AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid

911 999 A level noun General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. Secondary school leaving qualification obtained after attending Sixth Form College. (...) (sb) up one side and down the other (expression)
AAA AA A mo noun A very short period of time. A moment. (...) as hell (expression, a lot)
Absentee vote noun Postal vote A set book/text/etc. noun A book that must be studied for an examination. (...) it's a bitch (expression, difficult)
Action figure noun Action man A set menu/meal/etc. noun A meal that has a fixed price and includes a combination of foods that the restaurant suggests. (As) sure as hell (expression)
Advance (in wages) noun Sub A tad noun A small amount or to a small degree. (do) the (...) thing (IE: 'Jody tried the dancing thing and gave up')
Advice column noun Agony column A tick noun A very short time. (Sb) looks sharp (expression, well dressed)
Advice column writer noun Agony aunt/uncle A-level subject noun Subjects studied simultaneously in Sixth Form College. Most students take three or four. IE. Economics, Chemistry, History, etc. (Sb)'s strong suit
Advisor noun Adviser A1 Level/AS Level noun Examination on each of the A-level subjects at the end of the first year of Sixth Form College. (Sb)'s take on (st) (someone's opinion)
Aid (person) noun Aide A2 Level noun Examination on each of the A-level subjects at the end of the second year of Sixth Form College. (st) sucks (expresion)
Air mattress noun Airbed Ace adj Informal. Very good, great. A (whole) raft of (expression, large number or amount of)
Airfoil noun Aerofoil Aether noun Poetic. The upper part of the sky. A bum rap (unfair treatment or punishment)
Airplane noun Aeroplane Aftercare noun Care or treatment given to someone after they've been in hospital. A mess of (expression, a lot of)
Aligator clip noun Crocodile clip Afters noun Another word for 'dessert'. A monkey on your back (expression)
Allen wrench noun Allen key Aggro noun Informal. Aggresive behaviour, fighting. A quick study (expression, student who learns quickly)
Allowance (kids) noun Pocket money Aggro noun Problems or difficulties that annoy you. A red cent (very small amount of money)
Aluminum noun Aluminium Airing cupboard noun Cupboard to dry or store clean clothes. A song and dance about (complicated explanation or excuse)
American plan (in hotels) noun Full board Airy fairy adj Informal. Not very clear or practival, vague. A sure thing/A sure bet (expression)
Ampule noun Ampoule All found noun A job in which, in addition to your wages gets you food and a room. A/B/C student (someone who earns mostly those marks)
Anchorman/Anchor/Newscaster noun Newsreader/Presenter Amongst prep Another way of saying 'among'. Act wise (to speak or behave in a rude way)
Anise noun Aniseed An old soak noun Humorous. Someone who's often drunk. All-nighter (noun)
Annex noun Annexe Anorak noun A geek, a know-it-all. Are you for real? (expression)
Antenna noun Aerial Anorak noun A type of parka, windcheater, jacket. At this time (expression, at this particular moment)
Apartment noun Flat Answerphone noun Another word for 'answering machine'. Perhaps more common. At/In one whack (all on one occasion)
Apartment building noun Block of flats Apartment noun A large room with expensive furniture, decorations, etc. that's used especially by an important person such as a president or prince. Attorney (lawyer)
Appall verb Appal Argy-bargy noun Informal. Spoken arguments or quarreling. Automakers
Appetizers noun Starters/Entrée/Appetisers Arithmetic noun Simple mathematics. Addition, substraction, multiplication and division. Automobile/Auto
Area code/Code (phone) noun Dialling code/Dial code At his/her Majesty's pleasure noun If someone's put in prison at his or her Majesty's pleasure, there's no fixed limit to the time they have to spend there. Baby shower
Artifact noun Artefact At school adv Attending a school rather than being at university or having a job. Bad guy (expression, as in 'I'm always the bad guy')
Arty adj Artsy Babysitter noun Someone who's paid to take care of children for a short period of time once or ocassionally. See 'child-minder'. Bad scene (difficult or unpleasant situation)
Arugula (vegetable) noun Rocket Baccy noun Slang. Tobacco to roll your own cigarrettes. Ball park (approximate figure)
Ass noun Arse Back-to-back noun A house in a row or terrace with its back touching the back of another house. Ballsy (adj)
Asshole noun Arsehole Baker's noun Another word for 'bakery'. Bang-up (adj)
ATM noun Hole-in-the-wall/Cashpoint/Cash machine/dispenser Balaclava noun A type of woollen hat that covers most of your face. Barbed wire/Barbwire
Attorney noun Solicitor/Barrister Balls up/Balls-up noun Something done very badly or unsuccessfully. Bare-assed (naked)
Average Joe/Joe Blow/Joe Schmo noun Joe Bloggs Banger noun Informal. An old car. Barf (vomit)
Ax noun/verb Axe Banger noun A type of sausage. Bassinet
Baby bottle noun Baby's bottle Banoffee pie noun A type of desert. BCE (Before Common Era)
Back-up light noun Reversing light Bap noun A round soft bread roll. Be (right) on the money (expression)
Backpack nun Rucksack Bar noun One of the rooms inside a pub. Be a hot ticket (expression)
Backtalk verb Backchat Barmy adj Informal. Slightly crazy, mad. Be a snap (be very easy to do)
Bacon noun Streaky bacon Barrack verb To interrupt someone by shouting. Be all wet (expression, be completely wrong)
Bag lunch noun Packed lunch Barrister noun A lawyer in Britain who can argue cases in higher law courts. Be from the wrong side of the tracks
Baggage car noun Luggage van Bathroom noun A room where there is a bath, basin, etc. and sometimes a toilet. Be home free (expression)
Baggage claim (airport) noun Baggage reclaim Batty adj Informal. Slightly crazy but not unpleasantly or frightening. Be hurting (expression, feel very upset, unhappy, sad, etc.)
Balk noun/verb Baulk Bauble noun A brightly coloured decoration that looks like a ball used in a Christmas tree. Be in a snit (expression, unreasonably annoyed about something)
Ballpoint pen noun Biro Beastly adj Nasty, unpleasant. Be jacked up (expression, excited or nervous)
Baloney (meat) noun Bologna Beeb/Auntie Beeb noun Informal. Affectionate term for the BBC Be no tea party (expression, very difficult or unpleasant to do)
Band-Aid noun Plaster Beef burger noun Another word for 'hamburger'. Be on and up (expression, honest)
Bangs (hair) noun Fringe Beer mat noun A small circle or card that you put under a glass. Be on the fritz (expression, not working)
Bank book noun Passbook Belisha beacon noun Orange lights on either side of a zebra crossing. Be on the ragged edge (expression, very tired or upset)
Bank card (as in credit card given by a bank) noun Cheque card Bellend noun Slang. Literally, head of the penis Be psyched up/Be psyched (excited)
Banker's order noun Cheque order Bender noun Informal. Homosexual slur. Be ready to roll (expression)
Bar graph noun Bar chart Bender noun Pub-crawl. Be slated (be expected to succeed)
Barbershop noun Barber's shop Bender noun Heavy drinking. Be starved (be hungry)
Barge-man noun Bargee Berk/Burk noun Slang. A stupid person. Be starved for (st)
Barhop noun Pub-crawl Bevvy noun Slang. An alcoholic drink. Be steamed (very angry)
Barrette noun Hair slide Bill noun Informal. The police, a policeman. Be tied up (be stuck in traffic)
Bartender noun Barmaid/Barman/Barkeeper Bin day noun The day bin men pick up your rubbish with the bin lorry. Bear claw (pastry)
Baseboard (in walls, in houses) noun Skirting board Bird noun Informal. Young woman. Some people find it offensive. Beater (car)
Basketball shoe noun Baseball boot Bitter noun A type of beer. Big ticket (person)
Bathrobe/Robe noun Dressing gown Black goods noun Pieces of equipment used in the house that are usually black (stereos, tellys). Bitsy (small)
Bathtub/Tub noun Bath Black pudding noun A kind of thick dark sausage made from animal blood and fat. Blah (adjective)
Baton/Nightstick (police) noun Truncheon Blag verb Slang. To obtain something by talking in a clever way. Bleacher
BB Gun noun Airgun Bleeding adj Used to emphasise when you're angry. Blindside (verb/noun)
Beauty mark noun Beauty spot Blimey interj Used to express surprise. Block (street)
Beauty parlor/Beauty shop noun Beauty salon Blinkered adj Having a limited view of a subject or refusing to accept new ideas. Blood-and-guts
Beet noun Beetroot Blinking adj Used to emphasise when you're angry. Blotter (book)
Belt way (road) noun Ring road Bloke noun Informal. A man. Blow in (arrive unexpectedly)
Benefitted adj Benefited Bloody adj Used to emphasise when you're angry. Blow out (to defeat someone)
Bicentennial noun Bicentenary Blooming adj Used to emphasise when you're angry. Blow town
Bicycle route noun Cycle path Blower noun Informal. Another word for 'phone'. Blue book (college)
Big dipper (group of stars) noun The Plough Blowy adj Informal. Windy. Blue jeans
Bill (money) noun Note/Banknote Blue verb Informal. To spend money in a way that's careless and not very responsible. Blue-sky (test)
Billboard noun Hoarding Blue book noun An official report printed by the British Government. Bobby socks
Bird dog noun Gun dog Bobbie/Bobby noun Informal. The police, a policeman. Boner
Birdie (badminton) noun Shuttlecock Bog noun Slang. A toilet. Bones (dice)
Biscuit noun Scone Bog standard adj Informal. Not special or interesting in any way. Average. Boom box
Black-eyed pea noun Black-eyed bean Boiler suit noun A piece of loose clothing that you wear over your clothes to protect them. Break (sb) up (expression, make laugh)
Blackboard noun Chalkboard Bollard noun A short thick post in the street that's used to stop traffic entering an area. Break for (suddenly run)
Blackjack noun Pontoon Bollocks noun Slang. Another word for 'testicles'. Brother! (expression)
Blind (place to watch animals) noun Hide Bollocks adj Slang. Used to say rudely that you think something's wrong or stupid. Buck (forward, movement of a car)
Blinders (horse) noun Blinkers Bolshie adj Informal. Tending to be angry or annoy and not to obey people. Bud/Buddy
Blinkers (car) noun Winkers Boozer noun Informal. A pub. Buddy system
Blood type noun Blood group Boozer noun Someone who drinks a lot of alcohol. Burn rubber (drive fast)
Blowtorch noun Blow-lamp Boss noun Informal. A coach or manager in a sport, especially in football. Bus (tables/boy/girl)
Blush (makeup) noun Blusher Boss-eyed adj Another word for 'cross-eyed'. Bush league
Bobby pin noun Hair grip Bottle noun Informal. Courage to do something that's dangerous or unpleasant. Buster (person)
Bobcat (animal) noun Lynx Bottom adj In the place furthest away from where you are. Butt out (expression, stop being involved)
Body suit noun Body Bowls noun An outdoor game played in grass in which you roll big balls as near as possible to a small ball. Butthole
Bok choy noun Chinese leaves Boxing Day noun National holiday in England and Wales. The first day after Christmas that isn't a Sunday. C-section
Booger noun Bogey/Bogie BR noun British Rail. The organisation that controls the British railway system. Cabin fever
 AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Booster chair noun Booster cushion/seat Bradawl noun A small tool with a sharp point for making holes. Call (a specified prigilege, such as 'call dibs')
Botanical garden noun Botanic garden Brain box noun Informal. A very intelligent person. Call box (emergency phone on the road)
Bouillon cube (cooking) noun Stock cube Brainstorm noun Informal. To suddenly be unable to think clearly or sensibly. Call for (predict)
Box end wrench noun Ring spanner Brass hat noun Slang. A military officer with a high rank. Call up (phone)
Braces ({}) noun Curly braces Brassed off adj Informal. Tired and annoyed. Call up/down (being told off)
Braces (metal bars on legs to help someone walk) noun Callipers Breach of the peace noun An action such as fighting that annoys people in a public place. Law. Can (fire, sack)
Brackets ([]) noun Square brackets Breach-and-butter question/issue noun A question that's concerned with the most important and basic things. Can (toilet)
Brad noun Paper fastener Brekkie noun Informal. Another word for 'breakfast'. Can it (shut up)
Braid (hair) noun/verb Plait Brew noun A cup of tea. Candy cane
Braided (hair) adj Plaited Brew noun A pint of beer. Candy striper (nurse)
Brainstorm noun Brainwave Brick noun A small square block of wood, plastic, etc. used as a toy. Card (verb, to ask someone to show their ID card)
Brass knuckles noun Knuckle-duster Brick noun A good person who you can depend on. Care package (food, sweets, etc.)
Breadbox noun Breadbin Brilliant/Brill adj Excellent. Very good. Careen (movement with the car)
Breakroom noun Restroom Brolly noun Informal. An umbrella. Caregiver (noun)
Breathlyzer noun Breathlyser Budgie noun A small brightly coloured bird that people keep at home as a pet. Carnival (school)
Bridge loan noun Bridging loan Bugger noun Someone very annoying or unpleasant. Carny/Carney (person who works in a carnival)
Briefs/Boxer shorts noun Y-fronts Bugger noun Word for someone that you pretend to be annoyed with, but you're really fond of. Carrying charge (installment plan)
Bring your own bottle (party) adj Bring a bottle Bugger noun A job or activity that's very difficult. Cash up/out
Brinksmanship nooun Brinkmanship Buggered adj Slang. A rude word meaning extremely tired. Catch hell
Broiler (cooker) noun Grill Buggered adj Slang. A rude word meaning completely ruined or broken. Catsup (spelling)
Broiler pan noun Grill pan Buggery noun Slang. Anal sex. Chaperone (school)
Buggy/Baby buggy noun Pram Bum verb Slang. To ask someone for something (money, cigarettes, etc.). Chapter (club)
Bulletin board noun Noticeboard Bum verb Slang. Have anal sex. Charge (credit card)
Bullhorn noun Megaphone/Loudhailer Bun noun A small round cake. Cheap (person who doesn't spend money)
Bum/Hobo noun Tramp Bungalow noun A house with no upstairs. Cheerleader
Bumper-car (attraction at parks) noun Dodgem car Busk verb To play music in public to earn money. Cherry bomb (firecracker)
Bunny slope (ski) noun Nursery slope Busker noun A person that plays music in public to earn money. Chew (sb/st) out (expression, talk angrily)
Bureau (furniture) noun Chest of drawers Button-down noun Another word for 'collar shirt'. Chief Executive (president)
Burglarize verb Burgle Butty noun Informal. A sandwich. Chin up (excercise)
Burlap (cloth) noun Hessian By return (of post) noun If you reply to a letter by return, you send your reply almost immediately. Choke (fail)
Burner (stoves) noun (Electric/Gas) Ring Cack-handed adj Informal. Careless or tending to drop things. Clumsy. Choke a horse (expression)
Busy (phone) adj Engaged Cadge verb Informal. To ask someone for food or cigarettes. Mooch. Chow down (eat)
Butt (bottom, buttocks) noun Bum Cagoule noun A thin coat with a hood that stops you from getting wet. Cinch (belt)
Buttonniere noin Buttonhole Cake-hole noun Slang. Another word for 'mouth'. Cinch (verb)
C-clamp (tool) noun G-clamp Call time noun To tell the customers in a pub that it's time to stop drinking. City desk (newspaper)
Cab-stand (taxis) noun Cab rank Capped adj Someone chosen for a national sports team. City hall
Caboose (train) noun Guard's van Capped noun The limit on the amount of money that can be charged or spent. Class (group of people who studied together)
Cabstand noun Taxi rank/Taxi stand Caravanning noun The practice of having holidays in a caravan. Class action (lawsuit)
Cadillac (highest quality) noun Rolls-Royce. Cardie/Cardigan noun Informal. Knitted jacket or sweater. Usually with buttons. Jumper. Close out (sale)
Cafeteria noun Canteen/Refectory Carer noun Someone who stays at home to look after a relative who's old, ill, etc. Clunker (old car, etc.)
Cake pan noun Cake tin Carpet verb Informal. To blame someone for something they've done. Cold cuts (meat)
Caldron noun Cauldron Carriageway noun The part of the road that a single line of traffic moves along. Come around (visit)
Calendar (book to write down appointments) noun Diary Carry-on noun Behaviour or a situation that's silly or annoying. Come by (visit)
Calk verb Caulk Cartridge paper noun Thick strong paper used to draw on. Come from out in left field (expression, surprising or unexpected)
Call collect noun Reverse the charges/Reverse Ceefax noun An information service with no sound provided by the BBC on the TVs for free. It has weather, lottery, sport results, etc. Compound (pay interest)
Call letters noun Call sign Champers noun Informal. Another word for 'champagne'. Concession (right to sell)
Call-in (radio or TV programme with callers) noun Phone-in Chancellor noun The person who officially represents a British university on special ocassions. Concession stand
Campground noun Campsite Chap noun Informal. A man, especially a man you know and like. Concessions (things sold at concession stands)
Can (as in fire) verb Sack Charity shop noun A shop that sells things given by people to collect money for a charity. Concierge (hotel)
Can (food) noun Tin Charlie noun Informal. A stupid person. Condo/Condominium
Can opener noun Tin opener Chav noun An underclass person. Derogatory. Conductor (train)
Can opener noun Tin opener Cheek noun Disrespectful or rude behaviour. Contingency fee
Candy noun Sweets Cheeky adj Rude or disrespectful. Cookie cutter
Canned (food) adj Tinned Cheesed off adj Informal. Bored and annoyed. Cookout
Cantaloupe noun Cantaloup Chelsea bun noun A small round sweet cake with dried fruit in it. Cooties
Car (train, that carries goods) noun Truck Child-minder noun Someone who's paid to take care of children in a day-to-day basis. See babysitter. Cop a feel (expression)
Car (train) noun Carriage Chinese whispers noun A story that gets changed as it's told around Cop a plea (expression)
Carburetor noun Carburettor Chinless adj Lacking courage or determination. Corn pone/Pone
Card catalog noun Card index Chip shop/Chippy noun Informal. A shop that cooks and sells fish and chips. Fish-and-chip shop. Correctional facility
Career counselor noun Careers officer Chipolata noun A small thin sausage. Cotton tail (rabbit)
Carnival (with rides, games, etc.) noun Funfair/Fair Chirpy adj Informal. Cheerful and active. Cotton to (expression, begin to like)
Carousel noun Merry-go-round Choccy noun Informal. Another word for 'chocolate'. Counselor/Counsellor (lawyer)
Carry-on baggage noun Hand-luggage Choked adj Upset, or angry. Country/State line (border)
Carryall (bag) noun Holdall Choosy/Choosey adj Informal. Someone who only accepts food, clothes, etc. they consider to be very good. Picky. County fair
Cart noun Trolley Chuffed adj Informal. Very pleased or happy. Court house
Cash register/Register noun Till Chum noun A good friend. Cover all the bases (expression)
Casket noun Coffin Chum chop/Chum steak noun A thick piece of meat with a bone in it. Crack a deal (expression)
Cell phone/Cellular phone/Cell noun Mobile phone/Mobile Ciggy noun Informal. Another word for 'cigarette'. Crack a smile (expression)
Cent/Nickel/Dime/Quarter noun Pence/Penny Circuit training noun Several different exercises done quickly after each other in order to improve in a sport. Crack-up (expression, breakdown)
Centennial noun Centenary Circus noun Used sometimes as the name of a round open area where several streets join together. Crank out (produce very quickly)
Center lane (road) noun Middle lane Clanger noun Informal. To make a careless remark that upsets or embarrasses someone. Craps (dice game)
Center part (hair-style) noun Centre/Middle parting Clapped-out adj Informal. A car or machine that's in a very bad condition. Crazy quilt
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) noun Chartered accountant Clear-out noun A process in which you get rid of unwanted objects or possessions. Cream (verb, defeat)
Chamomile noun Camomile Clever clogs/Clever dick noun Informal. Used to describe someone who's annoying because they're always right. Credit voucher
Charge account noun Credit account Coaster brake noun A brake on some types of bicycle that works by moving the pedals backwards. Critique (verb)
Charter member (club, organisation, etc.) noun Founder member Cobblers noun Informal. Something that someone says which you think is stupid or untrue. Critter
Cheap (unwilling to spend money or share things) adj Mean Cockney noun People from east London. Cross street
Check noun Cheque Codswallop noun Something that someone says which you think is stupid or untrue. Crosstown (adj)
Check (marks) noun/verb Tick Collect verb Go to a place to pick someone or something up. Cruiser (police car)
Check stub noun Cheque stub Collywobbles noun Informal. An uncomfortable feeling you get when you're very nervous. Cruller (bread)
Check/Tab noun Bill Company secretary noun A member of a company who deals with money, legal matters, etc. Cum laude/Suma cum laude/Magma cum laude/etc.
