Your phrasebook guide to London

Here’s a really useful list of handy phrases for typical situations you may encounter when visiting the capital city of the UK. Have a look before your trip and avoid any misunderstandings getting in the way of your sightseeing…

Shopping

The word ‘pants’ means underwear in the UK. What North Americans and Canadians would refer to as ‘pants’ are known as ‘trousers’ in the UK. The British also use the word ‘trainers’ for what would be called ‘sneakers’ in the US. Nightclubs in London and other British cities typically have dress codes that prohibit the use of trainers, so remember to pack some smarter shoes too.

Food

Terms used in the US such as ‘eggplant’ and ‘zucchini’ may or may not be understood in the UK, where these two are known as ‘aubergine’ and ‘courgette’. Bread rolls could be referred to as ‘baps’, ‘cobs’, ‘muffins’, ‘stotties’ or ‘barmcakes’. Coffee with milk is known as ‘white coffee’, while ‘chips’ are what North Americans call ‘fries’ and ‘crisps’ are what those in the US call ‘chips’ – confused yet?

Places and misc

A North American student at a summer school in London renting a car for the weekend would drive on a ‘main road’ rather than a ‘turnpike’, a ‘motorway’ rather than a ‘freeway’, cross train tracks at a ‘level crossing’ rather than a ‘railroad crossing’, and stop to refuel at a ‘petrol station’ rather than a ‘gas station’. Other useful terms to know are ‘public toilet’ and ‘chemist’ (‘restroom’ and ‘drug store’). In London, what is called an ‘elevator’ in New York would be called a ‘lift’, a ‘line’ a ‘queue’, and an ‘ATM’ a ‘cashpoint’.

London slang

Londoners tend to use a lot of slang when they talk. Knowing a couple of basics can at least help you follow the gist, if nothing else! ‘Guv’nor’ or ‘guv’ are contractions of the word ‘governor’. Both are commonly used by Londoners. It is the equivalent of saying ‘mac’, ‘chief’ or ‘buddy’ in the United States. ‘All right?’ is often used as a greeting in London. A student attending an English summer school there will quickly learn this. ‘Cheers’ is used sometimes instead of ‘goodbye’ or ‘thank you’. It is also used for a toast. The short word ‘ta’ is often used instead of ‘thank you’, while a toilet or restroom may be called a ‘khazi’ by Londoners.

Don’t get lost in translation during your trip to one of the world’s greatest cities!