Cultural Matters: More British televsion

Since the last post was about language, I thought I'd return again to TV -- since one of the best things American visitors to Britain can do to acclimate themselves to the language is to watch English movies and especially television (as their TV shows are generally aimed at a British audience, while their films tend to more 'universal' in accents and vocabulary.)

This Easter was a big TV weekend for Britain with the season debuts of Ashes to Ashes and Doctor Who. To get you started, below are clips from several recent British shows.(Also be sure to check out my earlier TV post). NOTE -- to view properly, right-click and then click "Show all" to get the proper perspective.

PS -- if you bring your laptop, you can get online access to the BBC's iplayer website (which is only available in England) to watch all the newest shows. Also consider trying to attend a television taping while in London.


BBC Drama trailer for Spring/Summer 2010
Clips featuring shots of all the BBC's newest shows. Many of these shows will be playing while we are there.


Doctor Who (2010 season, with new tenth doctor)





Jonathan Ross Show
The BBC's equivalent to the Tonight Show. The below clip with a embarrassingly cocky and obnoxious Miley Cyrus is one of the most uncomfortable TV moments in recent years (and therefore quite hilarious).



Catherine Tate Show
One of England's most popular comedians, Catherine Tate starred in her own highly popular sketch show for several years. Below are two clips of her most famous characters: the insulting and profane Nan; and the teenage 'chav', Lauren Cooper with then Prime Minister Tony Blair.





Ashes to Ashes (see earlier post for more info)

Some common English - American words

Although too much has probably been made of the differences between English words in the U.S. versus Great Britain -- playwright George Bernard Shaw once famously said that England and the USA were "two countries separated by a common langauge" -- there are some differences that any American traveller should be aware of. (Although generally, thanks to movies and TV, they will know what you mean even when you may not know what they mean.) I have listed a few common English words below in no particular order followed by the American equivalent.

ENGLISH                        AMERICAN

Pound                               The main currency; like our dollar.

Quid                                 Slang for the Pound  "Can I borrow five quid?"

Wayout                             Exit

Hire                                  Rent

Football                             Soccer

Takeaway                          Take-out (as in pizza)

Carpark                             Parking lot

Petrol                                Gas, Fuel

En suite                             Hotel room with private bath

VAT                                  Value Added Tax (sales tax) 

Chemist                             Pharmacist

Motorway                          Highway

Single carriageway            Two-lane road

Dual carriageway              Four-lane road

High street                        Main street

Give way                          Yield

Lorry                                Pick-up truck

Single-ticket                      One way

Return ticket                      Round trip

Toilet                                Bathroom, restroom

WC (Watercloset)             Bathroom, restroom

Mate                                Friend, pal, buddy

Telly                                 Television

Boot                                 Trunk

Bonnet                             Hood

Trainers                            Tennis shoes, sneakers

Trousers                           Pants

Jumper                            Pullover (sweater)

Kit                                  Uniform

Posh                               Expensive, overly fancy

Tube                               Subway

Biscuits                           Cookies

Scones                           Biscuits (sort of)

Crisps                            Chips

Chips                             Fries

Jacket potato                 Bakeed potato

Jam                                Jelly

Sweets                           Candy

Wind up                         Tease
Take the Piss                  Tease

Fag                                Cigarette

Hoover                          Vacuum cleaner or to vacuum

Letter box                      Mail box

A couple of more images of Astor College at UCL