Checkbook noun Chequebook Comprehensive school noun A state secondary school for pupils of different abbilities over the age of eleven. See Grammar school. Cut (noun, road)
Checker noun Chequer Concession/Concs noun A reduction in the price of tickts, fares, etc. for certain groups of people (elders, children, etc.). Cut class (expression)
Checkered adj Chequered Concessionary adj Specially reduced in price. Cut loose (expression, to enjoy yourself after being controlled)
Checkers noun Draughts Conjurer/Conjuror noun Someone who entertains people by performing clever tricks. Cutesy
Checking account noun Current account Conk noun Slang. Another word for 'nose'. Damn straight (expression)
Checkroom/Coat check/Coatroom noun Cloakroom Conservative adj Belonging or concerned with the Conservative Party in Britain. Dance/Sing/Party up a storm (expression)
Child support noun Maintenance Conservative noun Someone who supports or is a member of the Conservative Party in Britain. Dang (expression)
Chili/Chile noun Chilli Conservative Party/The Conservative Party noun A British Political party on the right. Davenport (sofa)
China cabinet noun Dresser Constabulary noun The police force of a particular area or country. Day camp
Chips noun Crisps Consultant noun A senior hospital doctor who has a lot of knowledge about a particular kind of medical treatment. Dead beat
 AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Christmas lights noun Fairy lights Consulting room noun A room where a doctor sees patients. Dead-man's float
Cilantro noun Coriander Continuous assessment noun A way of judging how well a student is doing by looking at the work they do during the year. Deadhead (empty vehicle)
City planning noun Town planning Cook-chill adj Foods that have already been cooked when you buy them, and are stored at a low temperature, not frozen. Dean's list
Clapboard (boards covering the outside of a house) noun Weatherboard Copper noun Informal. The police, a policeman. Deep-fried (adj)
Clapboard (building) noun Weatherboard Copybook adj Completely suitable or correct. Deep-frier (noun)
Class (group of students) noun Year Corn noun Grains of plants such as wheat, barley and oats or their seeds. Deep-fry (verb)
Class (teaching period) noun Lesson Corned beef noun A kind of pressed cooked beef sold in a tin. Den (room in a house)
Class/Course (set of lessons on a subject) noun Lecture/Module/Unit Cornish pasty noun A folded piece of pastry baked with meat and potatoes in it. Denver boot (illegally parked cars)
Cleats/Soccer shoes noun (Football) Boots Cottage noun A small house in the country. Depot (station)
Clerk noun Shop assistant (shops)/Receptionist (hotels) Cottage hospital noun A small hospital. Usually in a country area. Derby (horses)
Clinic (small hospital) noun Practice Cottager noun Slang. A man who looks for homosexual partners in a public place. Desk clerk
Clippers (scissorts to cut plant stems) noun Secateurs Cottaging verb Slang. The practice of looking for male homosexual partners in a public place. Dibs (expression)
Clippings (news) noun Cuttings Cotton noun Thread used for sewing. Diddly (expression, nothing)
Closed season (hunting) noun Close season Council estate noun An area consisting of streets of council houses. Dime a dozen (expression)
Closet noun Cupboard (general)/Wardrobe (hanging clothes) Council house noun A house or flat provided by the local council for a very low rent. Dime novel
Clothespin noun Clothes peg Country house noun A large house in the countryside, especially one of historical interest. Dime store
Club soda noun Soda water County court noun A local court of law that deals with private quarrels between people rather than with serious crimes. Diner (restaurant)
Co-worker noun Colleague Coupé noun A car with two doors and a sloping back. Dinner theater
Coach (travelling by plane) noun Economy Class Courier noun Someone who's employed by a travel company to help people on holiday. Dip (adj, insult)
Cocktail party noun Drinks party Course noun A series of lessons or studies in a particular subject. Dipshit
Coffee break noun Tea-break Course noun An amount of medicine or medical treatment for a treatment. Direct deposit
Cognizance noun Cognisance Coursebook noun A book that you use regularly during a set of lessons on a particular subject. Dirt (soil, ground)
Coinpurse/Change purse noun Purse Court noun Used as part of the name of a short street or of a flat building. Dirt poor
College noun University Cover note noun A document that proves that you've got car insurance. Dishpan
Comforter/Quilt noun Duvet Cowboy noun Informal. Someone who's dishonest in business or who producess very bad quality work. Diskette
Comic strip noun Strip cartoon Crack noun Enjoyable talk in a group. Diss (verb, being mean)
Commercial (on TV or radio) noun Advert/Ad/Advertisement Crack noun Informal. Used to ask someone what's happening or what has been happening. District attorney
Composite (professional drawing of a criminal) noun Identikit Cracking adj Informal. Very good. Do a slow burn (slowly get angry)
Concertmaster (orchestra) noun Leader Craft knife noun A very sharp knife used for cutting paper, thin wood, etc. Do over (repeat something that's been done wrong)
Conductor (train) noun Guard Cram verb To help someone prepare for an exam by cramming. Docent (teacher)
Conservatory (school) noun Conservatoire Crammer noun A special school that prepares people quickly for examinations. Doctor (to refer to a dentist)
Convenience store/Drugstore noun Corner shop Cranky adj Having very strange ideas or behaving strangely. Dodo (adj)
Cookbook noun Cookery book Crawler lane noun A special part of a road that can be used by slow vehicles. Dog tag (soldiers)
Cookie noun Biscuit Crazy paving noun Pieces of stone of different shapes fitted together to make a path or flat place. Doll (noun, nice person)
Cookie sheet noun Baking tray Create verb To officially give someone special rank or title. Don't sweat it (expression)
Cooking (art or skill of cooking) noun Cookery Crocodile noun A long queue of people, especially school children, walking in pairs. Don't sweat the small stuff (expression)
Coolant tank (car) noun Header tank Cross verb To draw two lines across a cheque to show that it must be paid into a bank account. Doofus
Cooler (for picnics, camping, etc.) noun Coolbox/Coolbag Cross adj Angry or annoyed. Dork
Copyedit verb Subedit Cross-country noun A race that's run across countryside and fields, not on a track. Double-barreled (with two purposes/very strong)
Cord (electricity) noun Flex/Lead Crumpet noun Slang. An offensive word for a sexually attractive woman. Double-dip (ice cream)
Corn noun Maize Cub Scout noun Organisation for younger boys. Down the (road, line, etc., as in eventually)
Cornstarch noun Cornflour Cup final noun The last and most important game in a competition. Especially in football. Down your alley (expression)
Cot (bed for camping) noun Camp bed Cuppa noun Informal. A cup of tea. Draft (be chosen, sports)
Cotton noun Cotton wool Custard noun A yellow liquid that's eaten with sweet dishes, made with milk, sugar, eggs and flour. Drunk tank (prison)
Cotton candy noun Candy floss Cutoff noun A fixed limit or level at which you decide or have to stop doing something. Dry goods (to refer to things made from cloth)
Cotton swab/Q-Tip noun Cotton bud Dab hand noun Informal. To be very good at a particular activity. Dry wash (dry river)
Cough drop noun Lozenge/Throat sweet/Cough sweet/Pastille Daft adj Informal. Silly or not very sensible. Dude
Counter/Countertop noun Worktop/Work-surface Damn all adv Informal. Nothing at all. Elective (school or university, lesson)
Counterclockwise adv Anti-clockwise/Anticlockwise Damp squib adj Informal. Something that's intended to be exciting, effective, etc., but which is disappointing instead. Elevator music
County seat (government) noun County town Dapper adj A man who's small and has a neat appearance. Emcee (noun/verb)
Coveralls noun Overall Dapper adj Nicely dressed. Empty nest (expression)
Cozy adj Cosy Day care centre noun A place where people who are old or ill can be looked after during the day. English horn (instrument)
Craddle-robber noun Craddle-snatcher Day of action noun A day when the workers in a particular place stop working to protest about something. Entryway
Crèche (Baby Jesus) noun Crib Day out noun A day spent at the beach, countryside, the zoo, etc. Evening gown
Crepe noun Pancake Day pupil/Day boy/Day girl noun A pupil who goes to a boarding school but who lives at home. Every which way (expression, in all directions)
Crib (babies) noun Cot Day release noun A system that allows workers to spend one day a week studying a subject. Everyplace
Crib death noun Cot death Day return noun A train or bus ticket that lets you go somewhere at a cheaper price than usual, if you go there and back on the same day. Exam (medical)
Crosswalk noun Pedestrian crossing Day tripper noun Someone who visits a place for pleasure but spends only one day there. Face-off (noun)
Cuffs/Cuff (trousers) noun Turn-ups/Turn-up Daylight nursery noun A place where small children can be left while their parents are at work. Faculty (group of teachers)
Cup (to cover a man's genitalia) noun Box Daylight robbery noun Informal. A situation in which something costs you a lot more than it should. Fair shake (fair treatment)
Curb noun Kerb Dead adv Informal. Completely. Also, very. Family practice (medicine)
Curb crawler (man looking for prostitute) noun Kerb crawler Dead cert adj Informal. Something that's definitely going to happen. Family room (tv room)
Curling irons noun Curling tongs Deadhead verb To remove the dead flowers from a plant. Fanny (ass)
Cut (roads through hills, etc.) noun Cutting Deaf-aid noun Informal. A small electric machine worn near your ear that helps you hear better. Fat farm/camp
Cutting board noun Chopping board/Chopping block Dear adj That causes a lot or trouble or is very expensive. Favor (souvenir, gift)
Danish noun Danish pastry Defence noun The players in a game of any sport (mainly football) whose main job is to prevent the other team from getting points. Favor (verb, look like)
Dark chocolate noun Plain chocolate Demolish verb To eat all of something very quickly. Fellowship (student loan)
Day care noun Crèche Deportment noun The way that someone stands and walks. Fender bender (small car accident)
Daylight Saving Time (DTS) noun British Summer Time (BST) Derby noun A sports match between two teams from the same area or city. Fess up
Dead bolt (lock) noun Mortise lock Desk tidy noun A cointainer for putting pens, pencils, etc. in that you keep on your desk. Field corn
Decal (paper) noun Transfer Detached adj A house or garage that's not joined to another building on any side. Figure (calculate)
Deck (cards) noun Pack Dicky adj Informal. Weak and likely to break or not work properly. Figure/Figures (form an opinion)
Defense noun Defence Dickybird noun A word meaning any small bird. Used by or to children. Filibuster
Defense mechanism noun Defence mechanism Diddums interj A word used to describe someone who's upset or annoyed in a way you think seems childish. Fill an order (supply to a customer)
Defenseless adj Defenceless Dilapidations noun Money that you have to pay if you damage a house you're renting. Fill the bill (have the exact qualities needed)
Defog/Defrost verb Demist Dim adj Informal. Not intelligent. Finance company
Defogger/Defroster (car) noun Window heater/Demister Dinky adj Informal. Small and attractive. Financial aid (students)
Dental hygienist noun Hygienist Dinky noun Informal. Another word for 'drink'. Fire (as in sack, from a job)
Dentin (teeth) noun Dentine Direct debit noun An instruction you give your bank to pay money directly out of your account. First base (achievement, sex)
Deposit slip (bank account) noun Paying-in slip Discuit noun Round biscuit you dunk in tea First-degree murder
Derby (hat) noun Bowler hat Disk noun A computer disc. Five-spot/Ten-spot/etc. (A piece of paper money worth that)
Desk lamp noun Anglepoise lamp Disorderly house noun A place where men pay to have sex. Fix (castrate pets)
Dial tone noun Dialling tone Dissertation noun A long piece of writing about a subject that you write as a part of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in university. Fix (cure)
Diamond anniversary noun Diamond wedding Distemper noun A type of paint you mix with water for painting walls. Fix (dinner)
Diaper noun Nappy District nurse noun A nurse who visits and treats people in their own homes. Fix (hair or makeup)
Diaper rash noun Nappy rash Diversion noun A different road for traffic to travel on when the usual road cannot be used. Flag football
Dike noun Dyke Dividend noun The money you can win in a national competition that involves guesing the results of football games. Flag stop (bus)
Dim (lower lights, car) verb Dip Division noun One of the groups of teams a sports competition (especially football) is divided into. IE: First Division, Second Division, etc. Flare out (yell angrily)
Dimmer (car) noun Dipswitch Divvy noun Slang. A stupid person. Flip (verb, be positively excited)
Dining car (train) noun Buffet Do noun Informal. A party or other social event. Flip off
Directory assistance/Information (phone service) noun Directory enquiries Doddle noun Informal. Something extremely easy. Float (cheques)
 AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Dishcloth noun Tea towel/Tea cloth Dodgy adj Informal. Containing false information. Floor model (items at the shop)
Dishwashing liquid noun Washing-up liquid Dodgy adj Uncertain or difficult. Flub (verb, make a stupid mistake)
Disk noun Disc Dodgy adj Not working properly. Flunk out
Dispatch verb/noun Despatch Dodgy adj Dishonest or not to be trusted. Fly (verb, succeed)
Dissertation (PhD student) noun Thesis Dole noun Money given by the government to people who are unemployed. Fly at/into (sb) (rush towards someone in rage)
Distill verb Distil Don noun University teacher. Especially from Cambridge or Oxford. Folks (as in parents)
Divestment noun Disinvestment Donkey's years noun Informal. A very long time. Food bank (charity)
Divided highway/Four lane highway noun Dual carriageway Donnish adj Clever, serious and more interesting in ideas than real life. Fool (adj, before noun)
Dogcatcher noun Dog warden Dosh noun Informal. Another word for 'money'. Foot locker
Dollhouse noun Dolls' house Doss noun Informal. Work that doesn't need much effort. For real (expression, seriously)
Donut noun Doughnut Dotty adj Informal. Slightly crazy or likely to behave strangely. For two cents (expression)
Dormitory/Dorm noun Hall of residence/Hall Double decker noun A two storeys bus. Formal (noun, event/dress)
Double feature (cinema) noun Double bill Double first noun A university degree in which a student reachest the highest standard in two subjects. Fox (sexually attractive)
Double whole note (music) noun Breve Double yellow line noun Two lines of paint along the edge of a street in Britain, meaning cars can only be parked for a short time or at particular times. See Yellow line. Foxy
Double-digit (numbers) noun Double figures Double-barrelled adj A surname with two parts. Hyphenated. Foyer
Double-dip (government pay) verb Moonlight Down adv Away from a university at the end of a period of study. Frank/Frankfurter (hot dog)
Double-time (quickly) adj Double-quick Down south noun Informal. On or to the southern part of England. Frappé (milkshake)
Downspout (pipe) noun Drainpipe Downmarket adj Goods or services that are cheap and not of very good quality. Frat/Fraternity
Downtown noun Centre/City centre/Town centre Draw noun A game or match that finishes without either side winning. A tie. French doors
Draft (army, navy, air force) verb Call up/Conscript Draw verb To end a game or match without either side winning. A tie. Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior (school, university)
Draft (cold air, beer) noun Draught Dreadful adj Extremely unpleasant. Frisk down (search someone)
Draftsman noun Draughtsman Dreadfully adj Extremely. Also, very badly. Front office (the managers of a company)
Drafty adj Draughty Dribble noun A flow of saliva from your mouth. Front-and-center (adj, very important)
Drain (bath) noun Plughole Drinking-up time noun The time after a pub has closed when people are allowed to finish their drinks. Fuck over
Drainboard noun Draining board Dripping noun The oily substance that comes out of meat when you cook it. Fuckhead
Drapes noun Curtains Drivel verb To speak continuously without saying anything important. Fucking A (expression)
Dresser noun Dressing table/Chest of drawers Drop-in centre noun A place where people who have no job, nowhere to live, etc. can get information, relax and talk. Fudgy (adj)
Dressing (food) noun Stuffing Dross noun Something that is very low quality. Full of piss and vinegar (expression)
Driver's seat noun Driving seat Duck/Ducks/Ducky noun Term of endearment. Full professor
Driveway (house, building) noun Drive Duffel coat noun A coat made of rough heavy cloth, usually with a hood and toggles. Full-court press
Drool verb Dribble Easter egg noun A chocolate egg usually given as a present at Easter. Fun house (carnival)
Drop cloth (to cover and protect) noun Dustsheet Eccles cake noun A round cake filled with currants. Fun person/guy/girl
Drugstore/Pharmacy noun Chemist's/Chemist Electrics noun The parts of a machine that use electrical power. Funk (strong smell)
Drunk driving noun Drink-driving Elevator noun A machine with a moving belt and containers used for lifting gran and liquids or for taking things off ships. Funnies (cartoons and comics)
DUI/DWI (Driving under the influence) noun Drunk in charge Elevenses noun Informal. A cup of coffee or tea and a biscuit you have in the middle of the morning. Funny papers (as in funnies)
Dumpster noun Skip En suite adj A bathroom that's joined to a bedroom. Garden variety (adj)
Duplex noun Semi-detached/Semi Engineer noun Someone who repairs electrical or mechanical equipment. Gas up (to put petrol)
Durable goods noun Consumer durables English breakfast/Full English noun A large cooked breakfast consisting of bacon, eggs, toast, etc. Gas-guzzler
Dust cover (books) noun Dust jacket Escalope noun A thin piece of meat cooked in hot fat. Gated community
Efficiency (accommodation) noun Bedsit Estate noun An area where houses or buildings of a similar type have all been built together in a planned way. Gazette (as a synonym of newspaper)
Egg roll noun Spring roll/Pancake roll Europe noun Referring to the continent of Europe, not including the British Isles. Gee (interj)
Eggplant noun Aubergine Exam paper noun The paper on which the questions for an exam are written. Geek
Eighteen wheeler truck noun Juggernaut Exchequer noun The British government department that's responsible for collecting taxes and paying out public money. General store
Eighth note (music) noun Quaver Exhibition noun A small amount of money given as a prize to a student. Gesundheit (sneezing)
Eighth rest (music) noun Quaver rest Extra time noun A period of usually thirty minutes added to the end of football games to dissolve a draw. Get a charge of (...) (be excited with)
Elevated railroad noun Elevated railway Eyot noun A small island in a river. Get a wiggle on
Elevator noun Lift FA noun Football Association. Organisation in charge of professional football in England. Get a word in edgeways (expression)
Emcee noun Master of ceremonies Factory farm noun A farm where animals are kept in small spaces or cages and made to grow or produce eggs very quickly. Get it on (have sex)
Emergency brake noun Handbrake Fag noun Slang. A cigarette. Get off (orgasm)
Emergency cord (public transportation) noun Communication cord Faggot noun A ball made of meat mixed with bread which is cooked. Get real (expression)
Emergency room noun Casualty department/Casualty Fair adj A fairly large size, number, etc. of something. Get your jollies (get pleasure)
Engineer (train) noun Engine driver Fair noun A market where animals and farm products are sold. Get-go
English muffin noun Muffin Family room noun A room in a pub where children are allowed to sit. Girl Scouts
Enroll verb Enrol Fancy verb To like or want something, or want to do something. Give (sb) the shaft (treat someone unfairly)
Enthrall verb Enthral Fancy verb Informal. To feel sexually attracted to someone. Give (sb) their walking papers (ask someone to leave a place/job)
Entrée (meal) noun Main course Fancy dress noun Clothes that make you look like a famous person, a character from a story, etc. Costume. Give me a break (expression)
Envision verb Envisage Fanlight noun A small window above a door or a larger window. Give the bird/Flip the bird/Flip off
Epsten-Barr virus noun Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) Fanny noun A rude to refer to a woman's vagina. Giveback (amount of money or goods)
Equal sign (=) noun Equals sign Fastener noun Something such as a button, zip, etc. that you use to join something together, especially a piece of clothing. Given name (first name)
ER (hospital) noun A&E Father Christmas noun Another word for 'Santa Claus'. Perhaps more common. Glee club
Eraser noun Rubber/India rubber FC abb An abbreviation of Football Club, used in names of football clubs. Glogg
Exam (medical) noun Examination Fearful adj In an extremely bad condition or state. Glom
Exclamation point (!) noun Exclamation mark Fee-paying school noun A school in which you have to pay to go. Glop
Excuse (to not go to work or school) noun Sick note Fee-paying student/Fee-paying patient noun A person who's paying for their own education or medical treatment. Gnarly
Exemption (taxes) noun Personal allowance Fellowship noun A job at university which involves making a detailed study of a particular subject. Go head to head with
Expiration date (document) noun Expiry date Fiddle noun A dishonest way of getting money. Go hog wild
Expiration date (food) noun Sell-by date FIFA noun Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Organisation in charge of professional football in the world. Go piss up a rope (expression)
Express mail noun Express post Fill-up noun Informal. Someone who does someone else's job when they're unable to do it. Go shopping (buy clothes)
Extension cord noun Extension lead Filter noun A traffic light used to tell drivers they can turn right or left. Go south (gone wrong)
Eyrie noun Eyry Filter verb If traffic filters, cars can turn left or right while other vehicles going straight ahead must wait. Go stag (man who goes to a party without a partner)
Fabric softener noun Fabric conditioner Finals noun The set of examinations that university students take at the end of their time at university. Go through the wringer (expression, upsetting experience)
Face card (King, Queen and Jack) noun Court card Fingerstall noun A cover for your finger that protects it if it's injured. Go to hell in a handbasket
Fall noun Autumn Fire noun A machine that produces heat to warm a room using gas or electricity as power. Goaltender (goalkeeper)
Fanny pack noun Bum bag Firedog noun One of a pair of iron supports for burning logs in a fireplace. Gobbler (turkey)
Far-sighted adj Longsighted/Long-sighted Firelighter noun A piece of a substance that burns easily and helps to light a coal fire. Gobs (large amount of something)
Faucet noun Tap Fireraising noun The crime of starting a fire deliberately. Arson. Goddammit
Fava bean (food) noun Broad bean First aider noun Someone who's trained to be first aid. Goldbrick/Goldbricker
Fender (bicycle) noun Mudguard First refusal noun To let someone decide whether to buy something before you offer to sell it to other people. Golem (a stupid person)
Fender (front of the car) noun Bumper Fish and chips noun A meal consisting of fish covered with a mixture of flour and milk and cooked in oil with chips. Gonzo journalism/journalist
Fender (side of the car) noun Wing Fish-and-chips shop noun A place that sells fish and chips, though they usually sell other dishes as well. Goo-goo eyed
Ferris wheel noun Big wheel Fit adj Healthy and strong because you excercise regularly. Goo-goo eyes
Field (sports) noun Pitch Fit adj Healthy after having been ill. Good (in place of 'well')
Field day (day of sports at a school) noun Sports day Fit adj Attractive, hot. Good for (...) (convenient to someone)
Figure eight noun Figure of eight Fitment noun A piece of furniture that's made especially for a particular space in a room. Goof (verb/noun)
File cabinet noun Filing cabinet Fitted adj Made or cut to fit a particular space. Goon (noun, criminal)
Filled gold noun Rolled gold Fitter noun Someone who puts together or repairs machines or electrical equipment. Goop (substance)
Fire company/department noun Fire brigade/Fire service Five-stones noun A children's game in which the players try to pick up small objects between throwing one of them into the air and catching it. Goose (verb, touch someone's ass)
Fire truck noun Fire engine Fiver noun A five pound note. GPA (Grade Point Average)
Fireplug noun Fire hydrant Fixture noun A piece of equipment that's fixed to a building and sold as part of it. Grad
Firescreen (fireplace) noun Fireguard Fixture noun Sports. A game or group of games that have been arranged for a time and place. Grade school
Fish sticks noun Fish fingers Flag verb To become tired or weak. Graduate (noun, person studying after getting their PhD)
 AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Fixings (side companions in meals) noun Trimmings Flan noun A round pie or cake that is filled with fruit, cheese, etc. Graduate (verb/noun, applied to high school)
Flashlight noun Torch Flap verb Informal. To behave in an excited, nervous or angry way. Graduate school
Flat tire noun Puncture Flapjack noun A cake made of oats, sugar, syrup and butter. Graduate student
Flextime noun Flexitime Flash noun A quick look. A glance. Graduation (high school)
Flip (coin) verb Toss Flash adj Informal. Something very new, bright and expensive-looking. Graff off (corruption)
Flip (throw flat object so that it turns) verb Toss Flask noun A special type of bottle that you use to keep liquids either hot or cold. Graft (corruption)
Floor lamp noun Standard lamp Flat adj A battery that has lost its electric power. Grand larceny
Floorboard (car) noun Floor Flat share noun An arrangement in which two or more people share a flat. Grandstanding
Flop/Flophouse (hotel) noun Doss house Fleabag noun A dirty animal or person you dislike. Graveyard shift
Fluorescent light noun Strip light Flog verb Informal. To sell. Green (leaves and branches, Christmas decoration)
Flutist (someone who plays the flute) noun Flautist Flyblown adj Old, dirty and in bad condition. Griddlecake
Flyover (planes) noun Flypast Flyblown adj Meat that has flies' eggs on it and isn't suitable for eating. Gridlock
Fog light (car) noun Fog lamp Footie/Footy noun Informal. Another word for 'football'. Grift/Grifter
Follow-the-leader (game) noun Follow-my-leader Footslogging noun Informal. A lot of walking around, which makes you very tired. Grocery store
Football noun American football Form teacher noun The teacher who's responsible for all the students in the same year at a secondary school. Grody (very unpleasant or offensive)
For rent (sign) noun To let Former noun (Fourth, Fifth, Sixth...). Used in some secondary schools to show which year a student's in. Ground/Grounded/Grounding (children)
Foundation (building) noun Foundations Fortnight noun Two weeks. Fourteen days/nights. Grubstake
Freight train/Freight noun Goods train Foul adj Very unpleasant. Grunt work
French fries/Fries noun Chips Foul adj Weather that's stormy and windy, with a lot of rain or snow. Guaranty
Frost (cakes, pastries, etc.) verb Ice Foundation course noun A course of study including several different subjects taught in the first year at some universities. Guidance counselor (school)
Frosting (cakes, pastries, etc.) noun Icing Four star (petrol) noun High quality petrol that has lead in it. Gumball
Fulfill verb Fulfil Four-square adj Firm and determined. Gun (person temporarily put in a position)
Fulfillment noun Fulfilment Four-star noun A type of petrol with lead in it. Gun (verb, drive fast)
Full-fledged adj Fully-fledged Fox verb Informal. To be too difficult for someone to do or understand. Gunnysack
Full-grown adj Fully grown Fox verb To confuse or deceive someone in a clever way. Gunshy (careful, frightened)
Fullness noun Fulness Fragile adj Feeling ill, especially after having drunk too much alcohol. Gunslinger
Furor noun Furore Free house noun A pub that can buy beer from different companies, rather than being controlled by one company. Gurney (hospital table)
Fussbudget noun Fusspot Freephone noun An arrangement by which a company or organisation pays the cost of the telephone calls made to it. Gussy up (make yourself attractive)
Gage noun Gauge Freepost noun An arrangement by which a company or organisation pays the cost of letters that you send to it by post. Gutter out
Garage sale noun Car boot sale/Boot sale French loaf noun A long thin white loaf of bread. Gymkhana (car race)
Garbage basket/Waste basket noun Rubbish bin/Rubbish basket Fresher noun A student who has just started at a university. Gyp (situation in which you feel you've been cheated)
Garbage disposal noun Waste disposal/Waste disposal unit Fridge-freezer noun A large fridge with a part that keeps food frozen. Hack (a taxi or taxi driver)
Garbage man/Garbage collector noun Dustman/Bin man/Dustbin man Friendly adj In the context of sports. A game that is played for pleasure or practice, and not because it's important to win. Particularly in football. Hack (drive a taxi)
Garbage truck noun Bin lorry/Dust cart Frightful adj Unpleasant or bad. Half-and-half (milk and cream)
Garbage/Waste/Trash can/bin noun Dustbin Fringe theatre noun Plays by new writers, often on difficult subjects or written in unusual ways, that aren't performed in the main threatres. Half-cup (container for measure while cooking)
Garter noun Suspenders Frock noun Old fashioned term. A woman's or girl's dress. Handcar
Garter belt noun Suspender belt Frowzy adj Someone who isn't very clean or tidy and smells bad. Hang a right/left (ask to turn a car)
Gas (flatulence) noun Wind Fry-up noun Informal. A meal consisting of fried food such as eggs, bacon, potatoes, etc. Hang in there/Hang tough (expression)
Gas cap noun Petrol/Filler cap Fucker noun Someone who you dislike very much. Hang out your shingle (start your own business)
Gas pedal/Pedal/Gas noun Accelerator Fuddle verb Informal. Something that makes you unable to think clearly. Mostly drugs or alcohol. Hang/Stay loose (expression)
Gas station noun Petrol station Fudge noun An attempt to deal with a situation that doesn't solve its problems completely or only makes it seem better. Happen by (phr verb, to find a place by chance)
Gas/Filling station noun Petrol station Fug noun Informal. Air inside a room that feels heavy and unpleasant because of smoke, heat or too many people. Happy as a clam (expression)
Gasoline pump (car) noun Fuel pump Fuggy adj Informal. Something that smells like fug. Hard liquor
Gasoline/Gas noun Petrol Full board noun Hard-scrabble
Gear shift nun Gear stick/lever Full marks noun The highest number of points that you can get for school work. Hardball (baseball)
General delivery (post office department) noun Poste restante Full time noun The end of the normal period of playing time in a sports game, especially football. Haul ass (hurry)
Gift certificate noun Gift token/Voucher Full-cream adj Milk that hasn't had the cream removed. Haul off and hit/punch (sb) (hit very hard)
Ginger snap noun Ginger nut Full-fat adj Milk or cheese that hasn't had any of the fat taken out. Have (sb) pegged as (expression)
Glove compartment noun Glove box Fully-fashioned adj Clothing that's made to fit the shape of the body exactly. Have a blast (expression)
Glycerin noun Glycerine Funnel noun A metal chimney for letting smoke put from a steam engine or steam ship. Have a jump/jump start on (sb) (have an advantage)
Go-cart noun Go-kart Funny adj Slightly crazy. Have a nice day (expression, as a form of goodbye)
Golden anniversary noun Golden wedding Further education noun Education for adults after leaving school that's not at university. Have a tin ear (unable to tell the difference in musical notes)
Golden raisin noun Sultana Fuse verb If an electrical system or equipment has fused, it stops working because a fuse has melted. Have it made in the shade (expression, extremely rich)
Goosebumps noun Gooseflesh/Goosepimples Fused adj A piece of electrical equipment that's fitted with a fuse. Have legs (something that continues to be interesting)
Grab bag noun Lucky dip Gaff noun Slang. Someone's house. Have/get the goods (proof, evidence, against someone)
Grade (degree of slope) noun Gradient Gaffer noun Informal. A man who's in charge of people, especially in a factory. Hayride
Grade (Eight Grade, Ninth Grade, etc.) noun Year (Year Eight, Year Nine, etc.) Gaffer noun Informal. A coach or manager in a sport, especially in football. Haze (play tricks, especially in frats)
Grade (evaluation in school) verb Mark Gallon noun A unit for measuring liquids, equals to 4.543 litres (AmE = 3.785 litres). Head center (for students)
Grade crossing (railway) noun Level crossing Galore adj In large amounts of numbers. Headline (verb, be main performer)
Grade/Grades (evaluation in school) noun Mark/Marks Gammon noun Meat from a pig's leg which has been preserved using salt. Healthful
Grading (school) noun Marking Gannet noun Someone who eats a lot. Heat lighting (lighting without thunder or rain)
Graduate (person) noun Postgraduate Gaol noun Another way of spelling the word 'jail'. Heavens! (expression)
Gray n/v/a Grey Garcen city noun A town that has been designed to have a lot of trees, areas of grass and open spaces. Heavy date (very important romantic date)
Green bean noun French bean Garden centre noun A place that sells plants, flowers and equipment for gardens. Heavy foot (drive too fast)
Green onion/Scallion noun Spring onion Garden flat noun A flat on the ground floor, which has a door leading to the garden. Heavy hitter
Green thumb noun Green fingers Gas noun A substance which is burnt for heating or cooking. Natural gas. Heavy-duty (very serious or involving strong emotions)
Grind (cut food in small pieces) verb Mince Gas mark (4/5/6/etc.)/Mark (4/5/6/etc.) noun A measurement of the temperature of a gas oven. Heist
Grind (nerd student) noun Swot Gas-fired adj Something that uses gas as a fuel. Hell (used to emphasise something you're saying)
Groomsman noun Usher Gasman noun Someone who comes to your home to see how much gas you have used or to repair your gas system. Hell on wheels
Ground (electricity) noun/verb Earth Gassy adj A drink that has too much gas in it. Helper (employed to do work in someone's home)
Ground cloth (camping) noun Groundsheet Gate noun The number of people who go in to see a sports event, especially a football match. Also, The amount of money paid by those people. Hex (verb/noun)
Ground meat/Ground beef noun Mince Gate verb To prevent a student from leaving a school as a punishment for behaving badly. Hick
Guardrail (road) noun Crash barrier Gawk verb To look at something for a long time, especially with your mouth open because you're surprised. High roller
Hackney coach noun Hackney carriage Gazette noun An official newspaper, especially one from the government giving important lists of people who have been employed by them, etc. Highball (alcoholic drink)
Half note (music) noun Minim Gazette verb To give someone an official job, especially in the military forces. Highway patrol
Half note rest (music) noun Minim rest Gazump verb Informal. To sell a house to another person who offers you more money that someone that you already agreed to sell it to. Hike (st) up (increase/lift a piece of clothing)
Half step (music) noun Semitone GBH noun Grievous Bodily Harm. The serious crime of attacking someone and injuring them. Hillbilly
Half-assed adj Half-arsed GCSE noun General Certificate of Secondary Education. A school examination in one of a range of subjects that's taken by students age 15 or over in Britain. Hire (noun)
Hamper noun Linen basket/Laundry basket Gen on noun Informal. Information. Hired gun
Hard candy noun Boiled sweet Gentleman farmer noun A man belonging to a high social class who owns and runs a farm for pleasure rather than profit. Hired hand (farm)
Hard cider noun Cider/Cyder Geordie noun Someone from Tyneside (in NE, England). Hit (sb) up for (ask someone for something)
Hassock (furniture) noun Pouf/Pouffe Geordie adj A way of speaking typical from people from Tyneside. Hit on (sb) (try to chat up, pull)
Hauler (haulage business manager/owner) noun Hauler Giant killer noun A person, sports team, etc. that defeats a much stronger opponent. Hit town (arrive)
Head table noun Top table Gibbering adj So frightened, schocked or excited that you speak quickly in a way that no one can understand. Hokey
Headcheese (food) noun Brawn Ginger group noun A group of people within a political party or organisation that tries to persuade other members to support their ideas. Hole-in-the-wall (small shop)
Heat (system in houses) noun Heating Giro noun A cheque paid by the government to an unemployed person. Holler (verb)
Heavy cream noun Double cream Giro noun A system of banking that sends money from one bank account to another. Holy cow/shit/etc. (expression)
Heterogenous adj Heterogeneous Git noun Slang. An unpleasant and annoying person. Especially a man. Home room (school)
Hickey noun Love bite Glacé icing noun A type of icing used to decorate cakes. Homeboy/Homey/Homie
High beam (lights in a car) noun Full beam Glass wool noun Fibreglass. Homecoming (school)
High gear (driving at high speeds) noun Top gear Glasshouse noun A building used for growing plants made of glass. A greenhouse. Homely (ugly)
 AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
High-strung (nervous, easily upset or excited) adj Highly strung Glebe noun Land given to a priest to provide part of his income. Homemaker
Highboy (furniture) noun Tallboy Glossy/Glossy magazine noun A fashion magazine printed on good quality, shiny paper, usually with lots of colour pictures. Homer (a home run)
Highway/Freeway/Expressway noun Motorway GMT noun Greenwich Mean Time. The time as measured in Greenwich, London. Homey/Homy
Hiking boot noun Walking boot Gnashers noun Informal. Another word for 'teeth'. Homicide (police department)
Hockey noun Ice hockey Go-ahead adj Using or encouraging new methods or ideas and therefore, likely to succeed. Honey/Hon/Hun (term of endearment)
Hodgepodge (mishmash) noun Hotchpotch Gob noun Informal. An impolite word for 'mouth'. Honky-tonk (cheap bar/bad quality)
Holiday (day off work/school) noun Bank holiday Gob verb Informal. To blow a small amount of liquid out of your mouth. To spit. Honky/Honkie (insult)
Holstein (cow) noun Friesian Gobsmacked adj Informal. Very surprised, pleased or disappointed. Honor roll (school)
Home base (baseball) noun Home plate Goer noun Informal. Someone who often has sex with different people. Honor system
Homey adj Homely Goggle box noun Informal. Another word for 'television'. Hooch/Hootch (alcoholic drink)
Homicide noun Murder Golden handshake noun A large amount of money given to someone when they leave their job. Hooey (stupid talk, nonsense)
Honor roll noun Roll of honour Golden jubilee noun The date that is exactly fifty years after some important event. Especially of becoming king or queen. Hoofer (dancer)
Hood (car) noun Bonnet Golden parachute noun Informal. Part of a business person's contract which states that they'll be paid a large sum of money when the contract ends. Hook (succeed in attracting someone)
Hope chest noun Bottom drawer Golden syrup noun A sweet, thick liquid made from sugar that's used in cooking. Hook and ladder (fire engine)
Horror movie noun Horror film Goodish adj Fairly good, but not very good. Hook up (connect)
Horse trailer noun Horsebox Goods noun Heavy things which can be carried by road, train, etc. Hook up with (have sex with)
Host/Announce (television, radio) verb Present Gooly/Goolie noun Slang. An impolite word for 'testicle'. Hooky/Hookey/Play hooky
Host/Announcer (television, radio) noun Presenter Goon noun Informal. A silly or stupid person. Hoop-la (excitement about something)
Hostler noun Hostler Gormless adj Informal. Stupid, especially in appearance. Hooters (breasts)
Hot flash noun Hot flush Government health warning noun A notice that by law must be put on some products, for example cigarettes, to warn people that they're dangerous to their health. Hopped up (happy person/improved car)
Housebroken (animal) adj House-trained Governor noun A member of a committee that controls an organisation or institution. IE. A school governor. Horn/Horn in (interrupt something)
Housing development noun Housing estate Governor General noun Someone who represents the King or Queen of Britain in other Commonwealth countries which are not republics. IE. Australia. Horseshoes (game)
Hutch (furniture) noun Welsh dresser GP noun General Practitioner. A doctor who's trained in general medicine and treats people in particular area or town. Hose (verb, cheat or deceive)
Hydroplane (aeroplane) noun Seaplane Graduate noun Someone who has complete a university degree course, especially for a first degree. Hot dish (food in a deep covered dish)
Hydroplane (car) verb Aquaplane Graduation noun The time when you complete a university degree course. Hot rod (car)
Imposter noun Impostor Graduation noun A ceremony at which you receive a university degree. House of worship (church)
Indirect discourse noun Indirect speech Graft noun Informal. Hard work Housewares (small things used in a home)
Ingrown adj Ingrowing Grammar school noun A secondary school for children over the age of eleven who have to pass a special examination to go there. See Comprehensive school Housing project (group of government paid houses)
Inquire verb Enquire Granary adj Bread which contains whole grains of wheat. How's about...? (expression)
Inquiry noun Enquiry Granny flat noun A separate place inside or next to someone's house designed for an old relative to live in. Howdy (expression)
Installment noun Instalment Grant-maintained adj A school that receives its money directly from the central government rather than from the local government. Huckster
Installment plan noun Hire purchase Grass verb Informal. If a criminal grasses on other criminals he tells the police about their activities. Hunker (sit on your heels)
Instant replay noun Action replay Grass noun Someone, usually a criminal, who gives information about other criminals to the police. Hunker down (work hard)
Instill verb Instil Gratuitity noun A large gift of money given to someone when they leave their job, especially in the army, navy, etc. Hustle (do something with a lot of energy)
Insurance adjuster (insurance company employee) noun Loss adjuster Green card noun A British motor insurance document that you need when you drive abroad. Hustle (obtain things illegally or unofficially)
Insure (make certain something will happen) verb Ensure Greengrocer noun A person who owns or works in a greengrocer's. Hustle (work as a prostitute)
Interference (sports) noun Obstruction Greengrocer's noun A shop that sells fruits and vegetables. Hustler (prostitute/person who tricks people for money)
Intermission (play, concert, etc.) noun Interval Grey adj Connected with old people. To adjectivise something done or owned by old people. IE 'the grey vote'. I am too (and derivatives, expression. to argue)
Intern (hospital) noun Houseman Grim adj Informal. Very bad in quality. I could stand (st) (humorous, meaning you'd like something)
Inventory noun Stocktaking Gripe water noun A liquid medicine given to babies when they have stomach pains. I do so/It is so/etc.
