How To Speak Brit

The quintessential A to Z guide to British English—perfect for every egghead and bluestocking looking to conquer the language barrier Oscar Wilde once said the Brits have "everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language." Any visitor to Old Blighty can sympathize with Mr. Wilde. After all, even fluent English speakers can be at sixes and sevens when told to pick up the "dog and bone" or "head to the loo," so they can "spend a penny." Wherever did these peculiar expressions come from? British author Christopher J. Moore made a name for himself on this side of the pond with the sleeper success of his previous book, In Other Words. Now, Moore draws on history, literature, pop culture, and his own heritage to explore the phrases that most embody the British character. He traces the linguistic influence of writers from Chaucer to Shakespeare and Dickens to Wodehouse, and unravels the complexity Brits manage to imbue in seemingly innocuous phrases like "All right." Along the way, Moore reveals the uniquely British origins of some of the English language’s more curious sayings. For example: Who is Bob and how did he become your uncle? Why do we refer to powerless politicians as “lame ducks”? How did “posh” become such a stylish word? Part language guide, part cultural study, How to Speak Brit is the perfect addition to every Anglophile’s library and an entertaining primer that will charm the linguistic-minded legions.

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.

The British are not who you think they are... In fact, they're not even who they think they are! Come on a hilarious tour of the most misunderstood people on Earth. Throwing away all the usual, boring stereotypes, best-selling author (and Brit) Adam Fletcher will explain: - What cricket has to do with the Grim Reaper. - When you shouldn't say sorry. - The real reason Brexit happened. - Which secret religion every Brit is a member of. - The twenty most annoying phrases in the English language. - What every Brit automatically does when left alone. - The revolutionary hangover cure invented in Scotland. - The secret ideology behind roundabouts. - The Ten Commandments of British humour. And much more. Packed with warmth, humour, honesty, insight, and more than forty hilarious illustrations, Understanding the British is the definitive irreverent guide to a strange nation--a book that will appeal to lovers of George Mikes, Bill Bryson, and George Mahood. The truth about the British will surprise you. Discover it now! Bonus: includes a How British Are You? quiz that will reveal just how well you understand the British mentality.

Paperback w/CD

A fun look at the differences between British and American English. Written by the British bloke who moved to Tossa Lane, Austin, Texas. This humourous and informative book is a must for anyone who wants to speak British!! Illustrated throughout with 22 original cartoons, this book contains over 1000 words and expressions you thought meant the same on both sides of the Atlantic!

Guide to differences between English as spoken in the USA compared with the UK.

The hilariously accurate, witty and indispensable manual for everyone who longs to attain True Britishness 'Got me in tears of laughter' 5***** Reader Review 'Laugh-out-loud hilarious, witty and insightful' 5***** Reader Review _______ Born in Hungary, George Mikes eventually spent more than forty years in the Britain observing behaviours and misbehaviours of local and foreign Brits. With essential chapters such as "How to Avoid Travelling", "On Shopping", "In Praise of Television", "On Not Complaining" and "How to Panic Quietly", you'll get to know Britain like never before. Loved by readers and authors alike, How to Be a Brit contains Mikes's three major works -- How to be an Alien, How to be Inimitable and How to be Decadent. If you're British, you'll love it; if you're a foreigner, you'll appreciate it. Queuing: "An Englishman, even if he is alone, forms an orderly queue of one." How to plan a town: "Street names should be painted clearly and distinctly on large boards. Then hide these boards carefully." Sex: "Continental people have sex lives: the English have hot water bottles." George Mikes's perceptive bestseller provides a complete guide to the British Way of Life. _______ 'Hilarious and informative essays about the British way of life' 5***** Reader Review 'So many people have tried to describe the English mentality . . . This book is as near as you can get!' 5***** Reader Review