BritSpeak

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Problem Words [Screen 2 of 10]

Words with different or opposite meanings on opposite sides of the Atlantic

Next 6 Problem Words

Problem Word In US this Means In UK this Means

Fag Rude word for a homosexual man Cigarette, or to tire

Cider Non-alcoholic beverage made from apples Seriously alcoholic beverage made from apples

Knock up Make pregnant 1. Awaken by knocking on door,
2. In tennis and other team sports, a warm up session,
3. Prepare hastily

Lemonade Non-carbonated beverage made from lemons Clear, colourless carbonated beverage generally tasting vaguely of lemons but without any fruit whatsoever. Also a generic term for any 'fizzy' drink, like the way some US people use the term 'soda'.

Suspenders Straps worn by a man over the shoulders to hold up trousers (or pants, in US-speak) A belt with hanging straps worn to hold up a woman's stockings (in US-speak, a garter belt)

Dyke Rude word for a homosexual woman Drainage ditch or bank retaining a river

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Problem Word	In US this Means	In UK this Means
Fag	Rude word for a homosexual man	Cigarette, or to tire
Cider	Non-alcoholic beverage made from apples	Seriously alcoholic beverage made from apples
Knock up	Make pregnant	1. Awaken by knocking on door, 2. In tennis and other team sports, a warm up session, 3. Prepare hastily
Lemonade	Non-carbonated beverage made from lemons	Clear, colourless carbonated beverage generally tasting vaguely of lemons but without any fruit whatsoever. Also a generic term for any 'fizzy' drink, like the way some US people use the term 'soda'.
Suspenders	Straps worn by a man over the shoulders to hold up trousers (or pants, in US-speak)	A belt with hanging straps worn to hold up a woman's stockings (in US-speak, a garter belt)
Dyke	Rude word for a homosexual woman	Drainage ditch or bank retaining a river