Inventory (counting goods in a shop) verb Stocktaking Grizzle verb To complain continuously in an annoying way. Often applied to babies. Ice (st) down (cover an injury with ice)
Inventory (goods in a shop) noun Stock Grobag/Growbag noun A large plastic bag containing specially prepared earth for growing vegetables. If the shoe fits (expression)
Ionizer noun Ioniser Grotty adj Informal. Nasty, dirty or unpleasant. Illegal (as in immigrant)
Issue (magazine) noun Number Ground noun The place where a sport such as football or cricket is played. The stadium. Impact/Impact on (verb)
IV (hospitals) noun Drip Ground floor noun The floor of a building that is at ground level. Subsequent floors are First Floor, Second Floor, etc. Impeach (president)
Jacket (thick envelope) noun Sleeve Ground staff noun The people who take care of the grass and sports equipment at a sports ground. In case (if it happens)
Jackhammer noun Pneumatic drill Guillotine noun The setting of a time limit on the discussion of a proposed law in the British parliament. In spades (to a much greater degree)
Janitor noun Caretaker Gum noun A special kind of glue used to stick light things such as paper together. In the military (expression)
Jawbreaker (sweet) noun Gobstopper Gum verb To stick something to something else using gum. In the raw (naked)
Jello/Jell-O noun Jelly Gunge noun Any substance that's dirty, sticky or unpleasant. In-bounds (balls, sports)
Jelly noun Jam Gungy adj A substance that's dirty, sticky or unpleasant. Inbound (flight/train, etc.)
Jelly roll noun Swiss roll Gutted adj Informal. Very shocked or disappointed. Inc (abbreviation in corporations)
Jeweler noun Jeweller Gutted adj Very tired, exhausted. Indian corn
Jewelry noun Jewellery Guv noun Informal. Used by men as a way of addressing a male customer in a shop, taxi, etc. Indian giver
Jimmy (metal bar to break open locked doors) noun Jemmy Guvnor/Guv'nor noun A man who is in a position of authority over you. Usually your employer. Indian wrestling
Jr. (Junior) abb Jnr Guy noun A figure of a man burnt every year on Guy Fawkes' Night in Britain. Indict (verb, officially charge with a criminal offence)
Juicer (small kitchen tool) noun Lemon squeezer Guy Fawkes' Night noun The fifth of November. When in Britain people light fireworks and burn a guy on a fire. Indictable (adj)
Jump rope verb Skip rope Gymkhana noun A sporting event at which people on horses compete in races and jumping competitions. Indictment (official written statement indicting someone)
Jump rope noun Skipping rope Gymslip noun A type of dress without sleeves girls used to wear over a shirt as a part of their school uniform. Indictment (the act of charging someone)
Jumper noun Pinafore/Pinny Gymslip mother noun A girl who has a baby while she's still a school student. Induct
Jumper cables (car batteries) noun Jump-leads Hack verb To ride a horse along roads or through the country. Inductee
Jungle gym (kids) noun Climbing frame Hack noun A ride on a horse. Industrial act (subject, school)
Jury duty noun Jury service Hacked-off adj Informal. Extremely annoyed. Infomercial
Karat noun Carat Hacking jacket noun A woollen jacket worn when riding a horse. Injun/Honest injun (interj)
Keep-away (game) noun Piggy in the middle Half noun A child's ticket, for example on a bus or a train, that is cheaper than an adult's. Ink (verb, to write)
Kerosene noun Paraffin Half noun A half of a pint of beer. Inner-tubing (verb, ride an inner tube)
Kid stuff (easy or boring) noun Kid's stuff Half board noun The price of a room in a hotel that includes breakfast and dinner. Inside of (in the inside of something)
Kidnaped adj Kidnapped Half-holiday noun A morning or afternoon in which you don't have to go to work or school. Inside track (advantage in a competition)
Kidnaper noun Kidnapper Half-mast noun Humorous. Someone's trousers that are too short. Insolvable
Kidnaping verb Kidnapping Half-term noun A short holiday from school in the middle of a term. Insomuch that (to such a degree that)
Know-it-all noun Know-all Hard core noun The central group that's more active within a group or organisation. Instrastate (within one state)
Labor union (organisation that helps workers) noun Trade union Hard core noun A group of people who cannot be persuaded to change their behaviour. Instructor (person who teaches in university)
Labor union (represent workers) noun Trade union/Trades union Hat-trick/Hattrick noun A series of three successes, especially in sports such at football when the same person scores three times. Internal medicine
Ladie's room (toilet) noun The ladies Head boy/Head girl noun The boy or girl chosen in a British school year to represent the school. Internist (doctor)
Ladybug noun Ladybird Headship noun The job of being in charge of a school. Interpretive center (visitors and tourists)
Lamp (glass part of an electric light in a car) noun Bulb Health centre noun A building where several doctors have offices. Interstate (long distance travel)
Lasagna noun Lasagne Health visitor noun A nurse who visits people in their homes. Iron out the kinks (expression)
Last call (last drink in a bar) noun Last orders Hearty adj With a friendly, noisy and cheerful manner that isn't sincere. Irregardless/Irregardless of
Last name noun Surname Hedgerow noun A line of bushes or small trees growing along the edge of a field or road. Irregular (constipated)
Laugh lines noun Laughter lines Helter-skelter noun A tall structure in a fair which you sit on at the top and slide round and round to the bottom. It's sprinkling (raining lightly)
Laundromat noun Laundrette/Launderette Hen party/Hen-do/Hen night noun Informal. A party for women only that happens just before one of them gets married. Itch (sb) ('this itches me')
Lawn chair noun Garden chair/Sun lounger/Lounger HGV/Heavy Goods Vehicle noun A large road vehicle used for moving goods. Ivory (teeth)
Lawn party noun Garden party High Church Jack (sb) around (to waste someone's time)
Layover (on a trip, journey) noun Stopover High court noun A court of law in Britain that's at a higher level than ordinary courts and that can be asked to change the decisions of a lower court. Jack off (masturbate)
Leaded gas/Leaded gasoline noun Leaded petrol High season Jack shit (expression, nothing)
Leaf mold noun Leaf mould High Sheriff noun The chief officer of the King or Queen in a county of England and Wales who has mostly ceremonial duties. Jackass
Learner's permit (driving car) noun Provisional licence/Provisional driving licence High tea noun A meal of cold food, cakes, etc. eaten in the early evening. Jams (brightly coloured trousers)
Leash (pets) noun Lead High-up noun Someone who has a high rank in an organisation. Jane Doe
Leotard noun Body Highway Code noun The set of official rules and laws about driving and using roads in Britain. Jeez (expression)
Letters of recommendation (university) noun Letters of reference Hire noun An arrangement by which you borrow something for a short time in exchange for money. Jerk (sb) around (waste someone's time)
Level (tool) noun Spirit level Hire verb To pay money to borrow something for a period of hours or days. Jerk off (masturbate)
 AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
License noun Licence HM abb The abbreviation for His or Her Majesty. Jerky (cut into thin pieces and dried in the sun)
License plate/License tag noun Number plate/Registration/Number HMS noun His/Her Majesty's Ship. A title for a ship in the British Navy and for places on the land that are used by the Navy. Jibe/Jibe with (information that matches)
Licorice noun Liquorice Hockey noun A game played on grass by two teams of eleven players each, with sticks and a ball. Jive (noun, statements that you don't believe are true)
Life insurance noun Life assurance Holiday camp noun A place where people go for their holidays and where activities are organised for them. Jive (verb)
Life preserver noun Life jacket/Life belt Holiday home noun A house that someone owns where they go during their holidays. Jock (insult, sporty person)
Life vest noun Life jacket Hols noun Informal. Another word for 'holiday'. John (client of a prostitute)
Light rail (railway system) noun Light railway Home bird noun Someone who prefers to stay at home rather than going to parties, travelling, etc. John (toilet)
Lightning bug noun Firefly Home ground noun The usual place where a team plays football or cricket for home games. John Doe
Lightning rod noun Lightning conductor Home help noun Someone who helps ill or old people in their homes with cooking, cleaning, etc. John Hancock (signature)
Line noun/verb Queue Home Office noun The British Government department which deals with keeping order inside the country, controlling who enters, etc. John-on-the-spot
Line-up (police, recognition) noun Identification parade Home Secretary noun The British Government minister who's in charge of the Home Office. Johnny (penis)
Lineman noun Linesman Home time noun The time at the end of the school day when you can go home. Joint-stock company
Lip balm noun Lip salve Honours degree noun A university degree that's above the basic level in one or two particular subjects at a British university. Judgment call
Liquor store noun Off-licence Hoo-ha noun Noisy talk or excitement about something unimportant. Juice (st) up (make more interesting)
Little Dipper (group of stars) noun The Little Bear Hood noun A folding cover on a car or a pram, which gives protection from the rain. Juiced (drunk)
Liverwurst noun Liver sausage Hoop-la noun A game in which prizes can be won by throwing a ring over an object from a distance. Jump (have sex)
Locker room noun Changing room/Dressing room Hooter noun A piece of equipment that makes a loud noise, used on cars, ships, factories, etc. Jump (stat a car in which the battery has lost power)
Loitering (law) noun Loitering with intent Hooter noun Slang. Your nose. Junior high school/Junior high
Lollypop noun Lollipop/Lolly Hose pipe noun A long hose. Junior varsity
Longsighted noun Short-sighted Hotpot noun A mixture of meat, potatoes and onions, cooked slowly together. Junk yard
Longways (direction in position of the longest side) adv Lengthways House noun A group of children of different ages at the same school which competes against other groups in the school. In sports, etc. Justice of the Peace
Longwearing adj Hard-wearing House of Commons noun The part of the British parliament whose members are elected by the people. Kaffeeklatch
Lost-and-found noun Lost property House of Lords noun The part of the British parliament whose members are not elected but have positions because of their rank or title. Katydid (grasshopper)
Lost-and-found (office) noun Lost property office House of Parliament noun The buildings where the British parliament meets, or the parliament itself. Kegger (party)
Low gear (driving slowly) noun Bottom gear Household noun All the people who live together in one house. Kewpie doll/Kewpie
Luggage rack noun Roof-rack Housemaster/Housemistress noun A male or female teacher who's in charge of one of the houses in a school. Key (st) to (slightly change a system to adapt it)
Lumber (wood) noun Timber Housing association noun An association in Britain, formed by a group of people so that they can build homes for themselves, or buy homes of their own. Khakis (trousers)
Lumbermill noun Sawmill Howler noun Informal. A stupid mistake that makes people laugh. Kibble (dog food)
Lunch lady noun Dinner lady HP abb An abbreviation of Hire Purchase. Kibitz/Kibitzer (unhelpful comments)
Lupine (plant) noun Lupin HRH abb An abbreviation of His/Her Royal Highness. Kick (sb)'s ass (expression)
Mail noun Post Humbug noun A sweet made of hard boiled sugar, usually tasting of mint. Kick in (contribute)
Mail carrier/Mailman noun Postman/Post Woman/Post Carrier Hump verb Informal. To carry something heavy somewhere, especially with difficulty. Kick-ass
Mailbag noun Postbag Hump-backed bridge/Hump-back bridge noun A short steep bridge. Kickball (game)
Mailbag noun Postbag Hung parliament noun A parliament in which no one political party has more elected representatives than the others added together. Kid sister/brother (to refer to younger siblings)
Mailbox noun Post box/Letter box/Pillar box Hunt noun An organised sporting event in Britain in which people riding horses hunt foxes using dogs. Kidder (joker)
Main street noun High street Hunt saboteur noun A member of a group that tries to stop people from hunting foxes. Kiddo
Major (university) verb Read/Study/Do Hunter noun A strong horse used in Britain for hunting foxes. Kill a beer/bottle of wine/etc. (expression)
Mama's boy noun Mummy's boy/Mother's boy Hunting verb The sporting of hunting foxes in Britain. Foxhunting. Killer (adj) (very good, attractive)
Maneuver verb Manoeuvre Huntsman noun The person in charge of the dogs in foxhunting. Kimono (informal piece of clothing)
Maneuverable adj Manoeuvrable Hypermarket noun A very large supermarket, usually built outside a town. Kindergarten (children aged 5)
Maneuvering noun Manoeuvring Ignorant adj Informal. Rude or impolite. Kiss (sb)'s ass (expression)
Marriage license noun Marriage licence Ill adj Suffering from the effects of an injury. IE: 'Two policemen still seriously ill with gunshot wounds'. Kiss Kringle (Santa Claus)
Math noun Maths Ill adv Not well or not enough, badly. Kiss up to (try to please someone)
Means of transportation noun Means of transport Ill noun (plural). Problems and difficulties or harm, evil or bad luck. Kiss-ass
Means of transportation noun Means of transport Ill adj Bad or harmful. IE: 'She suffered no ill effects'. Kite (an illegal cheque)
Measuring cup noun Measuring jug Immediately conj Formal. Used instead of 'as soon as'. Kite/Kite up (to raise the cost of something)
Meat grinder noun Mincer Immersion heater noun An electric water heater that provides hot water for a house. Klansman (member of the KKK)
Mechanical pencil noun Propelling pencil In care noun A child that's being looked after in a local council home not by their parents. Klutz
Median strip/Median reservation (Divided highway) noun Central reservation In plaster noun If you have a leg, arm, etc. in plaster you have a plaster cast around a bone that's broken to keep it in place while it mends. Knobby/Knobbly
Men's room (toilet) noun The gents/Gents In/Out tray noun For holding documents you have to deal with or you already have dealt with. Knock (sb)'s socks off (expression)
Merchant navy noun Merchant marine Inbuilt adj A quality, feature, etc. that's part of the caracter of someone or something and cannot be removed. Knock (st) down (quickly drink a lot of alcohol)
Meter maid/Traffic cop noun Traffic warden Indeed adv Used to emphasise the word 'very' in expressions such as 'very good indeed'./Used to express disbelief, surprise or annoyance. 'has he, indeed?' Knock (st) out (produce something easily and quickly)
Midrif noun Midriff Indent verb To order goods by writing on an official form. Knock (st) over (to rob a place and threaten to attack)
Miniature/Mini golf noun Crazy golf Indent noun An order for goods to be sent abroad, or for supplies for an army./An official written order for goods. Knock-down-drag-out (extreme methods to win)
Minimum security prison noun Open prison Indentation noun The act of indenting. Knock/throw (sb) for a loop (to surprise and upset sb)
Moisturizer noun Moisturiser Index-linked adj Wages, pensions, etc. that increase or decrease according to the rise or fall of prices. Knockoff (a cheap copy of something expensive)
Molasses noun Treacle Indicate verb To show the direction in which you intend to turn in a vehicle, using lights or your hands. Knucklehead
Mold noun/verb Mould Industrial action noun A protest such as a strike used by workers in a disagreement with their employer. Kook/Kooky (silly or crazy)
Molder noun Moulder Industrial estate noun A piece of land on the edge of a town planned as a place for factories and small businesses. KP (work done in a kitchen at camp)
Molding noun Moulding Industrial tribunal noun A type of court in Britain to which individual workers can take complains against their employers. Kvetch (verb/noun constantly complain about something)
Moldy adj Mouldy Inertia selling noun The practice of sending goods to people who haven't asked for them and then demanding payment if the gods aren't returned. Labor Day
Mollusk noun Mollusc Infant school noun A primary school for children aged between four and seven in Britain. Ladyfinger
Molt verb Moult Infants noun (plural). Children in school in Britain between the ages of four and seven. Lame duck president/administration/etc.
Mom noun Mum Inflammable adj Materials or substances that start to burn very easily. Lamebrain (a stupid person)
Mommy noun Mummy Inglenook noun A seat by the side of a large open fireplace, or the space that it's in. Lamp-post (a pole supporting an old-fashioned lamp)
Moneymaker (business) noun Money-spinner Injury time noun Playing time aded on to a game such as football because of time lost when players are injured. Land office (government office)
Monkey bars noun Climbing frame Inland Revenue noun The government department which collects national taxes in Britain. Land on (to speak angrily to someone)
Monkey wrench (tool) noun Adjustable spanner Inquire verb Make a formal investigation. Landscaper
Mono/Mononucleosis noun Glandular fever Inspector noun Someone whose job is to visit schools and judge the quality of the teaching. Laprobe (blanket for travelling)
Morgue noun Mortuary Inspector of taxes noun A government official who calculates what tax each person should pay. Lardass (insult, fat)
Mortician/Funeral director noun Undertaker International noun Someone who plays for one of their country's sports teams. Lariat (lasso)
Motorcycle noun Motorbike Inverted snobbery noun The idea that everything that's typical of the upper classes must be bad. Last hurrah
Movie noun Film ITV noun Independent Television. A group of British television companies that are paid for by advertising. Latino
Movie star noun Film star Jacked potato noun A potato baked with its skin on. Laundry list
Movie theater/The movies noun Cinema Jaffa noun A large orange, especially one that comes from Israel. Law enforcement agent (police)
Moving van noun Removal van Jammy adj Slang. Very lucky. Law maker
Muffin tin/Cake pan noun Cake tin Jar noun Informal. A glass of beer. Law man
Muffler noun Silencer Jelle/Gel verb If a thought, plan, etc. jells, it becomes clearer or more definite. Law school
Music box noun Musical box Jellied adj Cooked or served in jelly. Lawn sign (political party you support)
Mustache noun Moustache Jelly baby noun A small soft sweet made in the shape of a baby in a variety of colours. Lay over (to stay somewhere for a short time before continuing)
Mustachioed noun Moustachioed Jerry/Jerries noun An insulting word meaning a German. Layaway (a method of buying goods)
Mutual fund noun Unit trust Jiffy bag noun A thick soft envelope used for posting things that might break. Lead-off (adj, happening before others)
Naugahyde (similar to leather) noun Leatherette Job centre noun A British Government service where jobs are advertised and training courses are provided for people who are looking for a job. Leash (verb, put a lead on a dog)
Near-sighted adj Short-sighted Jobber noun Someone whose job is buying and selling stocks. Leastwise/Leastways (adv, similar to 'anyway')
Net judge (tennis) noun Net cord judge Jobbing gardener/painter/etc. noun Someone who does small pieces of work for different people. Left-handed compliment
News bulletin (very short update on important news) noun Newsflash Jobs worth noun Informal. Someone who follows the rules of their job too exactly without using any imagination. Lefty/Leftie (someone who favours their left hand)
Night depository (bank) noun Night safe Jock noun Informal. An insulting word for someone from Scotland. Leisure suit
Non-profit adj Non-profitmaking Johnny noun Slang. Another word for 'condom'. Lemon (something useless because it fails to work)
Nonplused adj Nonplussed Joint noun A large piece of meat for cooking, usually containing a bone. Let out (to open so people can leave)
Noodle (brain, head) noun Noddle Joint honours degree noun A university degree course in Britain in which two main subjects are studied. Letter (noun, reward for playing in school sports)
Normalcy noun Normality Jokey/Joky adj Not serious and tending to make people laugh. Letter (verb, reward for playing in school sports)
 AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Note card noun Notelet Jolly adj Happy and cheerful. Letter perfect (correct in every detail)
Nutcracker noun Nutcrackers Jotter noun A small book for writing notes in. Letter/Letter-size (paper)
Oarlock (rowing boat) noun Rowlock Journey noun A trip from one place to another, especially over a long distance. Level (tool)
Oatmeal noun Porridge Joy noun (questions or negatives). Sucess in doing what you're trying to do. 'You could ask the library to trace the book, but I doubt you'll get any joy' Leverage (make money)
Obligate verb Oblige JP noun Justice of the Palace. A magistrate in Britain. Light out (run away afraid)
Obstacle course noun Assault course Jugged hare noun A dish made of hare that has been cooked in liquid. Limousine (bus from airports)
Odometer noun Mileometer/Milometer Jump jet noun An aircraft that can take off and land by going straight up and down. Linden (lime tree)
Off-the-rack (clothes) adj Off-the-peg Jumped-upp adj Believing you're more important than you really are. Liner notes (printed information on the cover of a record)
Offense noun Offence Junior noun Someone who has a low rank in an organisation or profession. Liquor (specifically a strong alcoholic drink)
Office (room where doctor or dentist gives treatment noun Surgery Junior noun A pupil in a Junior school. Listen up (expression, to get attention)
Office building noun Office block Junior school noun A primary school in Britain for children aged seven to eleven. Lite beer
Oil pan (engine) noun Sump KC abb King's Counsel. The highest level of barrister when the ruler is a king. Live high on the hog (expression)
Old folks (old people) noun Old folk Keen adj Someone who's very interested in something or is eager to do it. Living will (legal document)
Omelet noun Omelette Keep fit noun A class in which you do exercises to keep yourself healthy. Load/Bunch of crap (expression)
One-shot adj One-off Kertuffle noun Informal. Unnecessary noise and activity. Fuss. Loan (to lend someone something)
One-way (ticket) adj Single Key verb To prepare a surface so that a covering such as paint will stick to it. Local (branch of a trade union)
Open house (school, company, etc.) noun Open day Kibble verb To crush grain into small pieces. Local (bus, train, etc.)
