How to translate American into British

It isn't always easy to understand each other when you use the same basic language, but every cultural reference is different.  Here's a little guide to help you translate some of the most common American phrases into British English.

How to translate American into British

American English and British English are two separate entities, and when everything your partner says is incredibly important to you, it's good to ask them what they meant, if you aren't 100% sure what they just said.

Phrase 1: 'That's quite good.'

Americans use 'quite' to mean 'very'. Whereas British people say 'quite' when something is ok. Hence the same response can have a completely different meaning, depending on whether it's said by Larry or I.

For example...

'How was dinner?'

Larry: 'It was quite delicious' (I interpret this as it was ok, but could have been better. Larry means it was amazing)

Charlotte: 'It was quite tasty' (Larry interprets this as delicious, but I mean it was ok, passable)

Phrase 2: 'That's sweet!'

Americans use 'sweet' to mean 'amazing' or 'awesome', whereas British people use 'sweet' to mean 'cute' or 'small'.

'What do you think of my new car?'

Larry: 'That's a sweet ride!' (I interpret this as the car is small, Larry means the car is cool)

Me: 'It's sweet' (Larry interprets this as I think the car is cool, I mean it is small.)

Phrase 3: 'Quarter past ten'  and 'quarter after'
Americans don't say 'half past', or 'ten past' etc for measurements of time. They say 'quarter after' or 'twenty after'. A good compromise is 'ten forty' or 'ten forty five'.

Phrase 4: 'Partner/boyfriend/lover' vs 'Significant other'

To me, significant other sounds like the name of a band with members dressed like aliens. 'Other' is a label on a form that you're filling in about your job role when the title isn't there. If an American calls you their significant other, it's actually a good thing. It means you're their partner - congrats for making the cut.

Phrase 5: 'Make out ' vs 'snogging'

While not many British people do use the term 'snogging' any more, keep in mind that you can't ask an American if they 'fancy a snog', you have to ask if they 'want to make out' because this term doesn't exist in American English.

Phrase 6: 'Whenever we go' vs 'when we go'

Americans use 'whenever' as interchangeable with 'when', but British people use 'whenever' to mean a vague measurement of time.

'Whenever we go to the store, I'll get some milk'

When Larry says 'whenever we go to the store', I think he means he isn't sure when we will go to the store. It could be today, tomorrow or next week. Larry means 'when' we go to the store.

I'll keep updating this guide as Larry and I have more of our hilarious culture clashes where we have to stop talking and ask each other 'wait, what?'. Put yours below!