The word jackhammer is an Americanism resulting from combining the names of two tools, jack and hammer. In the UK, this tool is usually called a pneumatic drill or similar name.
ladybug
The names ladybug and ladybeetle for the Coccinellidae family of beetles are popularly used among Americans, but Brits prefer the name ladybird for these creepy crawlies. Regardless of which name is used, it seems that the “lady” that all of these beetles are named after is Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.
narc/nark
In the US, the slang narc/nark (short for narcotics) is used as a noun and a verb to refer to reporting someone to the police. In the UK, the slang grass is used instead both as a noun and verb for the same reason.
period
In the US and Canada, the punctuation mark resembling a dot used to end sentences is called a period. In the UK, this mark is instead more commonly known as a full stop or full point.
rutabaga
The rutabaga, also known as Swedish turnip, gets its name through an Americanism from the Swedish rotabagge. In the UK, this root is commonly known as a swede, referencing its Swedish origins.
scuttlebutt
In both the US and UK, the word scuttlebutt is used to refer to a drinking fountain on a ship. More commonly in the US, though, scuttlebutt is also used as a slang term to refer to rumors and gossip, likely referencing gossipy sailors who gathered while getting a drink.
No comments:
Post a Comment