Open-cut (mining) adj Opencast Kiddie/Kiddy noun Informal. A young child. Local paper (paper printed in a town that offers all news)
Open-faced sandwich noun Open sandwich Kindergarten/Nursery/Playgroup/Preschoo noun A school for children aged one to four. Locate (to start a business in a particular place)
Operating room/Surgery noun Operating theatre Kip noun Informal. A period of sleep. Locker (cold room for storing food)
Orient verb Orientate Kip verb To sleep. To lie down in order to sleep. Lockstep (following rules without thinking)
Oriented adj Orientated Kiss of life noun Something that helps you continue an activity that you thought would fail. Lodge (hotel in the mountains)
Outlet (electrical) noun Power point Kit noun Set of clothes and equipment that you use when playing a sport. Log rolling (praise or help to get the same in return)
Outmaneuver verb Outmanoeuvre Kit bag/Kitbag noun A long narrow bag used by soldiers, sailors, etc. for carrying their clothes and other possessions. Log rolling (US congress practice)
Overalls/Overall noun Dungarees Kitchen roll/Kitchen towel noun Another word for 'papel roll'. Also Loge (seats in a theatre or a concert hall)
Overhand (throw) adj/adv Overarm Kitchen sink drama noun A serious play or film about problems that families have at home. Look-see (quick look at something)
Overhead (money spent regularly on bills) noun Overheads Knacker's yard/Knacker's noun A place where horses are killed. Louse up (make something worse)
Overpass (bridge) noun Flyover Knackered adj Extremely tired. Lousy (adj, as a measurement of amount)
Pacifier noun Dummy/Comforter Knackered adj Too old or broken to use. Loveseat (small sofa)
Pack (small container) noun Packet Knave noun The playing card with a value between the ten and queen. Jack. Low man on the totem pole (expression)
Pack trip noun Pony-trekking Knees-up noun Informal. A noisy party. Low-life (adj)
Pack trip noun Pony-trekking Knighthood noun A special rank or title that's given by the King or Queen in Britain. Lowlife (someone involved in crime, bad)
Package (object wrapped and sent by post) noun Parcel Knob noun Slang. A penis. Lowrider (a car that's low or the person driving one)
Paddle tennis noun Table tennis Knock-up noun A short period of time before a game when the players practise, especially in tennis. Lox (smoked preserved salmon)
Pajamas noun Pyjamas Knockabout adj Entertainers that make people laugh with their silly behaviour. For example by falling over things and pushing each other around. Luck out (be lucky)
Pan (metal container for baking things) noun Tin Knockout noun A competition in which winning players or teams continue playing until there's only one winner. Lumber (verb, cut down trees to make timber)
Panties noun Knickers L-plate noun A flat white square with a red letter L on it that must be fixed to the back and front of a car being driven by a learner in Britain. Lumberyard
Pantry noun Larder Lab abb The written abbreviation of Labour Party. Lunchroom
Pants noun Trousers/Kecks Labour adj Supporting or connected with the British Labour Party. Lunkhead (insult)
Pantsuit noun Trousersuit Labour Party/The Labour Party/Labour noun A political party in Britain that aims to improve social conditions for ordinary working people and poorer people Ma'am (polite way of addressing a woman)
Pantyhose/Pantihose noun Tights Lace-up adj Shoes fastened with laces. made-to-order (adj)
Pap smear noun Smear test Lace-ups noun Shoes fastened with laces. Magnet school
Paraffin noun Candle-wax/Paraffin wax Lad noun A boy or young man. Mail drop (address to get post)
Parcheesi noun Ludo Laddy/Laddie noun Informal. A boy. Mailer (container or envelope)
Parentheses noun Brackets Lady noun Used in the title of women with a high official position. 'Lady President'. Main Street (ordinary people with traditional values)
Parimutuel (horse racing) noun Tote Ladyship noun A humorous way of talking about a woman who thinks she's very important. Mainstream (verb, disabled child in ordinary classes)
Park ranger noun Ranger Lag verb To cover water pipes, etc. with a special material to prevent heat from being lost. Major (noun, the main subject studied in university)
Parking garage noun Multi-storey/Multi-storey car park Lager noun A light coloured beer or a glass of that beer. Major (noun, the person studying such a subject)
Parking light noun Sidelight Lager lout noun A young man who drinks too much and then behaves violently or rudely. Major Leagues
Parking lot noun Car park Lamp-post noun A tall pole supporting a lamp that lights a street or public area. Major-league (adj)
Parochial school noun Faith school Land registry noun A government office in Britain that keeps records about the sales and ownership of land. Major/Major in (verb, study in university)
Part (hair) noun Parting Land Rover noun A type of strong car made or travelling over rough ground. Make a fuss of (sb)
Patrol wagon (police vehicle to move prisoners) noun Black maria Landlady/Landlord noun A man or a woman who owns or is in charge of a pub. Make it big (be successful)
Patronage (support to a particular shop) noun Custom Lash-up noun Informal. An arrangement on things, for example electrical equipment or wires, put together quickly to be used for only a short time. Make it with (have sex)
Pay envelope (wages) noun Pay packet/Wage packet Lass noun A girl or young woman. Make like (phr verb, pretend)
Pay raise noun Pay rise Last post noun The tune played on a bugle at British military funerals or to call soldiers back to camp for the night. Make out (kiss)
Paycheck noun Paycheque Latch noun A kind of lock for a door that you can open from the insie by turning a handle but that you need a key to open from the outside. Make out (succeed in a particular way)
PE (Physical education, subject) noun PT (Physical Training) Lav noun Slang. A lavatory. A toilet. Make out like a bandit (expression)
Peddler (walking salesperson) noun Pedlar Lay-by noun A space next to a road where vehicles can stop. Make the team (be chosen for a team)
Pedestrian mall noun Pedestrian precinct Layabout noun Informal. A lazy person who avoids work, responsibility, etc. Make-work (unimportant work)
Pen pal noun Pen friend Leaded lights noun Windows with thin narrow pieces of lead separating small pieces of glass shaped like squares or diamonds. Mall (shopping centre)
Pencil pusher (boring worker in n office) noun Pen pusher Leader/Leading article noun A piece of writing in a newspaper giving the paper's opinion on a subject. Malt liquour (beer)
Pennies noun Pence League table noun A list that shows the positions of people, teams or organisations that are competing against each other. Malt/Malted (drink made of milk and malt)
Pepper shaker noun Pepper pot Learner driver noun Someone who's learning to drive a car. Mama/Mamma/Momma
Period (.) noun Full stop Leasehold adj Property that's owned only for as long as is stated in a lease. Man (expression, to emphasise what you're saying)
Persnickety (fussy) adj Pernickety Leaseholder noun Someone who lives in a leasehold house, flat, etc. Mantel (mantelpiece)
Personal organizer noun Personal organiser Lech/Lectch noun An insulting word for a man who's always thinking about sex or trying to get sexual pleasure. Mark (someone a criminal has decided to steal or trick)
Pet peeve noun Pet hate Lech/Lectch verb Informal. To show sexual desire for a woman in a way that's unpleasant or annoying. Market (shop that sells food and things for the home)
Pharmacist noun Chemist Lecture noun A long talk given to a group of people on a particular subject, especially as a method of teaching in universities. Marquee (large sign)
Phenobarbital (drug) noun Phenobarbitone Lecture verb To talk to a group of people on a particular subject, especially as a method of teaching at a university. Marshal (officer in charge of the police or fire-fighting)
Phone booth noun Phone box/Call box Lecturer noun Someone who has the lowest teaching rank at a British university. Marshal (official in a court of law)
Phony (fake) adj Phoney Lectureship noun The lowest teaching rank at a British university. Mason jar
Physical (examination) noun Medical Leeway noun Time that you've lost that means that you're at a disadvantage. Mate (pair of objects)
Pickax noun Pickaxe Left luggage office noun A place in a station, airport, etc. where you can pay to leave your bags and get them later. Mate (significant other)
Picket fence noun Fence Lefty/Leftie noun Informal. A humorous or slightly insulting way of talking about someone who has left-wing political ideas. Matron (women in charge of women and children)
Pin (jewellery) noun Brooch Leg noun One of the matches of a knockout football competition that's played in two matches. Usually one home and one away. Maven (someone who knows a lot)
Pinking scissors noun Pinking shears Leg-pull noun A joke in which you make someone believe something that's not true. Max out (expression)
Pinky (finger) noun Pinkie Leg-up noun To help someone succeed at their job. Mayo (short for mayonnaise)
Pinto (horse) noun Piebald Legless adj Informal. Drunk. Mayor (government of a town or city)
Pinwheel noun Windmill Leisure centre noun A place where you can do many different sports, activities, exercise, lessons, etc. MC (abbreviation of member of congress)
Pit (large seed in fruits) noun/verb Stone Lemon noun A drink made from lemon. Mean (use for emphasis informally)
Pit (stock exchange) noun Floor Lemon noun Informal. A silly person. Measuring cup
Pita bread noun Pitta bread Lemon curd noun A sweet food made of eggs. Meat-packing
Pitcher noun Jug Lemonade noun A sweet, colourless fizzy drink. Medic (army)
Pitcher (baseball) noun Bowler Let verb To allow someone to use a room or building in return for money every week or month. Medicaid
Pitchfork noun Fork Let noun A period during which a house or flat is rented to someone. Medicare
Plastic wrap/Saran Wrap noun Clingfilm Let noun A house or flat that can be rented. Membership in (...)
Play house (small house for children to play in) noun Wendy house Letting noun A house or flat that can be rented. Mensch
Play-Doh noun Plasticine Leucotomy noun Another word for 'lobotomy'. Mezzanine (balcony in a theatre)
Plexiglass noun Perspex Level adk Two sports teams, competitors, etc. that are level have the same number of points. MIA (missing in action)
Plow noun/verb Plough Level-pegging noun If competitors in a race, election, etc. are level-pegging, they're equal with each other because no one has special advantages. Midterm (examination)
 AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Plowshare (metal blade) noun Ploughshare Lib abb The written abbreviation of Liberal. Midtown (area of a city near the centre)
Podiatrist noun Chiropodist Liberal noun Someone who supports or belongs to the Liberal Democrats in Britain. Mighty (very)
Podium (for books or a speech) noun Lectern Liberal Democrats/Lib Dem noun A British political party of the centre. Milepost (sign that shows the distance in miles)
Polling place noun Polling station Liberal studies noun Subjects that are taught in order to increase student's general knowledge and their ability to write, speak and study more efficiently. Military Academy (private school with military training)
Polyethylene noun Polythene Library pictures noun Pictures shown in a television programme that were made at a previous time. Milk run (a train journey or plane flight with many stops)
Poop verb/noun Poo Licensed noun Having a licence to sell alcoholic drinks. Milk shake (drink made with milk, ice cream, etc.)
Pope's nose (cooked part of a chicken) noun Parson's nose Licensed victualler noun An owner of a shop or a pub who's allowed to sell alcoholic drinks. Milk weed
Popsicle noun Ice lolly/Lolly Licensing laws noun The laws that say when and where you can sell alcohol. Mince pie (large pie filled with mincemeat)
Porch (side of the house) noun Veranda Lido noun An outdoor public area, often a beach, lake, etc. for swimming and lying in the sun. Mind (verb, obey)
Pork rinds noun Scratchings Lie down noun A short rest, usually on a bed. Mind the store (expression)
Portacrib noun Carrycot Lie-in noun An occasion when you stay in bed longer than usual in the morning. Minimart
Positive discrimination noun Affirmative action Lighting up time noun The time of the evening when the street lights come on and you must put your car lights on. Minivan
Postal service noun Royal Mail Lightning strike noun A strike without any warning. Minor league (baseball)
Postpaid (free letters) adv Post-free Lilo noun A rubber mattress filled with air and used as a bed or for floating on water. Minor/Minor in (subject in university)
Potted plant noun Pot plant Limited adj Ltd (abbreviation). Used after the name of British business companies that have limited liability. Minority (someone who belongs to a minority)
Pound sign (#) noun Hash sigh Line noun A row of people standing next of each other. Minority leader (political party)
Powdered sugar/Confectioner's sugar noun Icing sugar Linen cupboard noun A special cupboard in which sheets, towels, etc. are kept. Mint julep (drink with alcohol)
Practice verb Practise Lines noun A punishment given to school children that consists of writing the same thing a lot of times. Minute man (soldier)
Practiced adj Practised Linesman noun An official in a sport who decides when a ball has gone out of the playing area. Misstep (a mistake)
Practicing adj Practising Lino noun Informal. Another word for 'linoleum'. Mister (to address a man whose name you don't know)
Prenatal adj Antenatal Lippy adj Informal. Not showing respect in the way that you speak to someone. Mixer (party)
Pretense noun Pretence Liquidiser noun A small electric machine that makes solid foods into liquids. Mo (abbreviation for 'month')
Preterit noun Preterite Liquor noun An alcoholic drink. Mobile home (a house that can be moved)
Preview (film) noun Trailer Listed building noun A building of historical interest in Britain, that's protected by government order. Mobster
Principal (school) noun Headmaster/Head teacher/The head Listen noun Informal. An act of listening. IE: 'Have a listen'. Mocha (combination of chocolate and coffee)
Prison warden/Warden noun Governor Literal noun A printing mistake, especially in the spelling of a word. Another word for 'typo'. Moll (a criminal's girlfriend)
Proctor (in written examinations) noun Invigilator Litter bin/Litter basket noun A container in a public place for people to throw their rubbish in. Mom-and-pop (business operated by a family)
Program noun/verb Programme Litter bug/Litter lout noun Someone who leaves rubbish on the ground in public places. Momentarily (very soon)
Prophesy noun Prophecy Little horror noun A young child who behaves badly. Mooch (get something for free instead of paying)
Public company (with its shares for sale) noun Public corporation Liverish adj Informal. Slightly ill, especially after eating or drinking too much. Moola/Moolah (slang, money)
Public transportation noun Public transport Livery noun A set of colours and designs used by a company on its property and vehicles. Moonshine (alcoholic drink)
Public transportation noun Public transport Loan verb To lend something valuable, such as a painting, to an organisation. Moot (situation that's no longer likely to happen)
Pump (shoe) noun Court shoe Lobby noun A hall in the British Parliament where members of parliament and the public meet. Moot court (a court for law students to practise)
Punching bag noun Punchbag Lobby noun One of the two passages in the British Parliament where members go vote for or against a bill. Mortuary (place where a body is kept before a funeral)
Purse noun Handbag Local noun A pub near where you live, especially one where you often drink. Mosey (walk slowly and relaxed)
Push-up (exercise) noun Press-up Local authority noun The group of people elected or paid to be government of a particular area, town or city in Britain. Most (informal for almost)
Pvt (private, soldier) abb Pte Local rag noun A local newspaper that gives mainly local news. Mother (adj, very large)
Quantum jump (important improvement) noun Quantum leap Lock noun The degree to which a vehicle's steering wheel can be turned in order to turn the vehicle. Mother lode
Quarter note (music) noun Crotchet Lock-up garage noun A garage that you can rent to keep cars, goods, etc. in. Motherfucker
Quarter rest (music) noun Crotchet rest Locum noun A doctor or priest who does another doctor's or priest's work while they're on holiday, ill, etc. Motherfucking
Quiet verb Quieten Lodgings noun A house where you pay rent to the owner so you can live in of their rooms. Motion picture
Quotation marks ('' '') noun Inverted commas Loft noun A room or space under the roof of a building. Another word for 'attic'. Motion sickness
Race car noun Racing car Log book noun An official document containing details about a vehicle and the name of its owner. Motor inn (motel)
Racetrack (horses) noun Racecourse Lollipop man/Lollipop lady noun A man or woman whose job's to help school children cross a road safely. Motor lodge (motel)
Radial tire noun Radial tyre Long-life adj Long-life milk, batteries, etc. are treated so that they stay fresh or continue working for a long time. Motor pool (car pool)
Radioactive dating (calculating age of old objects) noun Carbon dating Look sharp verb Used to tel someone to do something quickly. Motordrome (track to watch races)
Railroad (train) noun Railway Lord noun The title of someone who has a particular type of official job. IE: 'Lord Major of London'. Move out (to leave, not in the sense of residence)
Railroad station noun Railway station Lot noun A group of people or things. Mover (sb whose job is to help people move houses)
Raise (animals in farms) verb Rear Lounge noun A comfortable room where you relax in your home. Moviegoer
Raise (increase in money) noun Rise Lounge/Lounge bar noun A room with comfortable furniture in a pub. Moxie (courage and determination)
Raise (plants in farms) verb Grow Love/Lovey/Luvvie/Luv noun Term of endearment. MS (Master of Science)
Ramp (road) noun Slip road Lovely adj Beautiful or attractive. Friendly and pleasant. Very enjoyable. Mudflat (muddy bottom of a dry lake)
Rangetop/Stovetop noun Hob Loveseat noun A seat in the shape of an S for two people, designed so they can face each other. Muffin (small cake with bits of fruit or chocolate)
Rapid transit (subway) noun Rapid transit system Low Church noun The part of the Church of England that believes in the importance of faith and studying the Bible rather than in religious ceremonies. Mug (make silly expressions with your face)
Rappel verb Abseil Low season noun The time of year when there's the least business for hotels, shops, etc. Mukluks (boots made of animal skin)
Realizable adj Realisable Lower Sixth Form/Year Twelve noun The first year of Sixth Form College. Murphy's law
Realtor/Real estate agent noun Estate agent Lug/Lughole noun Humorous. Another word for 'ear'. Mush (thick porridge)
Recess noun Break/Break time Luggage van noun The part of a train that boxes, cases, etc. are carried in. Mustang (horse)
Red-haired adj Ginger Lumber noun Informal. Large objects that are no longer useful or wanted. Muu-muu (long loose dress)
Reflectors noun Cats eyes Lumber room noun A room where old furniture, broken machines, etc. are kept. Nail (sb) to the wall/cross (punish someone severely)
Reformatory/Reform school noun Community home Lump noun Someone who's stupid. Nail (sb/st) down (reach a final decision)
Registered mail noun Registered post Luncheon voucher noun A special ticket sometimes given to people in Britain by their employers, that can be used to buy meals or food. Name (sb) to (st) (officially choose someone)
Rejigger verb Rejig Lurgy noun Humorous. An illness, especially one that's infectious but not serious. Narc (police that deals with illegal drugs)
Relief (money for the poor by the government) noun Benefit M abb The abbreviation of 'motorway'. Narc (verb, to secretly tell on someone to the police)
Report card (school) noun Report M'lud noun Used to address a judge in a British court of law. Narcotics (illegal drugs)
Resident (doctor) noun Registrar Ma'am noun A way of addressing the Queen and some women in authority. National Guard
Resumé noun Curriculum vitae/CV Mac/Mack/Mackintosh noun A coat worn to keep out the rain. National League (baseball)
Retainers (teeth) noun Braces Mad adj Very silly or unwise, crazy. Neat (expression, nice or pleasant)
Rev (Reverend) abb Revd Mad adj Behaving in a wild, uncontrolled way, without thinking about what you're doing. Necktie
Ride (car) noun Lift Madness noun Very stupid behaviour that could be dangerous. Nervy (brave and confident)
Roasting pan noun Roasting tin Magic adj (not before noun). Very good or very enjoyable. Neutralist
Roomate noun Housemate/Flatmate * Magistrates' Court noun The lowest court of law in England and Wales, which deals with less serious crimes. New kid on the block (expression)
Roomer (someone who rents a room in a house) noun Lodger Maid of honour noun A type of small cake. New rich (people who became rich)
Rooming house (where rooms can be rented) noun Lodging house Maiden speech noun The first speech that someone makes in parliament. Newscast (news programme)
Rooster noun Cock Mains gas/electricity/water noun The public supply of gas, electricity, water, etc. through large pipes or wires. Nickel-and-dime (unimportant, cheap)
Rootbound (plant) adj Potbound Maisonette noun A flat, usually on two floors, that's part of a larger house. Nighthawk (a night person)
Round-trip (ticket) adj Return Makers noun A firm that makes or produces something. Nights (done regularly or often at night, 'work nights')
Roundabout (children's game centre) noun Merry-go-round Managing directior noun Someone who's in charge of a large company or organisation. Nightstand (bedside table)
Row house noun Terraced house Mancunian noun/adj Someone who lives or comes from Manchester. No way (expression, surprise or disbelief)
Rowboat noun Rowing boat Manky adj Informal. Looking dirty and unattractive. No-account/No-count (lazy and unachieving person)
Rubber band noun Elastic band Manor noun Slang. An area that a particular police station is responsible for. No-show (verb)
Rubbing alcohol (alcohol for cleaning woods) noun Surgical spirit Mantelshelf noun The top part of a mantelpiece that can be used as a shelf. Nonpareil (to decorate cakes)
Rube Goldberg (complicated, impractical) adj Heath Robinson Marge noun Informal. Another word for 'margarine'. Nosh (a snack)
Rummage (things sold at a jumble sale) noun Jumble Mark verb To stay close to a player of the opposite team during a game. Not be whistling Dixie (expression)
Rummage sale/Yard sale noun Jumble sale Marker pen noun A pen with a thick point made of felt. Not have a pot to piss in (expression)
Run (in stockings or tights) verb Ladder Market day noun The day in the week where there's a market in particular town. Notch (passage between two mountains)
Rutabaga noun Swede Market town noun A town where there's an outdoor market, usually once or twice a week. Nothing (zero, 'we won five to nothing')
S-curve (dangerous curve in a road) noun S-bend Marquee noun A large tent at an oudoor event or celebration, used especially for eating or drinking in. Notions (sewing)
Sailboat noun Sailing boat Marquis/Marquess noun A man who, in the British system of noble titles, has a rank between Duke and Earl. Novocain
Salesclerk noun Shop assistant Marshal noun An official in charge of an important public event or ceremony. Nurturance
Salt shaker noun Salt cellar Marshalling yard noun A place where railway wagons are brought together to form trains. Nut (crazy)
 AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Salt truck (vehicle that puts salt on the roads in winte noun Gritter Mash noun Informal. Potatoes that have been boiled and then crushed until they're smooth. Mashed potatoes. Ob/Gyn
Sandbox noun Sandpit Master noun The person who's in charge of some British universities. Oblong (longer than it's wide)
Sandtrap/Trap (golf) noun Bunker Match noun An organised event between two teams or people. Off (kill someone)
Sanitarium noun Sanatorium Mate noun Informal. A friend. Off limits (area not allowed to go to)
Sanitary napkin noun Sanitary pad/Sanitary towel Mate noun Informal. Used by men as a friendly way to adress a man. Off-ramp (highway)
Sappy (expressiong love and emotions) adj Soppy Mate noun (Builder's mate/Plumber's mate/etc.) Someone who works with and helps a skilled worker. Off-track (horse racing)
Savings and loan association noun Building society Matey adj Informal. Behaving as if you were someone's friend. Off-year (year with no elections)
Sawed-off shotgun noun Sawn-off shotgun Matey noun Used by men as a very informal or disrespectful way of addressing other men. Officer (police)
Scalawag noun Scallywag Matron noun A woman who works as a nurse in a school. OJ (orange juice)
Scale (for weighing things) noun Scales Mature student noun A student at a university who's over twenty-five years old. OK (nice and helpful person)
Scalper (reseller of entertainment tickets) noun Ticket tout/Touter Mayor noun Someone who's chosen or elected each year in Britain to represent a town or city at official public ceremonies. Old Glory (US flag)
Schedule (buses, trains, aeroplanes) noun Timetable MBE noun Member of the Order of the British Empire. A special honour given to some British people for things they've done for their country. Old timer (an old man)
School lunch noun School dinner Measuring jug noun A glass or plastic container used for measuring liquid when cooking. Old-fashioned (drink)
Scotch tape noun Sellotape/Cellotape Media studies noun The study of newspapers, radio and television. Olive drab (colour)
Scratch paper noun Scrap paper Medic noun A medical student. On (in a road, 'on Fifth Drive', 'I met Amy on the street')
Scrub brush noun Scrubbing brush Medical practitioner noun Formal. A doctor. On the lam (escaping from someone)
Sedan (car) noun Saloon Meet noun An occasion when a group of people riding horses go out to hunt foxes. On the nail (expression, completely correct)
Seed (in fruits) noun Pips Member/MP/Member of Parliament noun Someone who's been elected to represent the people in a parliament. On the nose (expression, exactly)
Seeing eye dog noun Guide dog Mend verb To repair something that's broken or not working. One ('she's one fantastic girl')
Self-defense noun Self-defence Mender noun Someone who repairs things that are broken or not working. One-stop (shop)
Self-rising flour noun Self-raising flour Mental noun Slang. Thinking or behaving in a way that seems crazy or strange. Onionskin (paper)
Semi (truck) noun Artic/Articulated lorry/Juggernaut MEP noun Member of the European Parliament. Someone who's been elected as a member of the Parliament of the European Union. Onramp (highway)
Semi-skimmed (milk) noun Two-percent milk Mews noun A small street or yard surrounded by houses in a city, where horses used to be kept. Oped page (newspapers)
Serving spoon noun Tablespoon Mexican wave noun The effect that's made when all the people watching a game of football (or any other sport) stand up and move their arms up and down. Open bar
Severance pay noun Redundancy pay Midlands noun The central part of England. Open house (to sell houses)
Sewage plant noun Sewage farm Midsummer Day/Midsummer's Day noun The 24th of June. Open mike
Shell (bullet) noun Cartridge Miffed adj Slightly annoyed or upset. Operative (someone that does secret work)
Shift (gear) verb Change Mightn't mod verb Informal. The short form of 'might not'. Optician (person who creates reading glasses)
Shirtwaist (woman's dress that looks like a shirt) noun Shirtwaister Mild noun Dark beer with a mild taste. Oral (spoken test for a master's degree)
Shopping center noun Shopping centre Miles out adj Informal. A measurement, guess or calculation that's miles out is completely wrong. Oral surgeon (a plain dentist)
Shopping/Tote bag noun Carrier bag Military Cross noun A medal given to British army officers for being brave in battle. Ordinance (law by a city or a town)
Shopworn (damaged because it's been in a shop) adj Shop-soiled Milk churn noun A large metal container with a lid used to carry milk from farms. Orientation (training and preparation for a new job)
Shot (injection) noun Jab Milk loaf noun A loaf of white bread made with milk. Ottoman (furniture to rest feet)
Shoulder (road) noun Hard shoulder/Verge Milk pudding noun A sweet food made of rice, tapioca or sago, baked in milk. Ouster (move someone to take their place)
Shrimp (large) noun Prawn Milk run noun Informal. A familiar, easy journey that you do regularly. Out in left field (strange or unusual)
Shrmp cocktail noun Prawn cocktail Milk shake noun A drink made of milk mixed with fruit or chocolate. Out of line (unacceptable behaviour)
Sick adj Ill Milk tooth noun One of the first set of teeth developed by young children. Baby tooth. Out of town/In town/Be from out of town
Sickle-cell anemia noun Sickle-cell anaemia Mince pie noun A small sweet pie filled with mincemeat and fruits that's eaten especially at Christmas. Out of whack (not working properly)
Side-wheel (boat) noun Paddle steamer Mind verb To be responsible for something for a short time. Out-of-sight (large amount of money)
Side-wheeler (ship) noun Paddle steamer Mind verb To take care of a child while their parents aren't there. Out/Out of order (not working)
Sidewalk noun Pavement Minder noun Someone who's employed to protect another person. Outage (without electricity supply)
Sidewalk artist noun Pavement artist Mingy adj Informal. Not at all generous. Outfitter (shop that sells outdoor equipment)
Signal tower noun Signal box Mini noun A type of very small British car. Outfront (honest, transparent)
Silent partner (business) noun Sleeping partner Mini-roundabout noun a white circle painted on the road that vehicles must drive around at a place where several roads meet. Outfront (taking a leading position)
Silver anniversary noun Silver wedding Minibus noun A small bus with seats for six to twelve people. Outhouse (outside toilet)
Silverware/Flatware noun Cutlery Minicab noun A taxi that you can call for on the phone but cannot stop in the street. Outreach (services based close to people's homes to help)
Singalong noun Singsong Minister of state noun A member of the government in Britain who has an important job in a government department but isn't the chief minister. Outreach (work of a church)
Sixteenth note (music) noun Semiquaver Minster noun A large or important church. Over your head (debt)
Sixteenth rest (music) noun Semiquaver rest Minute verb To make an official note of something in the record of a meeting. Over-the-counter/OTC (business shares)
Skeet shooting noun Clay pigeon shooting Misery noun Someone who's always complaining and never enjoys anything. Overbalance (outweight)
Skeptic noun Sceptic Miss noun Used by children when addressing a female teacher, whether she's married or not. Oxford (shirt)
Skeptical adj Sceptical Miss noun A young girl, especially one who's been naughty or rude. Oxfords (shoes)
Skepticism noun Scepticism Missus/Missis noun Used when addressing a woman whose name you don't know. P.o.ed (very annoyed)
Skillet noun Frying pan Mitt noun Informal. Someone's hand. Pack a gun
Skillful adj Skilful Mixed adj For both males and females. Pack rat (someone who collects things they don't need)
Skim milk noun Skimmed milk Mixed grill noun A dish consisting of meats such as sausage, bacon, liver, etc. which have all been grilled. Package (the box, bag, etc. that foods are put in to sell)
Sled (snow vehicle) noun/verb Sledge MO/Medical Officer noun An army doctor. Pad (make bills more expensive than they are)
Slingshot noun Catapult Moan verb Informal. To complain in an annoying way, especially in an unhappy voice and without good reason. Paddle (noun, object to hit)
Slip cover (book) noun Dust jacket Mocks noun School examinations thaken as practice before official examinations. Paddle (verb, to hit someone with a paddle)
Slot machine noun Fruit machine Mod cons noun All the things that are fitted in modern houses to make life easy and comfortable. Paddy wagon (police car)
Slotted spatula noun Fish slice Modern languages noun Modern European languages, such as French or Italian, studied as a subject at school or university. Page (student who works as a helper in Congress)
Slow-down (strike) noun Go-slow Module noun One of the units that a course of study has been divided into, each of which can be studied separately. Page through (look through a book, magazine, etc.)
