Please translate that into English.

October 18, 2012 by stephenii 8 Comments

Oh, that is English, sorry.  One of my closest new friends over here is British, so he does speak English, but it is different some times.

I found this article a few days ago and it inspired me to note some of the interesting words I learned.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19929249

I started keeping a list in a small notebook I carry around in my pocket.  I’m a nerd, I know it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So here’s my list:

• Blinker = blinders
• Hooter = car horn
• Loo = bathroom
• A to Zed = A to Z
• Naught = Zero
• Snagging = Punch list (this is a construction term)
• Waistcoat = Vest
• Organogram = Organization Chart (org chart)
• Robot = Stop light  Apparently this is a South African term.

 

Not only are their different words used between British and American English, here in Saudi Arabia they also refer to things differently.  A regular non diet Pepsi is a “Pepsi Normal”.  A diet Pepsi is “Pepsi Free”.  You also have to order “Water Normal” if you don’t want sparkling water.

There are also some interestingly different “normal” products over here.  Paperclips.  Did you know they look different?  Well, I do now.  Take a look.  My paperclip from home vs. a paperclip I was given here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, something very different.  The potty.  You have to be mindful of what stall you walk into when wanting to use the facilities.  If you’re not careful, you may end up with a squatty potty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though I have heard squatty potties are better for your system.  I haven’t attempted to use one yet.  I don’t think I will until I have no other alternative.  I can just imagine it now.  Pants around my ankles trying to hit that small hole in the ground and I fall over on my backside like an idiot.  “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”