An American woman who moved to the UK has opened up about the four everyday words that constantly catch her out due to their very different – and sometimes blush-inducing – meanings across the Atlantic.
From Texas to Manchester: A linguistic journey
Ashley Jackson, 42, relocated from Texas to Manchester after marrying a British man. While she anticipated adjustments to the weather and cuisine, the nuances of the English language presented an unexpected and ongoing source of culture shock. The mother has detailed the specific terms that frequently lead to confusion or mild embarrassment in conversation.
The four words that mean something else entirely
Ashley highlighted a quartet of common words that hold entirely separate connotations in British English compared to American English.
Firstly, the word "braces" caused initial bewilderment. In the United States, braces are exclusively associated with orthodontic devices for teeth. In Britain, however, the term refers to the straps worn over the shoulders to hold up trousers. Ashley noted that her instinct was to use the American term "suspenders," but that word in the UK typically refers to items used to hold up stockings, leading to potential for awkward misunderstandings.
The second term, "fanny," is perhaps the most jarring. While it remains a common nickname or a reference to a waist pouch (a 'fanny pack') in the US, it carries a vulgar meaning referring to female genitalia in British slang. Ashley admitted she knows what it means in the UK now, but explained it's a normal, inoffensive word in her native lexicon. Brits would use the term 'bum bag' instead.
Third on the list is "rubber." In British classrooms and offices, a rubber is a standard stationery item: an eraser used to remove pencil marks. Its name derives from the material it was originally made from and the action of 'rubbing out'. For many Americans, however, 'rubber' is primarily a slang term for a condom. Ashley confessed she laughs internally whenever her children ask for one, understanding the potential for confusion.
Finally, the simple word "pants" tripped her up repeatedly. In American English, 'pants' are what you wear on your legs – trousers. In the UK, 'pants' almost exclusively means underwear. Ashley explained she often has to correct herself mid-conversation, realising she might have been inadvertently telling people about her underwear instead of her trousers. She finds it slightly embarrassing but hopes people can infer her intended meaning.
Navigating daily life with a transatlantic vocabulary
These linguistic differences are more than just amusing anecdotes; they represent the daily reality of adapting to a new culture. Ashley's experience underscores how the same language can divide as much as it connects. The variations trace back to centuries of separate evolution, with some terms, like 'rubber' for eraser, dating back to the 1770s.
For expatriates like Ashley, such moments are a constant reminder of their new home's unique quirks. While initially embarrassing, these mix-ups often become endearing stories that highlight the fun and challenge of building a life between two cultures. The key, as Ashley has learned, is to laugh it off, make a quick correction, and gradually absorb the local vernacular – all while carefully avoiding any more talk about 'rubbers' and 'pants'.