Slowpoke noun Slowcoach Moggy/Moggie noun Informal. A cat. Particularly, a cat from the street. Pail (container for carrying liquids)
Smack-dab adv Smack-bang Molly-coddle verb To treat someone too kindly- Pailful (the amount a pail will hold)
Small ad/Want ad (newspaper) noun Classified ad Momentarily adv For a very short time. Pal around (do things with a friend)
Smart adj Clever Moneybox noun A box for saving money in. Palimony
Smolder verb Smoulder Monkey bars noun Bars fixed to the wall in a gym. Palisades (cliffs)
Snap (clothes fastener) noun Press-stud Monkey nut noun Informal. A peanut in its shell. Pan (for finding gold)
Sneakers noun Trainers Moors/Moorlands noun A wild open area of high land, covered with rough grass or low bushes and heather, that isn't farmed because its soil isn't good enough. Pancake (thick cake)
Sneakers (shoes) noun Trainers Moreish adj Food that's moreish tastes very good and makes you want to eat more of it. Panel truck
Snicker (laugh quietly) verb Snigger Morning Prayer noun A morning church service in the Church of England. Panhandle (noun, piece of land)
Snifter (glass) noun Brandy glass Mosses basket noun A large basket with handles, inwhich a baby can sleep and be carried. Panhandle (verb, ask money in the streets)
Snow pea noun Mangetout MOT noun A regular official examination in Britain of the condition and safety of cars that are more than three years old. Paper chase (attempt to gain a degree)
Snow plow noun Snow plough Motion noun A word meaning an act of emptying your bowels, used especially by doctors and nurses. Paralegal
Soccer noun (Association) Football Motor noun Informal. A car. Pardner (expression, humorous)
Social security noun Old age pension Motor adj (only before noun). Connected with cars or other vehicles with engines. Parfait
Socket (to connect electrical equipmet) noun Plug Motorist noun Someone who drives a car. Parkway (wide road)
Soda/Soda pop noun Fizzy/Soft/Carbonated drink/Pop Motto noun An amusing remark or joke printed on a piece of paper in a Christmas cracker. Parlay
Sour cream noun Soured cream Movable feast noun Informal. Something that happens at different times, so that you're not sure exactly when it'll happen. Parlor car (special railway carriage)
Spare tire noun Spare tyre Muck noun Something such as dirt, mud, or another sticky substance that makes something dirty. Parochial school
Spark plug (car engine) noun Sparking plug Muck noun Waste matter from animals, especially waste matter that's put on land to make plants grow better. Party favors (small gifts given at parties)
Specialist (doctor) noun Consultant Muckheap noun A pile of manure in a farmyard. Party house, school (place that often has noisy parties)
Specialty noun Speciality Muckspreader noun A machine used on a farm to spread manure onto farm land. Party/Party down (verb)
Speed bump noun Sleeping policeman Mucky adj Informal. Dirty, for exaple, with mud or oil. Pathfinder
Spiderweb noun Cobweb Mucky adj A mucky joke or story, etc. is slightly rude and about sex. Patrolman (police)
Splash guard (vehicles) noun Mudflap Mucky adj Mucky weather is cold and wet. Patsy (easily tricked or deceived)
Splashboard (bathroom or kitchen) noun Splashback Muddle-headed adj Confused or not able to think clearly. Pavement (hard surface of a road)
Spoiled adj Spoilt Muddle-headedness noun Someone that's confused or not able to think clearly. Pay (sb/st) no mind (expression)
Sponge bath noun Blanket bath Mug noun Someone who's stupid and easy to deceive. Payola
Sport car noun Sports car Mug noun Slang. Someone's face. Payroll tax
Sport jacket/Sport coat noun Sports jacket Muggins noun Used jokingly to mean yourself, when you know you've been stupid and let other people treat you unfairly. Peanut gallery (theatre or cinema)
 AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Sport shirt noun Sports shirt Multiple store noun A word used especially in business meaning a chain store. Pecker (penis)
Sprinkles noun Hundreds and thousands Mushy peas noun Soft cooked peas, eaten especially in the north of England. Peddle (sell low quality goods)
Square knot (double knot) noun Reef knot Music hall noun Theatre used for music hall entertainment. Pen (penitentiary)
Sr. (Senior, abbreviation) abb Snr Mutt noun A stupid person. A fool. Penny ante (involving small sums of money)
Stall (toilet) noun Cubicle Muzzy adj Unable to think clearly, especially because you're ill or drunk. Peon (person who works at physically hard jobs)
Stanch verb Staunch Muzzy adj Not clear, blurred. Pep rally (school)
State's evidence (information exchanged) noun King's evidence Mystery tour noun A trip, usually by bus, in which people don't know where they'll be taken. Per diem (money paid to workers by the day)
Station (send someone to work abroad) verb Post Naafi noun A shop or eating place in a British military establishment. Percale (cloth)
Station wagon noun Estate car Naff adj Slang. Silly, especially in a way that shows a lack of good judgement about style, fashion, etc. Person-to person/Person-to-person call
Steamroll verb Steamroller Nail varnish noun Another word for 'nail polish'. Perhaps more common. Personal (ad in magazine or newspaper)
Stenographer noun Shorthand typist Name-tape noun A small piece of cloth with your name on it that's sewn onto clothes. Pesky (annoying and troublesome)
Stenography noun Shorthand Nan/Nanny noun Informal. a word meaning grandmother. Petrolatum (vaseline)
Step (difference in pitch) noun Tone Narky adj Slang. Bad-tempered. Petting zoo
Stevedore noun Docker Narrow boat noun A long, narow boat for use on canals. Phlox (plant)
Stinger (insect) noun Sting National Health Service/NHS noun The British system that provides free medical treatment for everyone, paid for by taxes. Physically challenged (handicapped)
Stock (actors that work together a lot) noun Stock company National Insurance noun System of insurance by the British Government in which workers and employers make payments to provide for ill, old and unemployed people. Physician (doctor)
Stock company noun Joint-stock company National service noun The system of making all men serve in the army for a limited time, whether the country is involved in a war or not. Pick (verb, play a musical instrument)
Stockholder noun Shareholder National Trust noun A British organisation which owns and takes care of many beautiful places and historic buildings in England and Wales. Pick up (make something tidier)
Stoolpigeon noun Nark Nativity noun A picture or model of the baby Jesus Christ and his parents in the place where he was born. Pick up after (sb) (tidy after someone)
Stop light noun Traffic light Natter noun Informal. The act of talking about unimportant things for fun. Pick-up (rate of acceleration)
Stopcock noun Turncock Natural wastage noun A reduction in the number of workers because of people leaving, retiring, etc. and not because they've lost their jobs. Pick-up (vehicle)
Store noun Shop Naughty jokes/magazines/etc. adj Jokes, magazines, etc. that deal with sex in a rude but not very serious way Pick-up truck
Store brand noun Own brand Navvy noun An unskilled worker who does tiring physical work, such as building roads. Pickle (cucumber)
Storefront noun Shop front Nearly adv Almost, but not quite or not completely. Picky (adj, choosey)
Storekeeper noun Shopkeeper Nearside adj The side of a vehicle that's nearest to the kerb. Picture perfect (expression)
Story (floors in a building) noun Storey Needle match noun A game in which both teams are determined to win because they don't like each other. Piece (small gun)
Stove/Range noun Cooker Net ball noun A game similar to basketball played in Britain, especially by girls. Piece of ass (person you want to have sex with)
Straight razor noun Cut-throat razor Nettle rash noun A condition that causes areas of red spots on your skin. Piggyback (verb, join something that's large or important)
Straightaway (racetrack) noun Straight New Age Travellers noun People in Britain who refuse to live the way other people live in ordinary society and go from place to place living in vehicles. Pigskin (American football ball)
String bean noun Runner bean News bulletin noun A short news programme on radio or television, reporting only the most important information. Pinch-hit for (so something for someone else)
Stroller noun Pushchair News vendor noun Someone who sells newspapers. Pink-collar (jobs)
Student teaching noun Teaching practice Newsagent noun Someone who owns or works in a shop that sells newspapers and magazines. Pique your interest/curiosity (expression)
Stuffed animal noun Soft toy Newsagent's noun A shop that sells newspapers and magazines. Piss-ass (not important or very silly)
Styrofoam noun Polystyrene Next door noun Informal. The people living in the house or flat next to yours. Pissant/Piss-ant (adj, very low value, quality)
Sub/Substitute teacher noun Supply teacher Nick verb Informal. If the police nick you, they catch you and charge you with a crime. Arrest. Pissant/Piss-ant (noun, annoying person)
Substitute teacher noun Supply teacher Nick verb Informal. To steal something. Pissed (angry, annoyed)
Subway station noun Underground/Tube station Niff noun Informal. A bad smell. Pisser (a good situation)
Subway/Metro noun Underground/Tube NIffy adj Informal. Something that smells bad. Pit (armpit)
Sucker noun Lollipop Nig-nog noun An extremely offensive word for a black person. Pit (large seed)
Suction cup noun Suction cap Nil noun The number zero, used in sports results. Pit (st) out (sweat a lot)
Sulfate noun Sulphate Nip verb To suddenly and accidentally press something tightly between two edges or surfaces. Pitch (business deals)
Sulfide noun Sulphide Nipper noun Informal. A child, especially a small boy. Pitch (sb) a line/yarn (expression)
Sulfur noun Sulphur Nippy adj Informal. Moving quickly or able to move quickly. Pitcher (kind of jug)
Sulfur dioxide noun Sulphur dioxide Nit noun Informal. A silly person. Pizza parlor (pizzeria)
Sulfuric acid noun Sulphuric acid No-claim bonus noun A reduction in the amount that you have to pay for car insurance, because you haven't made any claims. PJ's (pyjamas)
Sulfurous noun Sulphurous Nobble verb Informal. To get someone's attention, especially in order to persuade them to do something. Platter (large plate from which food is served, NOT restaurants)
Summer vacations noun Summer holidays Nobble verb Informal. To make someone do what you want by offering them money or threatening them. Play (sb) for a sucker (expression)
Sun porch (house) noun Sun lounge Nobble verb Informal. To prevent a horse from winning a race, especially by giving it drugs. Play-by-play
Suspenders noun Braces Nosh noun Informal. Food or a meal. Plebe (military/naval student)
Swan dive noun Swallow dive Nosh-up noun Informal. A big satisfying meal. Pledge (university)
Sweater noun Jumper Nosy parker noun Informal. A nosy person. Plot (drawn plan of a building)
Sweatpants noun Track bottoms/Tracksuit bottoms/Trackies Notifiable adj A notifiable disease is one that by law must be reported to an office of public health. Plunger (someone who gambles a lot)
Sweetened condensed milk noun Condensed milk Nought noun The number zero. Pocketbook
Swing set noun Swing Nous noun Informal. Intelligence and the ability to make good practical decisions. Podunk (small and unimportant place)
Switchblade noun Flick knife Nr abb The written abbreviation of 'near', used in addresses. Point man (soldier)
Tablespoon noun Dessert spoon NSPCC noun The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, a British organisation that protects children who are being badly treated. Poky/Pokey (doing things slowly)
Tail pipe (car) noun Exhaust Nuisance value noun Something that has nuisance value is useful because it causes problems for your oponents. Pol (a politician)
Take-out noun Takeaway Nursery nurse noun Someone who's been trained to work with and look after young children. Polack (insulting word for someone from Poland)
Talk show noun Chat show Nut noun Your head or brain. Poli sci (political science)
Tamper-resistant (package) adj Temper-evident Nut verb Informal. To hit someone with your head. Police court (court of law for small crimes)
Tan adj Tanned Nutter noun Informal. A crazy person. Police department
Tank top/Wifebeater/Undershirt noun Vest O.n.o abb The written abbreviation of 'or nearest offer', used in advertisements to show that you'd be willing to sell something for slitghtly less money. Political action committee
Tantalizing adj Tantalising OAP noun Old Age Pensioner. A person who's old enough to receive a pension from the state. Polliwog/Pollywog (tadpole)
Tantalizingly adv Tantalisingly Oast house noun A round building with a pointed top, built for drying hops. Pommel (verb, spelling)
Tape/Tape up (tie a bandage) verb Strap Oblong adj A shape that has four straight sides at 90° each to each other, two of which are much longer than the other two. Pool hall (building)
Tattle-tale verb Tell tales Occasional table noun A small light table that can be easily moved. Poop out
Tattletale noun Telltale Occupier noun Someone who lives in or uses a particular house, piece of land, etc. especially temporarily. Poop sheet (instructions or information)
Tb (tuberculosis) abb TB Ods and sods noun Informal. Odds and ends. Small things of various kinds without much value. Pooped
Tease (hair, so that it looks thicker) verb Backcomb OFC noun Oceania Football Confederation. Organisation in charge of professional football in Oceania. Poor boy (sandwich)
Teat (baby's bottle) noun Nipple Off adj Behaviour that's off is rude or not what's expected. Pop (drink)
Teeter-totter (game for children) noun Seesaw Off-colour adj (not before noun) slightly ill. Pop quiz
Teleprompter noun Autocue Offer noun For sale at a very cheap price for a short time. Pop/Poppa (dad)
Terminal (buses) noun Bus station Office noun Used in the names of British government departments. Popover (cake)
The brass (important positions) noun Top brass Offside noun The side o a car that's furthest to the kerb. Pops (concert or orchestra with classical and popular music)
The pit (car racing) noun The pits Oik noun Slang. A rude unintelligent man who's likely to cause trouble. Pork barrel (government tactic)
The wash (clothes that need or are being washed) noun The washing Oikish adj Slang. Rude, unintelligent, likely to cause trouble. Post doc (someone studying further than a PhD)
The wee hours noun Small hours Oil/Well oiled adj Informal. Very drunk. Postage meter
Theological seminary (priests and church ministers) noun Theological college Old boy noun A man who used to be a student at a particular school. Potluck (meal)
Thirty-second note (music) noun Demisemiquaver Old boy noun An old man. Pouch (loose skin under someone's eyes)
Thirty-second rest (music) noun Demisemiquaver rest Old girl noun A woman who's a former student of a particular school. Pound cake
Thralldom noun Thraldom Old Harry noun Old fashioned term. The devil. Pouring rain (expression)
Thumb a ride (hitchhike) verb Thumb a lift Old trout noun An unpleasant or annoying old person, especially a woman. Power plant (power station)
Thumbtack/Tack noun Drawing pin Olde-worlde adj Informal. A place that's olde-worlde has been decorated so that it looks old-fashioned. Pre-schooler
Tick-tack-toe noun Noughts and crosses Omnibus noun A book containing several stories, especially by one writer, that have already been printed separately. Preemie (premature baby)
Tidbit noun Titbit Omnibus noun A radio or television programme made of several programmes that have previously been broadcasted separately. Premium (high quality petrol)
Tide pool (small pool of water between rocks) noun Rock pool On the nod noun Informal. By general agreement and without discussion. Prep (verb, prepare food for cooking in a restaurant)
Tie (railway track) noun Sleeper On tow noun A vehicle that's on tow is being pulled along by another vehicle. Prep (verb, prepare someone for an operation)
Tights noun Leggins/Unitard One-off noun Something that's done or made only once. Preppy
Tin shears (scissors for cutting metal) noun Snips One-off noun Informal. Someone who's completely different from anyone else. Preschool
Tire (vehicle) noun Tyre Op noun Informal. A medical operation. Preservationist (someone who prevents historical buildings)
Toffee apple noun Candy apple Open University noun A British university that teaches adult students mainly in their own homes. Preteen (used as a noun)
 AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Toilet bag noun Shaving bag Open verdict noun A decision of a jury in a British court that the cause of someone's death isn't known. Pretty near (expression, almost)
Toilet paper noun Loo roll/Bog roll/Toilet roll Opt out verb If a school in Britain opts out, it decides to control its own money that's given by the government, instead of being controlled. Prime time (tv)
Tongue depressor noun Spatula Optic noun A small plastic object on a bottle of alcohol that measures the amount to be poured into a glass. Private practice (doctor)
Top round (high quality beef) noun Topside Optician noun Someone who tests people's eyes and sells glasses in a shop. Prize (professional boxing match)
Totalizator noun Totalisator Option noun A subject that you can choose to study at university as a part of a course. Prizefighter
Tourist season noun Holiday season Oral noun A spoken test, especially in a foreign language. Prizefighting
Tow/Boot(car) verb Clamp Orange squash noun A drink that tastes like oranges, made by adding water to a strong tasting liquid. Probate (verb, prove that a will is legal)
Towing/Towing/Tow truck noun Recovery/ Recovery lorry/Breakdown lorry Orbital adj An orbital road goes around a large city. Professor (standard teacher in a university)
Track (level or ability of students in school) noun/verb Stream Order paper noun A list of subjects to be discussed in the British Parliament. Prophylactic (condom)
Track (press or crush with feet) verb Tread Ordnance survey map noun A map which shows all the roads, paths, hills, etc. of an area in detail. Propoition (state law)
Track (put school children in groups by ability) verb Stream OTT/Over-the-top adj Informal. Remarks, behaviour, etc. that are over-the-top are so exaggerated or unreasonable that they seem stupid or offensive. Prorate (calculate)
Track and field (sports such as running and jumping) noun Athletics Ottoman noun A piece of furniture like a big box with a soft top, used as a seat and for storing things. Prosecution attorney
Tracklayer (person that repairs railway tracks) noun Plate-layer Out-of-the-way adj Unusual or strange. Protest (st) IE: 'Protesting the war'
Tracklayer (person who repairs railway tracks) noun Plate-layer Outgoings noun Amounts of money that you spend, especially regularly. Provost (important university official)
Trade-in (something as a partial form of payment) noun Part-exchange Outhouse noun A small buildig which is near to and belongs to a larger main building. Pry (force something open)
Traffic circle/Rotary noun Roundabout Overall majority noun The difference between the overall majority of votes and the total votes gained by all the other parties. PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)
Trail noun Footpath Overbalance verb To shake off and start to fall because you lose balance, or to make someone or something do this. Public defender (lawyer)
Trailer/Trailer home noun Caravan/Mobile home Overdraft facility noun An agreement with the bank that a customer may take more money than they have in their account. Public housing (government built houses)
Train station noun Railway station Overspill noun People who move out of a big city because there are too many people living there. Public school (as in a free, state paid school)
Transmission noun Gear box Owing adj (not before noun). If money is owing, it hasn't yet been paid to the person who should receive it. Public service announcement
Transom (small window above a door or window) noun Fanlight Own goal noun A goal that you accidentally score against your own team in a game of football, hockey, etc. Public television
Transportation noun Transport Own goal noun Informal. An action or remark that has the opposite effect from what you intended. Pull (sb) down (make someone less healthy or successful)
Trapezium noun Trapezoid Oxbridge noun The universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Pull (to do something illegal or dishonest)
Trapezoid noun Trapezium Oxfam noun The Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, a British charity organisation that aims to help people in poor countries. Pull up (exercise)
Trash bag noun Bin bag/Bin liner Oxon Used after the title of a degree from Oxford University. Pumpkin (term of endearment)
Trash/Garbage noun Rubbish Oz noun Informal. Australia. Pumps (women's shoes)
Trashy adj Rubbishy P abb Abbreviation for 'penny' or 'pence'. Punch (buttons on keyboards, either phones or computers)
Triangle (tool to draw squares) noun Set-square P.C. noun Police Constable. A policeman of the lowest rank. Punch (move cattle)
Trolley/Streetcar (electric vehicle) noun Tram/Tramcar PA noun Personal assistant. A special secretary who looks ater the affairs of just one person. Punch (sb) out (hit someone so hard they fall over)
Truck noun Lorry Pack noun A ba carried by a climber, walker or soldier, that's fastened to their shoulders and used to carry equipment, clothes, etc. Punch in (record the time you arrive at work)
Truck driver noun Lorry driver Package holiday noun Another word for 'package tour'. Punch out (record the time you leave work)
Truck farm noun Market garden Packed lunch noun A cold meal of sandwiches, fruit, etc. packed into a box. Punk (a young man who breaks the law)
Truck farmer noun Market gardener Paddle noun The action of walking about in water that's not very deep. Puss (slang, face)
Truck stop (cheap restaurant beside a road) noun Transport cafe Paddle verb To walk about in water that's not very deep. Put (sb) through the mill (to test someone)
Trundle bed (low bed that goes below another bed) noun Tuckle bed Paddling pool noun A small pool that's not very deep for children to play. Put out (have sex)
Trunk (car) noun Boot Paddy noun Informal. A joking word for an Irishman that's often considered offensive. Put their pants one leg at a time (expression)
Truth serum noun Truth drug Pageboy noun A boy chosen to help a bride as part of a wedding ceremony. Put-on (to fool someone)
Tryout (testing time in a sports team, activity, etc.) noun Trial Paki noun A very offensive word for a person from Pakistan, or a person born in Britain whose parents were from Pakistan. Putting (sb) on (expression, to joke)
Tube top (clothes) noun Boob tube Palace noun A large grand house where a ruling king or queen or a British bishop or archbishop officially lives. Putz
Tuition noun Fee Palmist noun Someone who claims they can tell what a person's like or what will happen to them by looking at the palm of their hand. Pylon (traffic cones)
Turf (someone's area) noun Patch Palsy-walsy adj Very friendly, especially in a way that seems insincere. Quadrillion (the number one followed by 15 zeros).
Turn (road that connects with the one you're on) noun Turning Pan noun The bowl of a toilet. Quarter (period of time in school)
Turn signal (car) noun Indicator Pancake Day/Pancake Tuesday noun Informal. Shrove Tuesday. When people in Britain traditionally eat pancakes. Quarterback
Turnaround noun Turnround Panda car noun A small police car used by local police. Quick as a wink
Tuxedo noun Dinner jacket Panel-beater noun Someone whose job is to repair the outer structure of cars beating the metal with a hammer. Quinine water (alcoholic drink)
Twenty-one (card game) noun Pontoon Panic stations noun A state of confused anxiety because something needs to be done urgently. IE It was panic stations here on Friday. Quint (quintuplet)
Underground economy noun Black economy Panto noun Informal. Pantomime. Quon-set hut (building shaped like half a tube)
Underhand (ball throwing) adv Underarm Pantomime noun A type of play for children that's performed in Britain around Christmas in which traditional stories are performed with jokes, music and songs. R (films that shouldn't be seen by children under 17)
Underpass (pedestrian) noun Subway Pants noun A piece of underwear that covers the area between your waist and the top of your legs. R and R (army)
Unemployment compensation noun Unemployment benefit Paper noun A set of printed questions used as an examination in a particular subject. Racecourse (car races)
Union suit (woollen underwear) noun Combinations Paper chase noun A game in which someone runs ahead of a group of people dropping pieces of paper which they have to follow. Rack (game of pool)
Unlisted (phone number) adj Ex-directory Paper knife noun A knife for opening envelopes. Rack (st) up (damage or ruin something)
Unrecognizable adj Unrecognisable Paper round noun The job of delivering newspapers to a group of houses. Rack (st) up (gradually get points)
Unsanitary adj Insanitary Paper shop noun A shop that sells newspapers and magazines. A newsagent's. Raddled (confused or anxious)
Unspoiled adj Unspoilt Para noun Informal. A paratrooper. Radical (very good or enjoyable)
Untrameled adj Untrammelled Parcel noun A small quantity of food that's been wrapped up, usually in pastry. Radwaste (radioactive waste)
Vacation noun/verb Holiday Parish noun A small area, especially a village, that has its own local government. Ragweed
Vacationer noun Holiday maker Parkin noun A type of cake made with porridge and ginger. Raincheck/Rain check
Vacuum verb Hoover Parkland noun An area of land with grass and trees, surrounding a big house in the countryside. Raise hell (behave in a wild, noisy way)
Vacuum/Vacuum cleaner noun Hoover Parky adj Informal. Cold. Rambunctious
Valance (curtains) noun Pelmet Parrot fashion noun Repeating what someone's just said without understanding it. Ranch/Ranch house
Vanity table noun Dressing table Party political adj (only before noun). Related to party politics. Rancher
Vaudeville (entertainment) noun Music hall Passenger noun Someone in a team who doesn't do their share of the group's work. Ranching
VCR noun Video Pasty/Patty noun A small case of pastry filled with meat, vegetables, etc. and baked. Range (large area of grass used by cattle)
Veggie (vegetables) noun Veg Patchy adj Good in some parts but bad in others. Rank (verb, to outrank someone)
Vest noun Waist-coat/Tank top Patience noun Another word for 'solitaire'. The game. Rap (statement by the state after a crime)
Veterinarian noun Veterinary surgeon Patience noun A game of cards for one person. Another word for 'solitaire'. Perhaps more common. Rap (time spent in prison after a crime)
Victory lap noun Lap of honour Patio doors noun Glass doors that open from a living room onto a patio. Rap sheet (list kept by the police of someone's crimes)
Visor (part of a cap) noun Peak Patrial noun Someone who has legal right to live in the United Kingdom becase their parents or grandparents were born there. Rat fink
Voting booth noun Polling booth Pavilion noun A building beside a sports pitch, especially a cricket pitch, used by the players and people watching the game. Rat trap (old building)
vs (abbreviation of versus) abb v. Pawpaw noun Another word for papaya'. Rate (deserve)
Wading pool noun Paddling pool Pay packet noun The amount of money someone earns. Ratty (in bad condition)
Wagon (vehicle pulled by a horse where people live) noun Caravan Paybed noun A hospital bed in a publicly owned hospital in Britain, used by someone who's paying to have better conditions, such as a private room. Razzle-dazzle (to confuse rivals)
Walkaway (easy victory) noun Walkover PAYE noun Pay as you earn. A system in Britain by which tax is taken away from your wages before you're paid. Real (adv, very)
Walker (device) noun Walking frame/Zimmer frame Paying-in book noun A book of forms that you use when you pay money into your bank account. Ream (treat someone badly)
Wall-to-wall carpeting noun Fitted carpet Peak adj The peak time or period is when the greatest number of people are doing the same thing. Recess (verb)
Washcloth noun Flannel/Facecloth Peaked/Peaky adj Pale and ill. Peaky. Recommendation (letter for jobs, courses, etc.)
Watchstrap noun Watchband Pease pudding noun A dish made of dried peas, boiled with ham to make a thick yellow substance that's eaten with bread. Recovery program (to rehabilitate from drugs, alcohol, etc.)
