Fringe (bangs) Lorry (truck) Patience (solitaire) Peg (clothespin) Tollgate (turnpike) And more! Any visitor to Old Blighty or Uncle Sam can be brought right up to speed with the this handy A to Z on the most commonly used and the not so commonly used English words that can often cause confusion, bedlam, red faces and even cost you money if misused or misunderstood. Read on your PC, MAC, smart phone, tablet, Kindle device or buy it on paperback.

This fascinating reference presents more than 1,800 of the most interesting and difficult-to-grasp expressions used by Brits around the world. Completely indexed.

Explains British and American slang and idiomatic expressions, and includes brief anecdotes about verbal misunderstandings between Britishers and Americans

This guide to the language differences between the United States and United Kingdom is “a fascinating collection full of all kinds of surprises” (Minneapolis Star Tribune). Taxi rank . . . toad in the hole . . . dustman . . . fancy dress . . . American visitors to London (or viewers of British TV shows) might be confused by these terms. But most Britons would be equally puzzled by words like caboose, bleachers, and busboy. In Divided by a Common Language, Christopher Davies explains these expressions and discusses the many differences in pronunciation, spelling, and vocabulary between British and American English. He compares the customs, manners, and practical details of daily life in the United Kingdom and the United States, and American readers will enjoy his account of American culture as seen through an Englishman’s eyes. Davies tops it off with an amusing list of expressions that sound innocent enough in one country but make quite the opposite impression in the other. Two large glossaries help travelers translate from one variety of English to the other, and additional lists explain the distinctive words of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. This delightful book is the ideal companion for travelers—or anyone who enjoys the many nuances of language.

A catch phrase is a well-known, frequently-used phrase or saying that has `caught on' or become popular over along period of time. It is often witty or philosophical and this Dictionary gathers together over 7,000 such phrases.

British to American English: A Dictionary and Guide to the English Language--perfect for every academician, whiz-kid or bookworm looking to conquer the language barrier. "The Americans are identical to the British in all respects except, of course, language." ~ Oscar Wilde Whether you're travelling to Great Britain or the United States of America, or you just want to understand the differences in our common language divided, this unique dictionary will answer all of your questions. The book contains a wide array of British terms and expressions and their American equivalents; coupled with a history of the language, numerous examples of its everyday usage such as making small talk, and customs and etiquette. BRITISH vs. AMERICAN ENGLISH. A LIFESAVER? The guide provides copious amounts of valuable material by covering the differences between the British and American English accents, pronunciation, grammar, spelling, as well as an A-Z on idioms, a glossary of common differences and variations in slang, and metaphors. The English language is a West Germanic language that was first spoken in early medieval England, and is now the global lingua franca. Travel back in time to find out how the earliest spoken dialects of English were brought to Great Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers back in the 5th century. Explore how English is closely related to the Frisian languages, and learn how its vocabulary has been significantly altered by other Germanic languages, including Latin and in particular French, after the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century. Part language guide, part cultural study. It's a superb addition to every English language learner and linguists library. Filled with extensive quotations from authentic, real-life English from both sides of the pond (the Atlantic Ocean), this is an easy-to-follow, precise and organised guide which tackles the differences, and the similarities between the grammar of British and American speakers. The book is especially effective and useful for learners with no prior knowledge of linguistics, as it demonstrates the grammatical differences and provides a sound account of contemporary English in use. William compares the customs, manners, and practical scenarios of everyday life in the United Kingdom and the United States. Furthermore, he wraps up with a humorous list of expressions that in one country are innocent, but that can be quite vulgar or suggestive in the other. Two large glossaries help travellers translate from British to American English with meanings such as: Flick knife (switchblade) Fringe (bangs) Lorry (truck) Patience (solitaire) Peg (clothespin) Tollgate (turnpike) And more! Any visitor to Old Blighty or Uncle Sam can be brought right up to speed with the this handy A to Z on the most commonly used and the not so commonly used English words that can often cause confusion, bedlam, red faces and even cost you money if misused or misunderstood. Read on your PC, MAC, smart phone, tablet, Kindle device or buy it on paperback.

American Idioms Handbook for Everyday Use A good reference book of frequently used everyday idioms in alphabet order, with definitions, with synonyms and examples. A dictionary of idioms explains over 400 idiomatic expressions current in British and American English, helping Learners to understand them and use them with confidence. You can use this book either with a teacher or for self-study.