Water fountain noun Drinking fountain Pebbledash noun A surface for the outside walls of houses made of cement with a lot of very small pebbles set into it. Recreation room/Rec room (room in private house)
Wax museum noun Waxworks Peckish adj Slightly hungry. Recyclables (noun)
Wax paper/Waxed paper noun Greaseproof paper Pedestal basin/table noun A basin or table that's supported by a single column. Red eye (plane that makes the journey at night)
Weather bureau (place that collects weather info) noun Weather centre Peep noun A word meaning the sound of a car's horn. Used especially by or to children. Redneck (noun/adj)
Weensie (small) noun Weeny Peer noun A member of the British nobility, who has the right to sit in the House of Lords. Reduce (become thinner by losing weight)
Welfare noun Social security Peerage noun The rank of a British peer. Registration (official document of a motor vehicle)
Whitecaps (waves with white at the top) noun White horses Pelikan crossing noun A place on some roads in Britain where someone who wants to cross the road changes the traffic light to red by pushing a button. Regular (nice and friendly)
Whiteout/Liquid paper noun Tipp-Ex Penalty point noun A note made on a driving licence to show that they've done something wrong while they were driving. Regular (normal or standard size)
Whiz (fast, intelligent, skilled) noun Whizz Penny dreadful noun A cheap and badly written book about a violent crime. Regular (ordinary without any special feature)
Whiz (move or do something very quickly) verb Whizz Pension scheme/Pension plan noun A system by which your employer, insurance company, etc. provides you with pension. Regular (petrol that contains lead)
Whizkid (young skilled or successful person) noun Whizzkid Pensioner noun Someone who's receiving a pension, especially an old age pension. Rehab
Whole note (music) noun Semibreve Peppercorn rent noun A very small amount of rent, much less than you'd expect to pay. Relate (feel that you understand someone's problems)
Whole note rest (music) noun Semibreve rest Perished adj Feeling very cold. Rental (the act of renting something)
 AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Whole wheat noun Wholemeal Perishing adj Weather that's perishing is very cold. Rep (reputation)
Whole-wheat/Whole-grain flour noun Wholemeal flour Perm verb To choose and combine a number of football games rom the list given in the football pools. Reservation (area where animals live so as to not be hunted)
Willful adj Wilful Permanent Secretary noun Someone in charge of a government department. Resident physician
Willfully adv Wilfully Permanent way noun A railway track and the stones and beams on which it's laid. Residential treatment facility
Willfulness noun Wilfullness Perry noun Alcoholic drink made from pears. Rest area (road)
Windbreaker (coat) noun Windcheater Pet noun Term of endearment. Rest room/Restroom (toilet)
Window shade/Shade noun Window/Roller blind Petrol bomb noun A simple bomb consisting of a bottle filled with petrol with a lit cloth in the end. Retiree (person who stopped working because of their age)
Windshield (car) noun Windscreen Petroleum jelly noun Another word for 'vaseline'. Retirement plan
Windshield wiper noun Windscreen wiper Petticoat noun A piece of women's underwear that hangs from your shoulders or waist. Retool (organise something in a new way)
Witness stand (court of law) noun Witness box Photofit noun A way of making a picture of a face using a collectio of photographs of parts of different faces, used to help the police catch a criminal. Retread (someone who's been trained to do new work)
Wood trim (furniture) noun Beading Pickle noun A thick cold sauce eaten with food, made from pieces of vegetables preserved in vinegar. Retread (something remade with some changes)
Woodworking noun Woordwork Picnic noun The food you take for a picnic. Reuben sandwich
Worshiped adj Worshipped Picture postcard noun A postcard with a photograph or picture on the front of it. Ribbon (prize)
Worshiping noun/verb Worshipping Picture-postcard adj (only before noun). Very pretty. Ride (annoy someone)
Wrench (tool) noun Spanner Pie noun A food made of meat or vegetables baked in a pastry covering. Rig (set of equipment)
Xerox noun Photocopy Pier noun A structure that's built out into the sea and has small buildings on it where people can eat, play games and enjoy themselves. Right on (correct or that you agree with)
Xerox machine noun Photocopier Pig verb To eat a lot of food, even when you're not very hungrey. Rinky-dink (cheap and of bad quality)
Yard/Backyard/Front yard/Lawn noun Garden/Back garden/Front garden Piggery noun A pig farm or a pigsty. Roach (cockroach)
Yellow light (traffic) noun Amber Pigswill noun Food that's given to pigs. Roadblock (something that stops the process of a plan)
Yellow pages noun Classified directory/Business directory Pigswill noun Tasteless or unpleasant food. Roadhouse (restaurant or bar on a main road)
Yield (traffic) verb Give way Pile noun A large tall old building or group of buildings. Roast (celebration of a special event)
Zip (As in zero) noun Nil Piles noun Haemorrhoids. Roast (outdoor party)
ZIP code noun Post code/Postcode Pillock noun Slang. A very stupid person. Rookie
Zipper noun Zip Pin noun A thin piece of metal with a decoration at one end, used as jewellery. Room (verb)
Zucchini noun Courgette Pins noun Informal. Legs. Root beer
Zwieback (bread for babies to eat) noun Rusk Pint noun A pint of beer. Especially one you drink in a bar. Roughhouse (verb)
Pint noun 20 ounces of liquid (as opposed to AmE, which is 16). Roughneck (rude or angry person)
Pintable noun A machine for playing pinball on. Roust (make someone move from a place)
Pip noun A small seed from a fruit such as an apple or orange. Roustabout (employee)
Pip verb Informal. To beat someone in a race, competition, etc. by only a small amount. Row house
Piss artist noun Informal. An impolite word for someone who drinks a lot of alcohol. Rubber (condom)
Piss-take noun A joke in which youtry to make fun of someone. Rubber check
Piss-up noun An occasion when several people drink a lot of alcohol together. Rubberneck
Pissed adj Drunk. Rubbernecker
Pissed off adj Annoyed, disappointed or unhappy. Rube (simple person from the countryside)
Pisshead noun An impolite word for someone who drinks a lot of alcohol. Rug (a toupee)
Pitch noun A place in a public area where a street trader or entertainer goes to sell things or perform. Rumpus room (room used for games, parties, etc.)
Pitch-and-putt noun A game of golf played on a very small course. Run off at the mouth (expression, talk too much)
Pitcher noun A large container for holding and pouring liquids, usually made of clay, with two handles. Run out of gas (expression, have no energy)
Pitchfork noun An old-fashioned farm tool with a long handle and two long curved metal points, used especially for lifting hay. Run-on sentence
Place noun A metal ring on an electric cooker that you put pans on when cooking. Runway (narrow area on a stage that stretches to the audience)
Plain flour noun Flour that contains no baking powder. Rush (noun/verb, frats/sororities)
Plant noun Heavy machinery that's used in industrial processes. RV (vehicle)
Platform noun The open part at the back of a double-decker bus, where passenger get on and off the bus. Rx. (abbreviation of prescription)
Playback noun A recording of something that you play as soon as it's made, so that you can study it carefully. Rye whiskey
Playgroup/Playschool noun A kind of school where children aged 1 to 4 meet to learn and play. Sack out (sleep)
Plimsoll noun A light shoe with a top made of thick cotton cloth and a flat rubber sole. Saddle shoe
Plonk noun Informal. A cheap wine. Safety island (traffic island)
Plonker noun Slang. A stupid person. Sales slip (receipt)
Plonker noun Slang. A penis. Sales tax
Ploughman's lunch noun A simple meal that people eat especially in pubs, consisting of bread, cheese, onion and pickle. Same difference (expression)
Plum pudding noun A Christmas pudding. Sanctuary (room where religious services take place)
Plummy adj A plummy British voice sounds very upper-class and old-fashioned. Sap (a stupid person who's easy to defeat or treat badly)
PM abb The Prime Minister. SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope)
PMT noun Pre Menstrual Tension. Another way of saying 'PMS'. Perhaps more common. Sass (verb)
Po-faced adj Informal. Having an unfriendly disapproving expression on your face. Sassy
Pocket-handkerchief adj Informal. Something that's small and square in shape. Savings bond
Poet Laureate noun A poet who's appointed by the king or queen in Britain to write poems on important occasions. Savvy (adj)
Point duty noun A police officer who's on point duty stands at a place where two roads cross and controls the traffic passing through. Sawbones (doctor or surgeon)
Point-to-point noun A race for horses that goes across country areas. Say (expression, IE: 'Say, haven't I seen you before?')
Pointsman noun Someone who operates the short rails that move so that a train can change from one set of tracks to another. Say a mouthful (say true and important things)
Poison verb To infect a part of the body. Say uncle (expression)
Police constable noun A police officer of the lowest rank Scalp (verb, buy tickets to sell them at a higher price)
Political football noun A difficult problem wich opposing politicians argue about or which each side deals with in a way that will bring them to advantage. Scare up (make something without all the elements)
Polling day noun The day on which people vote in an election. Scarf/Scarf up/down (verb, eat something quickly and noisily)
Ponce noun Informal. Another word for 'pimp'. Schelp (carry or pull something heavy)
Ponce noun An offensive word meaning a man who's too cocered about his appearance. Schmooze (talk about unimportant things)
Poncy/Poncey adj Informal. Poncy clothes or behaviour are typical of a man who's too concerned about his apperance. Schmuck (a stupid person)
Pong noun Informal. An unpleasant smell. Schnook (a stupid person)
Pong verb Informal. To have a strong and unpleasant smell. Schnozzle (a nose)
Poof/Poofter/Pouf noun An offensive word for a homosexual man. School (university)
Poofy adj An offensive word to describe the behaviour or characteristics of homosexual men. Score (the number of points a student earns in a test)
Poorly adj Informal. Ill. Scout (verb, to find the abilities of sports players, musicians, etc)
Popper noun Informal. A small metal thing used for fastening a piece of clothing which consists of two parts. A snap. Scraggly (growing in an uneven and bad way)
Poppet noun A way of talking to or about a child or animal you're fond of. Scrape by (to only just succeed in getting something)
Pork pie noun A small round pie which contains pece of cooked pork. Scrapple (meat and cornmeal)
Porky pie/Porky noun Slan. A lie. Scrappy (always wanting to argue)
Porridge noun Slang. A period of time spent in prison. Scratch pad
Pose verb To dress or behave like a fashionable, rich, etc. person in order to make other people notice or admire you. Screen (player or group of players that protect the ball)
Pose noun Behaviour in which someone pretends to be a fashionable, rich, etc. person in order to make other people notice or admire them. Screen door
Posh adj Behaving or speaking in a way which is typical of upper class people. Screwball (strange or crazy)
Poss abb The written abbreviation of 'possible'. Second class (delivering magazines, advertisements, etc.)
Postal order noun An official paper that you buy at the post office as a safe way of sending money through the post. Second-guess (criticise something after it's happened)
Postbag noun Informal. All the letters received by an important person, television programme, etc. on a particular occasion. Second-string (not regularly part of a team, group, etc.)
Poster paint noun Brightly coloured paint that contains no oil, used especially by children to paint pictures. Secret service (protect the president)
Postgraduate noun Someone who's studying at university to get a master's degree or a PhD. Secretary (official chosen by the president)
Postgraduate adj Connected with studies done at university after completing a first degree. Sectarian (supporting particular religious groups)
Postmortem noun Another word for 'autopsy'. Perhaps more common. Section (part of a town)
Potted adj (only before noun). Potted meat or fish has been made into a paste for spreading on bread. Seeing eye dog
Pottiness noun Informal. Crazy or silly. Sell your support/vote
Potting shed noun A small building, usually made of wood, where garden tools, seeds, etc. are kept. Senior high school/Senior high
AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Potty adj Informal. Crazy or silly. Service club (to help the community)
Poxy adj Slang. Used to show that you don't like someone or something. IE: 'Keep your poxy money'. Shade (a window blind)
PPS noun Parliamentary Private Secretary. A member of the British Parliament who's appointed to help a minister. Shake (cold drink)
Practical noun A lesson or examination in science, cooking, etc. in which you have to do or make something yourself rather than write or read about it. Shake (sb) down (phr verb, get money from someone using threats)
Prang verb Informal. To damage a vehicle in an accident. Shakedown (noun, act of getting money from someone using threats)
Prang noun Informal. The damage done to a vehicle in an accident. Shakedown (thorough search of a place or person)
Prat noun Informal. A stupid person. Shape up or ship out (expression)
Premiss noun A statement or idea that you accept as true and use as a base for developing other ideas. Sharp (to warn someone about something)
Premium bond noun A document that you buy from the government in Britain, giving you the chance to win a large prize each month. Shellacking (defeated or criticised)
Prep noun Informal. School homework. Sherbet (frozen sweet)
Preservation order noun An official order that something, especially a tree or building, must be preserved and not damaged. Sheriff (law officer)
Press baron noun Someone who owns and controls one or more important national newspapers. Shift (change gears)
Pressie/Prezzie noun A present. Shinny up/down (climb up or down quickly)
Pressman noun Informal. Someone who writes news reports. Shit (verb, to tell someone a lie)
Pressurised adj Feeling worried or making you feel worried. Another word for 'pressured'. Shoeshine stand
Pretty pretty adj Spoilt by too much pretty decoration. Shoestring (shoelace)
Preventive detention noun A system in which people who are guilty of many crimes are kept in prison for a long time. Shoot (expression, to indicate someone they can ask a question)
Primary school noun A school for children between five and eleven years old in England and Wales. Shoot pool/billiards/etc. (to play a game such as pool or billiards)
Primate noun The most important and powerful priest in a country or an area, especially in the Church of England. Shoot the bull/Shoot the breeze (expression)
Primus/Primus stove noun A small cooker that burns oil and can be easily carried around. Shoot! (expression, dissappointment)
Prince of Wales noun A title given to the first son of a British king or queen. Shooting gallery (place to buy or use drugs)
Principal boy noun The main male character in a pantomime, usually played by a young woman. Shop (subject in school)
Prison visitor noun Someone who visits prisoners in Britain to help them. Shopping mall
Private medicine noun The system in which medical treatment and advice is not privided but the government but paid by the person who needs it or their insurance. Short-order cook
Private member noun A member of British Parliament who isn't a minister in the government. Shortcake (cake wit sweet fruit mixture)
Private member's bill noun A law introduced to the British Parliament by a member of parliament who isn't a member in the government. Shot (injection)
Private patient noun Someone who pays for medical treatment or advice rather than receivivng it free through the government's system. Shoulder (area of ground beside a road)
Privately adv Using or involving private rather than government institutions. Show (arrive at the place where someone's waiting for you)
Privy Councillor noun A person in Britain who advises the king or queen on political affairs. Shower (party)
Prize day noun An occasion when prizes are given to pupils who've done well in particular subjects. Shrimp (as in prawn)
Pro noun Informal. A prostitute. Shtick/Schtick (humour)
Proctor noun A university officer, especially at Oxford or Cambridge, whose duties include making sure that students keep the rules. Shuck (remove outer cover of vegetables)
Professional foul noun A foul done deliberately to gain some advantage. Shuck off (take piece of clothing)
Professor noun A teacher of the highest rank in a university department. Shucks (expression)
Profiterole noun A small round pastry with a sweet filling and chocolate on the top. Shut (sb) down (prevent a rival from playing well)
Program noun A set of instructions given to a computer to make it perform an operation. Shut out (defeat an opposing team)
Prole noun An insulting word for a working class person. Shut-in (person who can't leave the house)
Promenade concert noun A concert at which many of the listeners stand rather than sit. Shut-out (game in which one team didn't let the other one score)
Promenade/Prom noun A wide road next to the beach where people can walk for pleasure. Shutterbug (someone who takes a lot of photos)
Proper adj (only before noun). Right, suitable or correct. Shyster (dishonest person)
Proper adj (only before noun). Real. Sic (tell a dog to attack)
Proper adj (only before noun). Complete. Sick-out (strike)
Proper/Properly adv Informal. Completely, thoroughly. Sicko
Prose noun A student's exercise in which you translate a piece of writing into a foreign language. Sideswipe (hit the side of a car)
Provost noun A person in charge of a college in a British university. Sidetrack (short railway connected to the main track)
Provost noun The main priest in a group of priests connected with a cathedral in Britain. Sign with (sign a contract with a sports team)
PTO noun Please turn over. Written at the bottom of a page to tell the reader to look at the next one. Simpatico (agreement)
Pub noun A building in Britain where alcohol can be bought and drunk. Simpatico (easy to like)
Pub-crawl noun Informal. A visit to several pubs, one after the other, during which you have a drink in each pub. Simulcast (broadcast a programme by two medias at the same time)
Public bar noun A room with plain furniture in a pub, hotel, etc. where you can buy drinks. Single (one dollar bill)
Public convenience noun A small building with toilets in it, provided for anyone to use. Single lane road
Public footpath noun A path that everyone has the right to use. Sir (to get the attention of a man whose name you don't know)
Public house noun Formal. A pub. Sis (sister)
Public lending right noun A system in Britain by which writers are paid if their books are borrowed from public libraries. Sitter (a babysitter)
Public limited company/PLC noun A British company owned by at least two people and whose shares are available to everyone. Sizzling (very hot)
Public prosecutor noun A British lawyer who works for the government and tries to prove in a court of law that someone has done something illegal. Skank
Public school noun A private British school paid for by parents, where children usually live as well as study. Skim (take money illegally)
Publican noun Formal. Someone who's in charge of a pub. Skin (sb) alive (defeat)
Pud noun Informal. A pudding. Skip (verb, to jump rope)
Pudding noun Any sweet dish served at the end of a meal. Another word for 'dessert'. Skip out on (leave someone when they need you)
Pudding noun A boiled dish that's not sweet, made of a mixture of flour, fat, etc, with meat or vegetables inside. Skivvies (underwear)
Pudding noun Someone who's fat and stupid. Skunk (defeat someone easily)
Pudding basin noun A deep round dish in which puddings are cooked. Sky-cap (airport employee)
Pudding basin noun A way of cutting someone's hair so that's in the shape of an upside down bowl. Slate (list of people voters can choose in an election)
Puffed noun (not before noun). Informal. Breathing quickly because you've been using lots of energy. Slather (cover something with a substance)
Pull verb To get beer out of a barel by pulling a handle. Slaw (dish)
Pull-in noun Informal. A place by the side of a road where vehicles can stop and drivers can buy food and drinks. Slay (to amuse someone a lot)
Pumps noun A flat light shoe for dancing, exercise, etc. Sleazebag
Pumps noun A shoe made of canvas with rubber on the bottom, used for sports. Sleeper (film, book,etc. successful but not immediately)
Punch and Judy show noun A traditional type of entertainment for children, especially at British seaside towns, that uses puppets. Sleepover
Punch-up noun Informal. A fight. Slick (magazine)
Puncture noun A tyre that does not have enough air inside. Slicker (coat)
Punt noun Informal. Money that you risk on the result of something, such as a race. Slide (sudden fall of earth, stones, snow, etc. down a slope)
Punter noun Informal. Someone who makes a bet on the result of a hourse race, etc. Slop (to feed slop pigs)
Punter noun Informal. Someone who uses a product or a service. A customer. Sloppy joe (food)
Puppy fat noun Informal. Fat that children have on their bodies that they usually lose as they get older. Slow pitch (game)
Purpose-built noun Designed and made for a particular purpose. Slowdown (to protest)
Push-bike noun Informal. Another word for 'bicycle'. Slug (a bullet)
Putting green noun A smooth area of grasswith many holes in it for playing a simple type of golf. Slug (to illegally get something from a slot machine)
PYO noun Pick your own. Used by farms that let people pick their own fruit and vegetables. Slugger (baseball player)
QC noun Queen's Counsel. A barrister of high rank in the British legal system. Slumber party
Quack noun Informal. A doctor. Slumlord
Quadrillion noun The number one followed by 24 zeros. Slush (drink)
Quality adj (only before noun). A word meaning very good, used especially by people who are trying to sell something. Small fry (children)
Quango noun An independent organisation in Britain, started by the government but with its own legal powers. Small-town (adj, not interested in new or different things)
Quarter noun A unit for measuring weight. Equal to 28 pounds or about 13 kilos. Smarts (intelligence)
Quarter day noun A day which officially begins a three-month period of the year, and on which payments are made, for example, at the stock exchange. Smokestack industry
Queer adj Ill or sick. Smore
Question-master/Quiz-master noun The person who asks the questions in a quiz game. Snafu
Queue-jump verb Informal. To go unfairly to the front of a queue, instead of waiting. Snag (try and get someone to notice you)
Quid noun One pound in money. Snap (clothes fastener)
AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Quiff noun A part of a man's hair style where the hair stands up at the front above his forehead. Snap it/Snap it up (asking someone to hurry)
Quin noun Informal. A quintuplet. Snifter (glass)
Quite adj/adv Fairly. IE: 'Quite big/tall/etc." Snippy (quick to show that you're angry or offended)
Quite adj/adv Very or completely. Snoot (nose)
Quorn noun A vegetable substance that can be used in cooking instead of meat. Snot-nosed (not very clean children)
Race meeting noun An occasion when horse races are held at a particular place. Snow (verb, persuade someone to believe or support something)
Racecard noun A programme giving the races, times and horses at a horse racing event. Snow job (act of persuading someone to believe or support something)
Raddled adj Looking old or tired. Snow route
RAF noun The Royal Air Force. The British airforce. Snow tire (special tyre used for snow)
Rag noun An event organised by students every year in order to make money for people who are poor, ill, etc. Snowbird (someone who moves to a warmer place every winter)
Rag-and-bone-man noun A man who goes around the streets buying and collecting old clothes and other things people no longer want. So long (expression, goodbye)
Railway line noun One of the two metal tracks fixed to the ground that trains move along. Social Security (system of insurance)
Railway line noun A part of the railway system that connects two places. Socialized medicine
Rambler noun Someone who goes on rambles. Sock in/Be socked in (difficult to see because of fog, snow or rain)
Ramp noun A change in the level between two parts of a road where repairs are being done. Sockeroo (something very sucessful and impressive)
Armband Ramp-raider noun Informal. Person who commits ramp-raiding. Soda fountain
Clothes horse Ramp-raiding noun Informal. The crime of driving a car into a shop window in order to steal goods from the shop. Some (a fairly or a little, 'Are you feeling better?' 'Some I guess')
Randy noun Informal. Full of sexual desire. Someway (somehow)
Ranger noun A girl who belongs to a part of the Guide Association in Britain, for girls between the ages of fourteen and nineteen. Son of a bitch (insult)
Rasher noun A thin piece of bancon or ham. Son of a gun
Rat-arsed adj Slang. Extremely drunk. Sophomoric (childish)
Ratbag noun Informal. An unpleasant person. Sopped (very wet)
Rate verb Informal. To think that someone or something is very good. Sorehead (unpleasant or angry)
Ratepayer noun Someone who pays taxes that are used to provide local services. Sorority
Rating noun A sailor in the British navy who's not an officer. Soul food (food mostly eaten by African American people)
Ratty adj Informal. Bad-tempered. Irritable. Soul sister
RE noun Religious Education. A school subject in Britain. Sourdough
Read noun Informal. An act of reading something, or time spent doing this. Spa (a bath or pool that sends currents of hot water)
Readdress verb To forward. Space out (verb, stop paying attention)
Reader noun A teacher in a British university who has the rank just below Professor. Spackle (substance used to fill holes in walls)
Readership noun The job that a Reader has in a British university. Spanglish
Ream noun 480 pieces of paper (as opposed to AmE, which is 500 pieces of paper). Special agent (FBI)
Reception noun The area around the reception desk at hotels or offices. Special/On special (at a lower price for some time)
Reception room noun A word used especially by people who sell houses, for a room in a private house, that isn't a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. Spell (verb, do someone else's job for a short period of time)
Recreation ground noun An area of public land used for sports and games. Spelling bee
Rector noun A priest in the Church of England who's responsible for an area from which he receives his income directly. Spelunker (person who practises spelunking)
Red card noun A red card held up by the referee in football, to show that a player has done something against the rules and isn't allowed to finish the match. Spelunking (sport of walking and climbing in caves)
Redbrick adj A redbrick university is one of the British universities built in the late 19th or early 20th century. Spic/Spik (offensive word for Spanish Speaking American)
Redirect verb To send someone's letters to their new address from an address they've left. Spiffy (very neat and fashionable)
Redundancy noun A situation in which someone has to leave their job because they're no longer needed. Spigot (an outdoor tap)
Redundant adj If you're redundant your employer no longer has a job for you. Spill your guts (expression)
Reel noun A round object onto which thread, wire, fishing line, cinema film, etc. can be wound. Spitball
Ref noun Informal. A referee. Splashy (big, bright and very easy to notice)
Referee noun Someone who provides information about you when you're trying to get a job. Spoiler (a person or team that spoils another one's winning record)
Regency adj Regency buildings, furniture, etc. are from or in the style of the period 1811-1820 in Britain. Spool (a reel)
Regina noun Used as a title in official writing after the name of the ruling British queen. Sport (noun, to address a young boy)
Regina noun Used to mean the governing power of the state in the title of a British law case when a queen is ruling. Sporting goods (sports equipment)
Registered office noun The office of a company in Britain, to which all the letters and official documents must be sent. Sports scolarship
Registrar noun A British hospital doctor who has finished their training but is of a lower rank of that a consultant. Sportscast (television broadcast)
Registry office noun A local government building in Britain where you can get married and where births, marriages and deaths are officially recorded. Sportswear (clothes that are suitable for informal occasions)
Regular saver noun Someone who usually saves money with a particular bank. Spot (sb) (st) (give another player in a game an advantage)
Remembrance Day/Remembrance Sunday noun The Sunday nearest to November 11th, when a ceremony is held in Britain to remember people who were killed in the two world wars. Spotty (good in only some parts)
Remission noun A reduction of the time that someone has to spend in prison. Spread (large farm or ranch)
Remit noun Formal. The particular piece of work that someone has been officially asked to deal with. Spring break
Rendering noun The way a play or piece of music is performed. Another word for 'rendition'. Perhaps more common. Spring training (baseball)
Rent rebate noun Money that some people get from local government to help them pay their rent. Sprinkle (light rain)
Representations noun Official complaints made in a formal way. Spritz (spray a liquid in short bursts)
Republican adj Connected with or supporting politcal parties that want Northern Ireland to become part of the Republic of Ireland instead of the UK. Sprout (a beansprout)
Republican noun Someone who believes Northern Ireland should become part of the Republic of Ireland instead of the UK. Sprout (alfalfa seed wich has grown a stem and is eaten)
Reshuffle verb To change around the jobs of the people who work in an organisation, especially in government. Squirrel/Squirrel away (keep something safe to use later)
Reshuffle noun The act of changing around the jobs of people who work in an organisation, especially in a government. Squirrely (restless)
Resit verb To take an examination again. Squirt gun (water pistol)
Resit noun The act of taking an examination again or the person who does it. Stable (building where horses, cattle, etc. are kept)
Reskilling noun The teaching of new work skills, especially to unemployed people. Stand in line (queue)
Result noun The mark you get in an examination. Stand pat/Stand pat on (refuse to change a decision)
Resume/Resumé noun A short account of something such as an article or speech, that gives the main points but no details. Stand tall (proud and ready to deal with anything)
Retail park noun A special area outside town with many large shops and space for cars to park. Standard deduction
Retail price index/RPI noun An official system of numbers that shows changes in the cost of living in Britain each month, based on the average price of goods and services. Standout (someone better than the rest)
Retake noun An examination or test that you take again because you failed it. Star-Spangled Banner
Returner noun Someone who goes back to work after a long time away, especialy a woman who left work to look after her children. Stars and Stripes
Returning officer noun The official in each town or area of Britain who arranges an election to Parliament and announces the result. Start over (to start doing something again from the beginning)
Revise verb To study lessons or notes again, in order to learn them before an examination. State attorney
Revision noun The work of studying lessons notes, etc. again in order to learn them. State court
Rheumatics noun Informal. Rheumatism. State Department
Rhyming slang noun A way of talking, used especially by Cockneys in which you use words or phrases that rhyme with words you mean instead of the normal words. State park
Ribbon development noun Long lines of houses along the side of the main roads leading out of a city, or the practice of arranging houses in this way. State side
Rick verb To twist and slightly injure your back, neck, ankle, etc. State tax
Rig-out noun Informal. A set of clothes. State trooper
Right adj (only before noun). Used to emphasise how bad someone or something is. State university/college
Right adj The right people, places, schools, etc. are considered to be the best or most important. State's evidence
Right Hon abb The written abbreviation of Right Honourable. Statehouse
Right Honourable adj Used when formally announcing or talking about lords or important government ministers in Britain. Station break
Right on adj Someone who's right on or has right on opinions, supports social justice, equal rights, etc. Statutory offence
Right royal adj Extremely special in a way that's suitable for a king, queen, etc. Statwide
Ring verb To make a telephone call to someone. Another word for 'call'. Perhaps more common. Steady (boyfriend or girlfriend)
Ripe adj Informal. Rude but amusing. Steam shovel
Rising damp noun A condition where water comes up from the ground and gets into the walls of a building. Step on it/Step on the gas (drive faster)
RN noun Royal Navy. The British navy. Step out (go out for a short time)
Ro-ro noun Informal. A roll-on roll-off ship. Stick (stick shift)
Road tax noun A tax in Britain that the owner of a vehicle must pay in order to drive it on the roads. Stick pin (decorated pin)
Roadshow noun A group that travels around the country giving performances for entertainment or advertising. Stick-to-it-iveness
AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Roadworks noun Repairs that are being done to a road. Stiff (to not pay someone money that you owe them)
Rock noun A hard sweet food made in long round pieces. Sting (crime)
Rock cake/Rock bun noun A small hard cake with a rough surface that has dried fruit in it. Stock car (railway carriage for cattle)
Rock-hard adj Humorous. Strong and not afraid of anyone. Stock certificate
Roger verb Slang. To have sex with someone. Stogie (a cheap cigar)
Roll-on roll-off adj (only before noun). A roll-on roll-off ship is one that vehicles can drive straight on and off. Stoked (very excited)
Roll-up noun A cigarette that you make yourself. Stoolpigeon (ciminal that helps the police)
Rolled oats noun A kind of oats used for making porridge. Stoop (raised area at the door of a house)
Roller blind noun A piece of cloth or other material that can be rolled up and down to cover a window. Stop back (go back to a place you've been to earlier)
Roly-poly noun A British sweet food made of jam that's rolled up inside a pastry. Store brand
Romp noun Humorous. A word for sexual activity, used especially by newspapers. Storm cellar
Ropy/Ropey adj In bad condition or of bad quality. Storm door
Ropy/Ropey adj Slightly ill. Storm window
Rose-tinted adj Rose-coloured. Straight arrow (someone who doesn't do anything wrong)
Rota noun A list that shows when each person in a group must do a particular job. Straight from the shoulder (expression)
Rough paper noun Paper that's used for writing or drawing things that will later be changed or copied more neatly. Straight shooter (honest person you can trust)
Round of sandwiches noun Sandwiches made from two whole pieces of bread. Straighten up (begin to behave well after behaving badly)
Round of toast noun One whole piece of bread that's been toasted. Straw man (weak oponent or argument)
Rounders noun A British ball game, similar to baseball, in which players hit the ball and then run around the edge of an area. Street smarts
Row noun An angry argument that lasts a short time, especially between people who know each other well. Strip (road with a lot of shops, restaurants, etc.)
Royal assent noun The signing of a law by the British king or queen after it's been decided by Parliament, so that it officially becomes law. Strip mall
Royal commission noun A group of people who make suggestions about a subject that the British Government thinks may need laws. Stud (board to make the frame of a house)
RP noun Received Pronunciation. The form of British pronunciation that many educated people in Britain use, and that's thought of as the standard form. Student body
Rubbish adj Informal. Not skilful at a particular activity. Student government/council
Rug noun A large piece of material that you can wrap around yourself, especially when you're travelling. Study hall (period in school)
Rugby League noun A type of rugby played by teams of players who are usually paid for playing. Stump (travel to gain political support)
Rugby Union noun A type of rugby played by teams of fifteen players. Stump speech (for political support)
Rugger noun Informal. Rugby Union. Sub (a substitute teacher)
Rump noun The part of a group or government that remains after most of the other members have left. Sub/Submarine sandwich
Rumpy pumpy noun Humorous. Sexual activity. Subcontinental
Runner-bean noun A vegetable that frows as a long green pod on a climbing plant. Subdivision (area of land that has been subdivided to build houses)
S-bend noun Part of a waste pipe in the shape of an 'S' that keeps bad smells out of a building. Succotash (dish)
Sacabby adj A word meaning nasty or unpleasant, used especially by children. Sucker (sb) into (persuade someone)
Sack verb Informal. To dismiss someone from their job. Summer camp
Sae noun Stamped addressed envelope, an envelope that you put your name, address and a stamp on so that someone else can send you something. Summer rental
Sae noun Self-addressed envelope, an envelope that you put your own name and address on. Sunny-side up (egg)
Salad cream noun A thick light-coloured liquid, similar to mayonnaise, that you put on salad. Superhighway (road)
Sale of work noun An event at which people sell things they've made, especially in order to money for a good purpose. Superintendent (in charge of a building)
Saleroom noun A room where things are sold by auction. Superintendent of schools
Saloon room noun A comfortable rom in a pub. Sure (to agree, say yes, as a reply)
Sands noun An area of beach. Sure (used before a statement to say something different later)
Sandwich noun A cake consisting of two layers with jam and cream between them. Sure (used to emphasise a statement)
Sandwich course noun A course of study at a university that includes periods spent working in industry or business. Sure thing (expression)
Sandy beach noun A beach that's made of sand and not stones. Surrey (light carriage)
Sapper noun A soldier whose job involves digging and building. Survey course (university course)
Sarky adj Informal. Sarcastic. Swallow a watermelon seed (expression, become pregnant)
Sarnie noun Informal. A sandwich. Swank (fashionable, posh)
SAS noun Special Air Service. A British military force that's especially trained to do secret and dangerous work. Swap meet (exchange of used goods)
Saucy adj Saucy pictures, jokes, etc. are about sex in a way that's amusing but not shocking. Sweat pants
Sausage dog noun Informal. A dachshund. Sweat shirt
Sausage roll noun A piece of sausage meat inside a tube of pastry. Sweat suit/Sweats
Saver noun Someone who saves money in a bank or building society. Sweet roll
Savoiry noun A small amount of salty food, sometimes served at the end of a formal meal. Sweetie pie (a way of addressing someone you love)
Savoury adj Having a taste that's not sweet. Swell (very good)
Saxon noun A member of the German race that went to live to England in the 5th century. Swell-headed (believing oneself important)
Scampi noun (plural). Large prawns. Swimming suit
Scampi noun (plural). Prawns covered in batter and cooked in oil. Swing shift (workers who work in the afternoon/evening)
Scar noun A cliff on the side of a mountain. Swiss steak
Scarper verb Informal. To run away. Tab (small piece of metal that you pull open to open a drink)
Scatty adj Someone who's scatty often forgets or loses things because they're not sensible or practical. Table (verb, leave an offer, idea, etc. to be dealt in the future)
Scent noun A liquid that you put on your skin to make it smell nice. Tablespoon (medium-sized spoon used for eating)
Scheme noun An official plan that's intended to help people in some way, for example, by providing education or training. Tablespoon (table that holds a 1/128 of a US pint of liquid)
School governor noun A member of a group of people in Britain who are elected to make decisions about how a school should be managed. Taffy (sweet)
School tie noun A special tie with a particular colour or pattern that children wear at some schools in Britain. Tailgate (follow another car closely)
School-leaver noun Someone who leaves school, especially when they're looking for a job rather than going to university. Tailgate (noun, vehicle door that opens outwards and downwards)
Schoolboy/Schoolgirl noun A boy or girl attending school. Tailgate (verb, to drive too closely behind another vehicle)
Schoolmaster/School mistress noun A teacher, especially in a public school. Tainted (poisoned or decayed foods or drinks)
Scoff verb Informal. To eat something very quickly. Take (noun, amount of money earned by a shop or business)
Scotland Yard noun The part of the London police that deals with serious crimes, or their main office. Take a hike (expression, 'go away')
Scourse noun A thick soup with meat, potatoes and vegetables. Take a walk (expression, 'go away')
Scouse noun The way of speaking that's typical of people from Liverpool. Take in a movie/show/etc. (to go see a film, play, etc.)
Scouser noun Someone from Liverpool. Take your lumps (not be affected by bad things)
Scrag end/Scrag noun The bony part of a sheep's neck, that's sometimes boiled for soup. Talk a blue streak (expression, to talk quicly without stopping)
Screw noun Slang. A word for a prison officer, used especially by prisoners. Talk turkey (expression, talk about serious things)
Script noun Piece of work written by a student in an examination. Tall (a drink that has a small amount of alcohol)
Scrubber noun An offensive word for 'prostitute'. Tank up (fill the petrol tank)
Scruff noun Informal. Someone who looks untidy or dirty. Tanked up (drunk)
Scrum noun A particular arrangement of players in the game of rugby. Tax break (special reduction in taxes)
Scrum noun Informal. A crowd of people who are all pushing each other to try and get something. Tax-deferred (not taxed until a later time)
Scrumhalf noun A player in rugby that has to put the ball into the scrum. Teach school/college/etc. (teach in a school, etc.)
Scrumpy noun A strong alcoholic drink made from apples. Teamster (someone whose job is to drive a lorry)
Scrutineer noun An official who examines or counts votes in an election. Techie (technician)
Scupper verb Informal. To ruin someone's plans or chances of success. Tee (sb) off (make someone angry)
Scupper verb To deliberately sink your own ship. Tee off on (to be angry with someone or criticise them)
Seafront noun The part of a town where the shops, houses, etc. are next to the beach. Teed off (annoyed or angry)
Seasonal norm adj The average weather conditions for a particular season. Teen (a teenager)
Seasonally adjusted figures adv Figures, especially about the number of unemployed people, that are changed according to what usually happens at a time of the year. Teletypewriter
Second verb To send someone to do someone else's job for a short time. Tend bar (to serve customers in a shop, bar, etc.)
Second class noun A way of delivering mail in Britain that's cheaper and slower than sending things by first class. Tenderfoot (inexperienced, beginner)
Second class noun A level of a university degree in Britain that's below the top level. Tenderfoot (someone used to an easier life that moved)
Secondary School noun A school for children between the ages of 11 and 16 or 18. Term paper (written work a student does)
AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Secondary school/High school noun A school for children between the ages of eleven and sixteen or eighteen in England and Wales. TESOL
Secondment noun A period of time that you spend away from your usual job, either doing another job or studying. Testify (Christian)
Secret service noun A British government organisation that uses secret agents to obtain secret information about other countries. Tetched (slightly crazy)
Secretary noun A British government official, such as a minister or someone who has a high rank in a department. Tex-mex (Mexican-American)
Secretary noun A British government representative, below the rank of ambassador. Thanksgiving
Self-catering adj A self-catering holiday is one where you stay in a place where you can cook your own food. That's a switch (expression, someone's behaviour is unusual)
Self-drive adj (only before noun). A self-drive car is one that you've hired to drive yourself. The big picture (expression)
Sell noun Informal. Something you've been tricked into buying or doing that disappoints you. The chair (electric chair)
Sell-off noun The act of selling an industry, especially one that the government owns, to private buyers. The help (someone's servants)
Send-up noun Informal. The act of copying someone or something in a way that makes them look funny or silly. The holiday season (Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years)
Sensible clothes/Sensible shoes adj Clothes or shoes that are practical, comfortable and strong rather than attractive or fashionable. The lay of the land (expression)
Septic adj A wound or part of your body that's septic is infected with bacteria. The main drag (street)
Serve verb To put food onto plates. The park (baseball)
Servery noun The part of a restaurant where people get food to take back to their tables. The poop (latest news)
Services/Service area noun A place near a motorway where you can stop and have a meal or drink, or buy food, petrol, etc. The stand (witness box in a court)
Serviette noun Another word for 'napkin'. The tube (the television)
Set verb To give someone a piece of work to do, especially a student in your class or someone who works for you. The turf (the sport of horse racing)
Set verb To invent questions for students to answer, especially in an examination. The Y (the YMCA)
Set noun A group of children who have the same level of ability in a subject at school. Theme (short piece of writing on a subject for school)
Shag noun An act of having sex with someone. Third class (post)
Shag verb To have sex with someone. Three-ring circus (confusing situation for too much activity)
Shagged/Shagged out adj Slang. Very tired. Thrift shop
Shakedown noun Informal. A place prepared as a bed on the flor, on a seat, etc. Throw a curve (surprise someone)
Shan't m verb The short form of 'shall not'. Throw your monkey wrench in the works (expression)
Sharpish adv Quickly. Thru
Shattered adj Informal. Very tired. Thruway/Throughway (wide road)
Shattering adj Informal. Making you very tired. Tick off (annoy someone)
Sheath noun Condom. Ticker tape parade
Shell suit noun A light brightly-coloured piece of clothing consisting of trousers and a jacket that fit tightly at the wrists and at the bottom of the legs. Ticket (list of ideas a political party supports)
Sheltered accommodation/housing noun A place for people to live who cannot fully look after themselves where help is provided if they need it. Ticket (list of people in a political party)
Sherbet noun A powder that's eaten as a sweet. Ticket (verb, to give someone a ticket for parking illegally)
Shift verb To remove dirt or marks from a surface or piece of clothing. Ticket to sucess/face/etc.
Shipping forecast noun A radio broadcast that says what the weather will be like a sea. Tide water (area of land near the coast)
Shirty adj Informal. Bad-tempered, angry and rude. Tideway (narrow area of water through which the tide flows)
Shit stirrer noun Someone who deliberately makes trouble for other people. Tideway (strong current flowing through a tideway)
Shite noun Another word for 'shit'. Tie one on (to get drunk)
Shocking adj Very bad. Tie-up (traffic prevented from moving)
Shop verb Informal. Tell the police about someone who's done something illegal. Tight-knit (a plan carefully arranged)
Shopping noun The things that you've bought from a shop. To go (food)
Shopwalker noun Someone who's employed in a large shop to help the customers and watch the other workers to make sure they're working properly. To the max (expression)
Short noun A strong alcoholic drink, drunk in a small glass. Toasty (warm and comfortable)
Short back and sides noun A way of cutting a man's hair so that's very short at the back and sides of his head and slightly longer on top. Toll-free (phone number)
Short-list verb To put someone on a short list for a job. Tollway (paid road)
Shortcake noun Thick shortbread. Tool along/down (drive along a street for fun)
Show-house/Show-flat noun A house or flat that has been built and filled with furniture to show buyers what similar new houses or flats look like. Toot (take cocaine)
Shower noun Informal. A group of stupid or lazy people. Tootsie (offensive way of addressing a woman)
Shower gel noun A type of liquid soap that you use to wash yourself in a shower. Topside/Topsides (ship or boat)
Shrimp noun A small pink sea creature that you can eat, with ten legs and with a soft shell. Toss your cookies (expression, vomit)
Shut verb To stop being open to the public for a short time or permanently. Touch football
Sick noun Informal. Vomit. Tough love (love and strictness at the same time)
Sickening adj Making you feel jealous. Tout (give someone information about a horse in a race)
Sickie noun Informal. A day when you say that you're ill and don't go to work, even though you're not relaly ill. Towawayzone (area where it's not allowed to park)
Sickness noun The felling that you're about to bring up food from your stomach. Towel/Towel down (verb, dry yourself using a towel)
Sickness benefit noun Money paid by the government to someone who's too sick to work. Town house (houses that share one or more walls)
Side noun A page of writing on one side of a piece of paper. Town meeting
Side noun A sports team. Towship (town with local government)
Side issue noun A subject or problem that's not as important as the main one, and may take people's attention away from the main subject. Track (all the sports in athletic competitions)
Sideboards noun Another word for 'sideburns'. Track (sport that involves running on a track)
Signalman noun Someone whose job is to control railway signals. Track (to leave behind a trail of something when you walk)
Signalman noun A member of the army or navy who's trained in signalling. Track event (running race)
Signing noun Someone who has just signed a contract to join a sports team. Track meet (sport)
Signpost verb To show something clearly so that everyone will notice and understand it. Track/sports meet
Signpost noun A sign on a road showing directions and distances. Trade school (school to learn a particular trade)
Silk noun A KC or a QC. Tradesman (who works at a job that involves skill with hands)
Silver foil noun Very thin sheets of metal. Traffic cop
Silver jubilee noun The date that's exactly 25 years after the date of an important public event, especially a coronation. Traffic court
Silver paper noun Paper that's shint like metal on one side, used especially for wrapping food. Traffic school
Simnel cake noun A cake made with dried fruit that's traditionally eaten at Easter. Trailer park/Trailer court
Single cream noun Thin cream that can be poured. Transfer (ticket)
Single honours noun A university degree course in Britain in which only one main subject is studied. Transient (person with no home)
Single track road noun A road that's only wide enough for one car to go along it. Trash (insult for people)
Single-sex school/college/etc. noun A school, college, etc. for either males or females, but not for both together. Trash compactor
Singlet noun A piece of clothing without sleeves that's worn as underwear or as a light shirt when playing some sports. Trashed (destroyed)
Sink verb To drink alcohol, especially in large quantities. Trashed (drunk)
Sir noun Used by children at school as a way of addressing or talking about a male teacher. Travelog/Travelogue
Sister noun A nurse in charge of a hospital ward. Trawl line (fishing)
Sit verb To take an examination. Trey (a playing card on the side of a dice)
Site noun Camp/Camping/Caravan site. A piece of ground where you can camp. Trick knee/ankle/etc. (weak joint)
Sitting member noun Someone who's a member of parliament at the present time. Trip (to describe an amusing or weird person)
Sitting room noun The room in a house where you sit, relax, watch television, etc. Triplex (flat)
Sitting tenant noun Someone who lives in a rented house or flat, especially when this gives them legal rights to stay there. Tristate
Situations Vacant noun The title of the part of a newspaper where jobs are advertised. Trot (book of translations or answers used by students)
Sixth form college noun A type of school in Britain for students over the age of 16. Truck (verb)
Sixth Form College/College/Sixth Form noun A school for advanced education following secondary school, for children between sixteen and eighteen in England and Wales. Trucker (lorry driver)
Skew-whiff adj Informal. Not straight. Trucking
Skidpan noun A special slippery surface where drivers can practise controlling skidding cars. True-blue (loyal to a person or idea)
Skiffle noun A type of popular music played in the 1950s and often using instruments made by the players themselves. Trumps (the suit that beats another suit in card games)
Skint adj (not before noun). Informal. Having no money, especially for a short time. Try out for (to try to be chosen as a member of a team, play, etc.)
Skittles noun A British game in which a player tries to knock down objects shaped like bottles by rolling a ball at them. Tub (person who's short and fat)
Skittles noun One of the objects you roll the ball at in the game of skittles. Tuble (to practise the sport of tumbling)
Skiver Tucker/Tucker out (make someone very tired)
AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Skivvy noun A servant who does only the dirty unpleasant jobs in a house. Tuition (money paid for being taught)
Skivvy verb To do all the dirty unpleasant jobs in a house, as if you were a servant. Turf (area you think of as being your own)
Slag noun An insulting word for a woman, used to suggest that she's had a lot of sexual partners. Turf (soft substance used for burning)
Slag heap noun A pile of waste material at a mine or factory. Turkey (silly or stupid person)
Slaggy Turkey (unsuccessful film or play)
Slanging match noun Informal. An angry argument in which people insult each other. Turn (st) in (give a piece of work to a teacher)
Slap-up adj Slap-up meal/dinner/etc. Informal. A very large, enjoyable meal. Turn a trick (have sex for money)
Slapper noun Humorous. A woman who has sex with many different men. Turnabout is a fair play (expression)
Slate verb Informal. To criticise a book, film, etc. severely. Especially in a newspaper. Turnpike (large road for fast traffic)
Slog noun Informal. A piece of work that takes a lot of time and effort and is usually boring. Tush (arse)
Slop noun Liquid waste from food or drinks. Twin bed (bed for one person)
Slop noun Dirty water or urine. Twister (tornado)
Sloppy joe noun A big loose-fitting sweater. Two bits (twenty five cents)
Slosh verb Slang. To hit someone. Two cents (worth) (expression)
Slot machine noun A machine that you buy cigarettes, food, or drinks from. Two-way street (situation that depends on two people)
Smack verb Informal. To hit someone hard with your closed hand. Two/Five/etc. storied (having two, five, etc. storeys)
Smack noun Informal. A hard hit with your closed hand. Tyke (a small child)
Smallest room noun A toilet. To avoid the use of that word. Ump (umpire)
Smallholding noun A piece of land used for farming that's smaller than an ordinary farm. Uncle Tom
Smallish adj Fairly small. Underclassman/Upperclassman
Smart adj Wearing neat attractive clothes and having a generally tidy appearance. Underpants (unisex underwear)
Smart adj Fashionable or used by fashionable people. Underscore
Smash noun A serious road or railway accident. Undersecretary (official in government)
Smoochy adj Informal. A smoochy song is slow and romantic. Underserved (not getting enough care from the government)
Snaffle verb Informal. To take something quickly, especilly when it's rude or unfair to do this. Unglued/Come unglued (expression)
Snakebite noun An alcoholic drink that's half lager, half cider. Unit (a single flat in a larger building)
Snap noun Informal. A photograph taken by someone who's not a professional photographer. Unit (amount of work a student has to do)
Snappy adj Informal. Clothes that are attrative and fashionable. Upchuck (vomit)
Sneak noun Informal. A child who's disliked because they tell adults about bad things that other children have done wrong. Upscale
Snick verb To make a small cut or mark on something. Upside (noun, positive part of a situation)
Snick noun Upside (prep, the head, face, etc.)
Sniffy adj Informal. Having a disapproving attitude towards something or someone, especially because you think they're not good enough for you. Upstate
Snitch noun Humorous. A nose. Uptown
Snog verb Informal. If two young people snog, they kiss each other, especially for a long time. User fee (tax on a service provided for the public)
Snog noun Utility pole (wooden pole for wires)
Snooker verb Informal. To make it impossible for someone to do what they want to do. Vacant lot (area of land that's not being used)
Snotty-nosed adj Informal. Another word for 'snotty'. Vacation
Snout noun Informal. A criminal who gives information about other criminals to the police. Valedictorian
Snuff it verb Informal. To die. Varsity (team representing a school or university)
Snug noun A small comfortable room in a pub. Veep (vice president)
Soap powder noun A powder that's made from soap and other chemicals used for washing clothes. Vestibule (trains)
Social services noun The special services provided by a government or local council to help people who have particular problems. Vet (veteran)
Sod noun Informal. An impolite word meaning a stupid or annoying person, especially a man. Vice president (in a company)
Sod's law noun Humorous. The natural tendency for things to go wrong whenever possible. Video arcade
Soda siphon noun A kind of bottle for holding soda water that's forced out of the bottle using gas pressure. Vise (tool)
Soda water noun Water with bubbles of gas in it that's added to alcoholic drinks. Visiting fireman (important visitor)
Sodding adj Informal. An impolite word to emphasise that you're angry. Voodoo economics (ideas that seem attractive but won't work)
Soft adj Stupid or silly. Wad (st) up (ball up a piece of paper)
Soft fruit noun Small fruit that you can eat that has no hard skin. Waffle/Waffle over (verb, be unable to decide)
Soft furnishings noun Things such as curtains, chair covers, etc. that are made of cloth and are used in decorating a room. Wafflestomper (heavy walking boot)
Soft toy/Cuddly toy noun A toy that looks like an animal and is covered in fur. Wait dinner/lunch/etc. (for (sb)) (delay a meal for someone)
Softly-softly approach noun A way of dealing with something or someone which involves very patient and careful. Wait up! (expression)
Solicitor noun A type of lawyer in Britain who gives advice, does the necessary work when a property is bought and sold, and defends people. Wake up and smell the coffee (expression)
Solitaire noun A game played by one person with small wooden or plastic pieces on a board. Walk the plank (be dismissed from a job)
Son et lumiere noun A performance that tells the story of a historical place or event using lights and recorded sound. Walk-up (tall building with no lift)
Sort noun A group or class of people, things, etc. that have similar qualities or features. Walking stick (stick insect)
Sort verb To deal with problems. Wall-eyed (eyes that point to the side instead of forward)
Sort verb To make someone stop doing something annoying or unpleasant, especially by punishing them. Wampum (money)
Sort-out noun Informal. An act of tidying a room, desk, etc. and getting rid of the things you don't need. Want in/out (to want to go in or out of a place)
Sounds noun Music, especially on a record. Wanted (classified ad)
Sozzled adj Humrous. Drunk. Warm (fairly angry or excited)
Spares noun New parts for vehicles or machines. Warmed over (rehashed idea or argument)
Spatula noun A small instrument with a flat surface, used by doctors so that they can examine your throat. Warmed over (reheated)
Special Branch noun A department of the British police force that deals with political crimes or crimes affecting the safety of the government, for example terrorism. Warmly (slightly angry)
Special constable noun SOmeone in Britain who has an ordinary job, but is sometimes employed as a police officer when the police need more help. Was (...) ever (adverb)
Specs noun Glasses that help you see. Wash up (wash your hands)
Spiky adj Informal. Easily offended or annoyed. Washroom (toilet)
Spin-dryer noun A machine that removes most of the water from washed clothes by spinning them around and around very fast. Waste (verb, harm someone)
Spinney noun A small area of trees and bushes. Water bug
Spirit noun A strong alcoholic drink such as whisky or brandy. Watering pot
Spirit noun Liquid such as alcohol, used for cleaning. Wave (woman US navy volunteer)
Spirit lamp noun A small lamp that burns methylated spirits. Way (as a synonyn of 'very')
Spit and sawdust noun A spit and sawdust pub is rough, dirty and simple in style. Way off/Ways off (far from where you are)
Splendiferous adj Informal. Humorous. Splendid. Way out/over/across/etc. (a long distance out)
Splosh verb Informal. To make a noise by falling into or moving through water. Way station (train)
Splosh noun Way to go (expression)
Sponge noun An act of washing something with a sponge. Ways (distance, especially a long one)
Sponge noun A sponge cake. Ways and Means Committee
Sponge bag noun A small bag for carrying the things that you need to wash with. Wazoo
Sponge pudding noun A food made of eggs, butter, flour and sugar which is eaten hot. Weak spot (something someone likes very much)
Sponsored adj Sponsored walk/swim/etc. An event in which many people walk, swim, etc. a particular distance in order to collect money for a charity. Wedding chapel
Sport noun Sports in general. Weenie/Wienie/Wiener (sausage/penis/weak)
Sporting noun Fair and generous, especially in sports. Welcome wagon
Sports noun An occasion when people compete in running, jumping throwing, etc. Wellness (state of being healthy)
Sports centre noun A building where many different types of indoor sports are played. Westerner (that comes from the west of the US)
Sporty adj Good at and fond of sport. Wet bar (small bar in a hotel room or house)
Spot noun A small raised red mark on someone's skin, especially on their face. Another word for 'pimple'. Wetback (offensive word for illegal Mexican immigrants)
Spot-on adj/adv Informal. Exactly right. Whacked out (behaving strangely, drunk or drugged)
Spots noun Small round areas that form a pattern on a piece of cloth. Whale/Whale into (verb, attack someone)
Spotted dick noun A boiled pudding with currants which is eaten in Britain. What's happening? (expression, as in 'what's up?')
Spotter noun Bird/Train spotter. Someone who spends time watching birds, trains, etc. What's new? (expression, greeting)
AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Spotty adj Informal. Haing spots on your face. What's the scoop? (expression)
Spring-clean noun What's with...? (to ask the reason for weird behaviour)
Sprog noun Humorous. A child or baby. Whisk broom (to brush clothes)
Squat noun A house that people are living in without permission and without paying rent. Whistle stop (train)
Squidgy adj Soft and wet, like thick mud. White lightning (alcoholic drink)
Squire noun Used by some men to address a man when they don't know his name. White Pages/The White Pages
Sr abb The written abbreviation of 'Sister' in front of the name of a nurse. White sale (a sale of sheets, towels, etc.)
Stable noun A building where horses are kept. White space (free time)
Staff nurse noun A British hospital nurse whose rank is just below a sister's. White trash
Stag noun Someone who buys shares in a new company hoping to sell them quickly and make profit. White-bread (adj, ordinary and traditional)
Stag night/Stag do/Stag party noun The night before a man's wedding, which he spends with his male friends, drinking or having a party. Whitewall (car tyre that has a wide white band on its side)
Stallholder noun Someone who rents and keeps a market stall. Whitey (insulting word for a white person)
Stamp noun A small piece of paper that's worth a particular amount of money and is bought and collected for something over a period of time. Whiz (verb/noun, urinate)
Stamp noun A piece of paper for sticking to some official papers to show that British tax has been paid. Whizzbang/Whizbang
Stamp duty noun A tax that must be paid in Britain on particular legal documents that have to be officially checked. Whop/Whup (defeat)
Star jump noun One of a series of excercise jumps that you do from a standing position with your arms and legs pointing out at each side. Why (interj, 'why, that is a very big sandwich')
Stark staring mad adv Completely crazy. Winding (party)
Starkers adj (not before noun). Naked. Wine cooler (drink)
Starter home noun A small house or flat bought by people who are buying their first home. Wing it (so something without planning or preparation)
State benefit noun Money given by the government in Britain to people who are poor, without a job, ill, etc. Wingtip (a type of men's shoe)
State school noun A British school which receives money from the government and provides free education. Winterize (prepare something for winter)
Stately home noun A large house in the countryside in Britain which has historical interest. Wipe out (to fall or hit another object when driving a car, bike, etc)
Statement noun If an education authority statements a child who has special educational needs, they give a school additional money to help teach that child. Wire (noun, telegram)
Statemented adj Wire (verb, to send a telegram)
Stationer noun Someone in charge of a stationer's. Wired (adj, excited, nervous, tense or drugged)
Stationer's noun A shop that sells stationery. Wise guy (person who thinks they know more than they do)
Stayer noun A horse or person who can keep going to the end of a long race, job, etc. Wiseacre (person who thinks they know more than they do)
STD noun Subscriber trunk dialling. The telephone system in Britain that allows people to connect their own long-distance calls. Wish list
Steady interj Usedn when you want to tell someone to be careful or not to cause an accident. Withholding tax
Steak noun Beef that's not of such good quality and is used in making casseroles, etc. Witness (public statement of strong Christian belief)
Sten gun noun A small British submachine gun. Witness (speak about your Christian beliefs)
Steps noun Another word for 'stepladder'. Wobble (to be unsure on whether to do something or not)
Sterling adj Sterling qualities, effort, character, etc. are excellent and dependable. Wonk (someone serious that works hard)
Sterling noun The standard unit of money in the United Kingdom, based on the pound. Woodsy (connected with the woods)
Steward noun Someone who's in charge of a horse race, meeting or other public event. Work (calculate answer to a maths problem)
Sticker noun Someone who keeps trying to do something even when it becomes very difficult. Working stiff (ordinary person who works to live)
Sticky adj Not willing to help your or do what you want. Workweek (amount of hours worked per week)
Stilton noun A kind of English cheese that's white with grey-blue marks and has a strong taste. Worrywart
Stinking adj (only before noun). Informal. Very unpleasant. Wrangle (gather together cows or horses)
Stipendiary magistrate noun A magistrate in Britain who's paid by the state. Wrangler (cowboy)
Stir verb Informal. To cause arguments or problems between people. Wrap (plastic used to cover food)
Stirrer noun Informal. Someone who likes to cause trouble between people by spreading false or secret information. Wrap-up (short report at the end to give the main points again)
Stockinette noun A soft cotton material that stretches, used especially for bandages. Wreck (a vehicle accident)
Stockist noun A person, shop or company that keeps a particular product or particular goods to sell. Wrecker (vehicle used to move damaged cars)
Stodge noun Informal. Something written that's very dull and difficult to read. Write away for (st) (write to a company for an advertised product)
Stodgy adj Informal. Stodgy writing is dull and difficult to read. Write-in (vote you give someone by writing their name)
Stone/Stones noun A measurement of weight used in Britain that's equal to 6.35 kg. Wuss
Stonking adj Informal. Surprisingly good. Y'all
Stop-go adj Stop-go policies/approach/etc. A way of controlling the economy. Yam (sweet potato)
Stoppage noun The act of stopping something from moving or happening. Yankee/Yank (referring to the northern/northeastern US region)
Stoppages noun Money kept back from your wages by your employer in order to pay your pension, etc. Yardbird
Storage heater noun A geater that stores heat at times when electricity is cheaper. Yarn (long thick thread)
Straphanging noun Informal. Supporting yourself while standing in a moving bus, train, etc. by holding onto a strap that hangs from the roof. Yearbook
Straw boater noun A stiff hat made of straw that's usually worn in summer. Yecch (expression, to mean something is unpleasant)
Strewth interj Used to express surprise, annoyance, etc. Yell (ask for help)
Strip noun The clothes of a particular colour worn by a team. Yell (to cheer in support of their school, university, etc)
Stripy adj Striped. Yo (greeting, to get attention)
Stroke noun Used when you're saying a number written with the mark / in it. Young marrieds (young people who recently got married)
Stroppily Your/Her/His/Main squeeze (someone's partner)
Stroppiness Z's (sleep)
Stroppy adj Informal. Bad-tempered and easily offendd or annoyed. Zap (cook in a microwave)
Strung-up adj Informal. Very nervous, worried or excited. Zapper (to kill insects)
Students' union noun An association of students in a particular university. Zero-sum game
Stumpy adj Stumpy legs, fingers, etc. are short and thick in an unattractive way. Zip (zero)
Sub noun A subeditor. Zippo (zero)
Sub verb To give someone part of their wages earlier than usual or lend them money.
Sub verb To subedit something.
Sub-aqua noun (only before noun). Related to sports that take place under water.
Sub-post office noun A small British post office that has fewer services than a main post office.
Subeditor noun Someone whose job is to examine other people's writing, such as a newspaper article, and to change mistakes.
Sublieutenant noun A middle rank in the Royal Navy, or someone who has this rank.
Subscribe verb To pay money regularly to be a member of an organisation or to help its work.
Subscribe verb To pay money regularly for a service.
Subscriber noun Someone who pays money to be part of an organisation or to help its work.
Subscriber noun Someone who gives money regularly for a service.
Subscription noun An amount of money you pay regularly to be a member of an organisation or to help its work.
Sugar noun Used to address someone you like very much.
Sugar lump noun A square piece of solid sugar.
Suite noun A set of matching furniture for a room.
Sum noun A simple calculation by adding, multiplying, dividing, etc., especially one done by children at school.
Summat noun A spoken form of 'something'.
Summer pudding noun A British sweet dish made from pieces of bread and fruit such as berries.
Sun blind noun The thing you pull down over a window to keep the sun out of a room.
Sundowner noun An alcoholic drink drunk in the evening.
Superannuation noun Money paid as a pension especially from your former employer.
Superannuation scheme noun A type of pension plan that's paid for by your employer.
Supergrass noun A criminal who gives the police information about many other criminals, in order to get a less severe punishment.
Superindentent noun A middle rank in the British police force, or someone who has this rank.
Support verb To like a particular sports team and go to watch the games they play.
Supporter noun Someone who supports a sports team, especially by regularly going to watch them play.
Supremo noun Someome who controls a particular activit, organisation or industry and has unlimited powers.
AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Surgery noun A regular period each day when people can see a doctor or dentist.
Surgery noun A special period of time when people can see a member of parliament to discuss problems.
Suss verb Informal. To realise something.
Sussed adj Informal. Knowing all about someone or something.
Swan verb To do things in a relaxed way that's not very responsible.
Swank verb Informal. To behave or speak too confidently. Especially to try and make other people admire you.
Swank noun Proud confident behaviour that's intended to make people admire you, but is annoying.
Swank noun Someone who talks or behaves confidently in order to make people admire them.
Swanky adj Informal. Very fashionable or expensive. Posh.
Swanky adj Tending to act too confidently to get attention.
Sweat verb To heat food gently in a litle water or fat.
Sweeper noun A football player that plays in a position behind other defending players.
Sweet noun Sweet food served at the end of a meal. Another word for 'dessert'.
Sweetie noun Informal. A word for a sweet used by or to children.
Sweetie noun Something or someone that's small, pretty and easy to love.
Swimmiing costume noun A piece of clothing worn for swimming, especially the kind worn by women.
Swing bridge noun A bridge that can be pulled upwards when tall ships need to pass through.
Swingeing cuts noun Very severe reductions in spending, especially by a government or organisation.
Swingometer noun Informal. A machine, used on television programmes during elections to show how much support each political party's getting come through.
Swinish noun Extremely unpleasant or difficult to deal with.
Swish adj Fashionable and expensive-looking.
Swiss roll noun A long thin cake that's rolled up with jam or cream inside.
Switch card/Switch noun A plastic card from your bank that you use to pay for things that allows the money to be taken straight from your account.
Swot verb Informal. To study a lot in a short time especially for an examination.
T-junction noun A place where two roads meet and form the shape of the letter T.
Ta interj Informal. Thank you.
Ta-ta interj Informal. Goodbye.
Table verb To suggest a proposal, question, demand, etc. for other people to consider.
Tablespoon noun A large spoon used for serving food or the amount held in it.
Tablet noun A small round hard piece of medicine. A pill.
Tabloid noun A newspaper that has a lot of stories about sex, famous people, etc. and not much serious news.
Taffy noun Slang. A word for someone who's Welsh. Often considered to be offensive.
Tail back verb To form a tailback.
Tailback noun A line of traffic that's moving very slowly or not moving a all.
Take verb To teach a particular group of students in a school or university.
Talent noun Slang. Sexually attractive people.
Tannoy noun A system for giving out information in public places by means of loudspeakers.
Target noun A list of fixed prices, such as the cost of meals or rooms, charged by a hotel or restaurant.
Tarty adj Wearing the kind of clothes that people think a prostitute would wear.
Tat noun Things that are cheap and badly made.
Tattily adv Something done in an untidy or bad condition.
Tattiness noun The act of being tatty.
Tatty adj Informal. Untidy or in a bad condition.
Tax disc noun A small round piece of paper on a car windscreen in Britain that shows the driver has paid road tax.
Tax relief noun The right to not have to pay tax on part of what you can earn.
Tea noun A cup of tea.
Tea noun A very small meal of cake or biscuits, eaten in the afternoon with a cup of tea.
Tea noun A large meal that's eaten early in the evening in some parts of Britain.
Tea leaf noun Slang. A thief.
Tea trolley noun A small table on wheels, that you serve food and drinks from.
Teacake noun A small flat round cake made of a bread-like mixture with raisins or currants in it.
Tech noun Informal. A university technical college.
Teddy noun Another word for 'teddy bear'. Perhaps more common.
Telephone verb Formal. To speak to someone by thelephone.
Television licence noun An official piece of paper that you need to buy in Britain in order to legally use a television in your home.
Telly noun Informal. Television.
Tenner noun Informal. £10 or a ten pound note.
Tenpin blowling noun Bowling.
Term noun One of the three periods that the school or university year is divided into. Summer, Autumn, Spring.
Termly adv Happening each term.
Terrace noun A row of houses that are joined to each other or a street with one of these rows in it.
Terraced house noun A house which is part of a row of houses that are joined together.
Terribly adv Very, extremely or very badly, severely.
Territorial noun A member of the British Territorial Army.
Territorial Army noun The Territorial Army is a military force of people in Britain who train as soldiers in their free time.
Terylene noun A light strong artificial cloth.
Test certificate noun The official paper that proves that a car is legally safe enough to drive.
Test/Test match noun A cricket or rugby match that's played between the teams of different countries.
The box noun Informal. Another word for 'television'.
The ether noun The air through which radio waves travel.
The grid/The national grid noun The network of electricity supply wires that connects power stations.
The Guides noun The Guides Association, which trains girls in practical skills and tries to develop their character.
The gutter press noun The newspapers that print shocking stories about people's personal lives.
The heavies noun Large, serious newspapers.
The hustings noun The process of trying to persuade people to vote for you by making speeches, etc.
The Law Lords noun The members of the British House of Lords holding high positions in the legal profession, who form the highest court in the British legal system.
The Lords noun The members of the British House of Lords considered as a group.
The Lords noun The House of Lords.
The mains noun A place on a wall you can connect something to a supply of electricity.
The Med noun Informal. The area surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.
The Met/Metropolitan Police. noun The police force that's responsible for London.
The milk round noun A series of visits to universities made each year by large companies to find people they may want to employ.
The nick noun Informal. A prison or a police station.
The old-boy network noun The system by which men who went to the same school, belong to the same club, etc. use their influence to help each other.
The park noun Informal. The pitch where a game of football or rugby is played.
The Peerage noun All the British peers considered as a group.
The Principality noun Wales.
The Privy Council noun A group of important people in Britain who advise the king or queen on political affairs.
The Privy Purse noun Money given by the British Government to the king or queen for their personal use.
The provinces noun The parts of a country that aren't near the capital city.
The rag trade noun The business of making and seeling clothes, especially women's clothes.
AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
The Realm noun Formal. The United Kingdom.
The sales noun When all the shops have a sale.
The seaside noun An area or town along the edge of the sea, especially a place you go to have a holiday or to enjoy yourself.
The shires noun The country areas in the central part of England.
The silly season noun A period in the summer when newspapers print stories that aren't very serious because there's not much political news.
The Smoke noun London, or any large town or city.
The stalls noun The seats on the main level of a theatre or a cinema.
The subcontinent noun The area of land that includes India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The terraces noun The wide steps that the people watching a football match can stand on.
The top of the milk noun The creamy part that rises to the top of a bottle of milk.
The underneath noun The bottom surface of something or the part of something that's below or under something else.
The war noun The Second World War.
The warm noun A place that's warm.
Theatricals noun Informal. Deliberately emotional behaviour so that people will notice you.
Theme party noun A party where everyone has to dress in a particular way connected with a particular subject.
Therm noun A measurement of heat equal to 100,000 British Thermal Units, used in Britain for measuring how much gas someone has used.
Thesis noun A long piece of writing about a subject that you write as a part of an advanced university degree such as a Master's or a PhD.
Thick adj Informal. Stupid.
Thieving noun Informal. The practice of stealing things.
Thieving noun To describe someone who steals things.
Three-day event noun A horse-riding competition that takes place for three days.
Three-line whip noun A order from a leader of a British political party telling MPs in that party that they must vote in a particular way.
Three-piece suite noun Two chairs and and a sofa covered in the same material.
Thumping adj Thumping great/big/etc. (only before noun). Informal. Very big.
Tiddler noun Informal. A very small fish.
Tiddly/Tiddley adj Informal. Slightly drunk.
Tiddly/Tiddley adj Informal. Very small.
Tidily adv Neatly done.
Tidiness noun The characteristic of something or someone that's tidy.
Tidy adj A room, house, desk, etc. that's tidy is neatly arranged with everything in the right place.
Tidy adj Someone who's tidy keeps their house, clothes, etc. neat and clean.
Tidy verb To make a place look tidy.
Tidy noun desk/car/sink tidy. A container for putting small objects in, used to keep your desk, car, etc. tidy.
Tie noun One game, especially of football, that's part of a larger competition.
Tie cottage noun A house that a farm worker rents from a farmer while he's working in that farm.
Tie-up noun A close connection between two or more things, especially when one causes the other.
Tied house noun A pub that can only sell the beer made by a particular company.
Timetable verb To plan that something will happen at a particular time in the future.
Timetable verb To arrange the times at which classes will take place in a school or university.
Tip noun An area where unwanted waste is taken and left.
Tip noun Informal. An extremely dirty or untidy place.
Tipple/Favourite tipple noun Someone's favourite alcoholic drink.
Tit noun Slang. A stupid person.
Titch noun A humorous or insulting way of addressing a small person.
Titchy adj Informal. Extremely small.
Toad-in-the-hole noun A British dish made of sausages in a mixture of eggs, milk and flour.
Tobacconist noun Someone who has a shop that sells tobacco, cigarettes, etc.
Toerag noun An offensive word for someone you dislike.
Toffee-nosed adj Informal. A toffee-nosed person thinks that they're better than other people because of their social position.
Toilet noun A room containing a toilet.
Ton noun 2240 pounds or 1016 kilos (as opposed to an AmE ton, which is 2000 pounds or 907.2 kilos).
Tonic noun Something that improves your health, strength or confidence.
Tonne noun A metric unit for measuring weight, equal to 1000 kilograms.
Toot verb If you toot your car horn or if it toots, it makes a short, high sound.
Top and tail verb To cut the top and bottom ogg a piece of fruit or a vegetable.
Top-down adj Informal. A top-down plan, etc. is one in which you start with a general idea of what you want and then add the details later.
Top-up noun An amount of liquid that you add to a glass, cup, etc. in order to make it full again.
Tops noun Used after a number to say that it's the highest possible amount of money you'll get.
Tor noun A rocky hill.
Torchlight noun The light produced by a torch.
Tory noun A member of the British Conservative Party.
Tory Party noun Another name for the British Conservative Party.
Toss-up noun The act of tossing a coin in order to decide something.
Tour operator noun A company that arranges travel tours.
Tout verb To try to persuade people to buy goods or services you're offering.
Tower block noun A tall building containing flats or offices.
Town council noun A group of people who are responsible for public areas and services, such as roads, parks, etc. in a particular town.
Tracksuit noun Loose clothes consisting of trousers and a jacket worn especially for sport.
Tradesman noun Someone who buys and sells goods, especially in a shop.
Tradesman noun Someone who goes to people's houses to sell or deliver goods.
Trading estate noun An area of land, often at the edge of a city, where there are small factories and businesses.
Traffic calming noun Changes made to a road to stop people driving too fast along it.
Traffic warden noun Someone whose job is to check that vehicles haven't parked illegally on the streets.
Train spotter noun Someone who collects the numbers of railway engines and other information about them for fun.
Train spotter noun Someone who you think is boring and only interested in unimportant details.
Training college noun A college for adults that gives training for a particular profession.
Tramlines noun The metal tracks in the road that trams run along.
Tramlines noun Informal. A pair of parallel lines at the edge of a tennis court.
Transfer fee noun The money that's paid to one football club by another for the transfer of a player.
Traveller noun Someone who travels around from place to place in a caravan as a way of life.
Travolator/Travelator noun Formal. A flat moving band of material on the floor, that people can step onto so that they don't have to walk, especially in airports.
Tray noun A flat open container with three sides used for holding papers, documents, etc. on a desk.
Treacly adj Thick and sticky, like treacle.
Treacly noun Expressing feelings of love or fondness in a way that seems insincere.
Tread verb To put your foot on or in something while you're walking.
Tread verb A more literary way of saying 'walk'.
Treasure trove noun Valuable objects, coins, etc. that are found where they've been hidden or buried, which aren't claimed by anyone.
Trendy noun Informal. Someone who's trendy because they want other people to think they're very modern.
Trestle noun An A-shaped frame used as one of the two supports for a temporary table.
Trestle table noun A temporary table made of a long board supported on trestles.
Trials noun A sports competittion that tests a player's ability.
AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Trials bike noun A type of motorcycle that you can ride on very rough ground.
Trig point noun A point often marked by a stone block on top of a hill, used for measuring your position on a map.
Trilby noun A man's soft felt hat.
Triplex noun A special type of safety glass used in car windows.
True-blue adj Informal. Believing completely in the ideas of the British Conservative Party.
Trunk road noun A main road used for travelling long distances.
Try-out noun A period of time spent trying a new method, tool, machine, etc. to see if it's useful.
TUC noun Trades Union Congress. The association of British trade unions.
Tudor adj Connected with the period in British history between 1485 and 1603. House, buidings, architecture.
Tuition noun Teaching, especially in small groups.
Tumble dryer noun A machine that uses hot air to dry clothes after they've been washed.
Tunic noun A specially shaped short coat worn by soldiers, police officers, etc. as part of a uniform.
Turft accountant noun Someone who has a business where people can bet on the results of horse races, football games, etc.
Turnabout noun A complete change in someone's opinions or ideas.
Turps noun Informal. Turpentine.
Tutor noun A teacher in a British university.
Tutorial noun A period of teaching and discussion with a tutor, especially in a British university.
Twat noun A stupid or unpleasant person.
Twat noun The female sex organ.
Twee adj Something that looks too pretty or perfect.
Tweedy adj Wearing tweed clothes in a way that's thought to be typical of the British upper class.
Twig verb Informal. To suddenly realise something about a situation.
Twin verb To form a relationship between two similar towns in different countries in order to encourage visits between them.
Twin town noun A town that has formed a relationship with a similar town in another country in order to encourage visits between them.
Twin tub noun A type of washing machine with one part for washing and one for spin-drying.
Twinset noun A woman's jumper and cardigan that are meant to be worn together.
Twister noun Informal. Someone who cheats other people.
Two-line whip noun A written order given to the members of the British Parliament about how they should vote on a particular subject.
Two-one noun The higher of two levels of a second-class university degree in Britain.
Two-two noun The lower of two levels of a second-class university degree in Britain.
Two/Five/etc.-storey adj Having two, five, etc., storeys.
Tyke noun A child who's behaving badly.
Tyke noun Informal. Someone from Yorkshire.
U noun A mark given in an examination to show that the work is too bad to be marked at all.
UEFA noun Union of European Football Associations. Organisation in charge of professional football in Europe.
UHT milk noun Milk that has been heated to a very high temperature to preserve it.
Underfelt noun A soft material that you put between a carpet and the floor.
Undergraduate noun A student who's doing a university course for a first degree.
Underpants noun A short piece of underwear worn by men under their trousers.
Undersecretary noun Someone who's in charge of the daily work of a British Government department.
Uni noun Informal. Short for 'university'.
University technical college noun A type of Secondary School in England that's led by a sponsor university. It's for students aged 14 to 19.
Unplaced adj Not one of the first three to finish in a race or competition.
Unseen noun A piece of writing in a foreign language that you've not seen before and that you must translate into your own language in an examination.
Untidy adj Not neat. Messy.
Untidy adj Someone who doesn't keep their house, possessions, etc. neat.
Unwaged adj Not having a paid job.
Upper school noun The classes of a school in Britain that are for older pupils. Usually aged 14 to 18.
Upper Sixth Form/Year Thirteen noun The second year of Sixth Form College.
Uppity/Uppish adj Informal. Behaving as if you're more important than you really are.
Useful adj Informal. Satisfactory.
Usher noun Someone who works in a law court whose job is to make sure there's no trouble.
V sign noun A rude sign made by holding up the first two fingers of your hand with the back of your hand facing forwards another person.
Vacant possession noun (house/flat with...) a home or other building whose previous owner has left, so that the new owner can move into it immediately.
Varsity noun A university, especially Oxford or Cambridge.
VAT noun Value added tax. A tax added to the price of goods and services in Britain and the EU.
Vaulting horse noun A large wooden box used for jumping over in gymnastics.
Veggie noun Informal. A vegetarian.
Verge noun The edge or border of a road or a path, etc.
Verger noun Someone whose job is to look after the contents of a church and perform small duties like showing people where to sit.
Vet noun Informal. A veterinary surgeon.
Vet verb To check someone's past activities, relationships, etc. in order to make sure they're suitable for a particular job.
Veteran car noun A car built before 1905.
Vicar noun A priest in the Church of England who's in charge of a church in a particular area.
Vicarage noun A house where a vicar lives.
Vice-chancellor noun Someone who's in charge of a British university.
Video nasty noun Informal. A video that includes very violent scenes.
Villa noun A house in another country that you can rent for your holidays.
Village noun A very small town in the countryside.
Village green noun An area of grass in the middle of an English village.
Villain noun Informal. A bad person or criminal.
Vintage car noun A car made between 1919 and 1930.
Viscount noun A British nobleman with a rank between an earl and a baron.
Vital statistics noun Humorous. A woman's chest, waist and hip measurements.
Viva voce/Viva noun A spoken examination taken at the end of a university course.
Vox pop noun Opinions expressed by orderinary people when they're asked questions about a particular subject during a tv, radio or newspaper report.
Waffle noun Informal. Talk or writing that uses a lot of words but says nothing important.
Waffle verb Informal. To talk or write using a lot of words but without saying anything important.
Wagon noun A large open container pulled by a train, used for carrying goods.
Walkabout noun Informal. An occasion when an important person walks through a crowd, talking informally to people.
Walker noun Someone who walks for pleasure or exercise.
Walking noun The activity or sport of going for walks, especially in the countryside.
Walking adj Holiday/tour/etc. in which you walk a lot, especially in the countryside.
Wally noun Informal. Someone who behaves in a silly way.
Wank verb To masturbate.
Wank noun The act of masturbation.
Wanker noun Someone who you think is stupid or unpleasant.
War cabinet noun A group of important British politicians who meet to make decisions during a war.
Ward noun One of the small areas that a city has been divided into for the purpose of local elections.
Warden noun Someone who takes care of a building and the people in it, for example a place such as a home for old people.
Warder/Wardress noun Someone who works in a prison guarding the prisoners.
AmE to BrE BrE to AmE Terms to avoid
Washbasin noun A container like a small sink used for washing your hands and face.
Washer-dryer noun A machine that washes and dries clothes.
Washing line noun A piece of string stretched between two poles that you hang wet clothes on so that they become dry.
Washing powder noun Soap in the form of a powder used for washing clothes.
Washing-up noun The act of washing of plates, dishes, knives, etc.
Washing-up noun The dirty pans, plates, dishes, knives, etc. that have to be washed.
Water butt noun A barrel used for collecting rainwater.
Water ice noun A sorbet.
Water vole noun A small animal like a large mouse that lives in holes near the water and can swim.
Way out noun A door or a passage through which you can leave a building.
Wedding breakfast noun A special meal after a wedding ceremony.
Wee adj (usually before noun). Informal. Very small.
Wee verb A word meaning to pass water from your body, used by or to children.
Wee noun The act of urinating.
Weed noun Informal. Someone who's weak.
Weedy adj Physically weak or having a weak character.
Weight training noun The activity of lifting specially shaped weights as a form of exercise.
Weighting noun Additional money that you get paid because of the high cost of living in a particular area.
Well adv Used to emphasise an adjective that describes how someone feels or what sort of situation the're in. IE: 'We're well fed-up'
Well noun The space in front of a judge in a court of law.
Well-nigh adv Almost, but not quite.
Wellington/Wellie/Wellington boot/Welly noun A long rubber boot that stops your feet getting wet.
Wesleydale noun A white cheese that doesn't have a very strong taste, originally from Yorkshire.
West Country/The West Country noun The southwest part of England.
West End/The West End noun The western part of central London, where there are large shops, theatres, expensive hotels, etc.
Wet adj Informal. Unable to make decisions or take firm actions.
Wet fish noun Fresh uncooked fish that's on sale in a shop.
Whacking/Whacking great adj Very big.
Wheatmeal noun A brown flour made from whole grains of wheat.
Wheelie bin noun A large container with wheels that you put your household rubbish into.
Whiffy adj Informal. Having an unpleasant smell.
Whilst noun Formal. Another word for 'while'.
Whinge verb To keep complaining in an annoying way.
Whinge noun The act of complaining in an annoying way.
Whinger noun Person who complains in an annoying way.
Whip noun Chocolate whip/Strawberry whip/etc. A sweet dish made from the white part of eggs and chocolate or fruit, beaten together.
Whit/Whitsun/Whit Sunday noun The seventh Sunday after Easter, when Christians celebrate the Holy Spirit coming down from heaven.
White paper noun An official report from the British Government, explaining their ideas and plans concerning a particular subject before a new law is introduced.
White spirit noun Ac chemical luquid made from petrol, used for making paint thinner, removing marks on clothes, etc.
Whitehall noun The British Government, especially the government departments rather than parliament or the Prime Minister.
Whitehall noun The street in London where many of the government departments are.
Whites noun White clothes that are worn for some sports, such as tennis.
Wicked adj Very good, excellent.
Wide boy noun Informal. A man who makes money in dishonest ways and uses it to boy expensive clothes, cars, etc.
Willy/Willie noun Informal. A penis.
Winceyette noun Light material with a soft surface, used especially for clothes you wear in bed.
Wind-up noun Informal. Something you say or do to deliberately make someone angry or worried.
Wine bar noun A place that serves mainly wine and light meals.
Winning post noun The place where a horse race ends.
Wipe verb To dry plates, cups, etc. that have been washed.
Wodge noun Informal. A thick, solid piece or large amount of something.
Wog noun A very offensive word for a black person.
Wolds noun A word for an area or hilly countryside, especially used in the names of places.
Wonga noun Slang. Money.
Wonky adj Informal. Unsteady or not straight or level.
Woofter noun Slang. An offensive word for a man who speaks or behaves in a way that's considered typical of homosexuals.
Woolly noun A piece of clothing made of wool.
Word-perfect adj Able to remember and say every word of something correctly.
Work verb To study a subject by reading books, doing excercises, etc. especially in order to pass an exam.
Work verb To think about something and manage to understand it.
Work experience noun Period of time that a young person spends working in a particular place, as a form of training.
Working majority noun Enough support in parliament for a government to continue making laws and ruling a country.
Working party noun A committee that's established to examine a particular situation or problem and suggest ways of dealing with it.
Wotcha interj Slang. Hello.
WPC noun Woman Police Constable. A female police officer.
Wrinkly noun Informal. An impolite expression meaning someone who's old.
Write-off noun A vehicle that's been so badly damaged that it can never be used again.
Yank/Yankee noun Someone from the US.
Yard noun An enclosed area without grass at the back of a small house.
Yatching noun Sailing, travelling or racing in a yatch.
Yellow line noun Line of paint along the edge of a street in Britain, meaning cars can only be parked for a short time or at particular times. See Double yellow line.
Yeoman service noun Formal. Long and loyal service, help and support.
Yob adj (only before noun). Behaviour, clothes, etc., connected with yobs.
Yob/Yobbo noun A rude, noisy, sometimes violent young man.
Yobbery noun Acts pertaining or connected to yobs.
Yonks noun Informal. A long time.
Yorkshire pudding noun A food made from flour, eggs and milk, eaten with meat in Britain.
Young offender noun A criminal in Britain who's not an adult according to the law.
Your/His Worship noun Formal. Used to address or talk about a public official such as a mayor or magistrate.
Youth hostelling noun The activity of staying in youth hostels and walking or cycling between them.
Zap noun Informal. Interest and excitement. Energy.
Zappy adj Informal. Interesting and exciting.
Zebra crossing noun A place marked with black and white lines where people who are walking can cross a road safely.