[e-mail]

1

British, Canadian and American Vocabulary

British

Canadian

American

A

AA, RAC

CAA, BCAA

(in British Columbia)

AAA

abattoir

slaughterhouse, abattoir

slaughterhouse

Abominable Snowman,
Yeti

Sasquatch, Bigfoot,
Abominable Snowman

Abominable Snowman, Big
Foot

abseil

rappel

rappel

absolutely,
absobloodylutely

(sl)

absolutely

absolutely

accelerator

gas pedal, accelerator

gas pedal, accelerator

accommodation

accommodation,
accommodations

accommodations,
accommodation

accumulator (in horse
racing)

?

?

accumulator (car)

battery

battery

action replay

instant replay

instant replay

addictive

addictive, addicting

addictive, addicting

advertisement

(TV)

commercial, advertisement

commercial, advertisement

adverts

commercial break

commercial break

aerial

(TV)

antenna

antenna

afters, sweet,
pudding, dessert

dessert

dessert

AGM (Annual General
Meeting)

AGM

shareholders’ meeting,
annual stockholders meeting

agony aunt, agony
column

advice columnist, advice
column

advice columnist, advice
column

air host(ess), air
steward, air
stewardess, flight

air host(ess), flight attendant flight attendant

[e-mail]

2

attendant
airing cupboard

linen closet

linen closet

aisle, gangway

aisle

aisle

alcohol, spirits, booze,
cargo (Glasgow only),
plonk

alcohol, liquor, booze

alcohol, liquor, Daddy's juice
(Northern Virginia), Daddy's
soda (East Texas)

alcoholic, alkie, alky,
piss-artist

alcoholic, booze pig

alcoholic

alco-pops

coolers

coolers

alligator

alligator, gator

alligator, gator

allotment

vegetable garden plot

vegetable garden plot

almost

almost

almost, most

Alsatian

German Shepherd

German Shepherd

amber

(traffic light)

yellow, amber

yellow

ambulanceman

EMT (emergency medical
technician), paramedic,
ambulance technician

paramedic

American football

(American/Canadian) football,
NFL, CFL

football, NFL

anaesthetist

anaesthetist

anesthesiologist, anesthetist

angry, cross, upset

angry, upset, mad, cross, mad
as a wet hen

angry, upset, mad

ankle socks (for girls) ankle socks

ankle socks, anklets, bobby
sox

anorak

geek

geek

anorak, parka

parka, anorak

parka

antenatal

prenatal

prenatal

antenatal class

prenatal class, Lamaze class prenatal class, Lamaze class

anti-abortion

pro-life, anti-abortion

pro-life

anti-clockwise

anti-clockwise

counterclockwise,
withershins, widdershins

anyway, any road

(sl)

anyway, anyways

anyway, anyways

anywhere

anywhere

anywhere, anyplace

apron, pinny

apron

apron

area code, dialling
code

(phone)

area code

area code

[e-mail]

3

"Are you smarter than
a 10 year old?" (TV
show)

"Are you smarter than a fifth
grader?"

"Are you smarter than a
fifth grader?"

argument, row,
quarrel, slanging
match, barney, ding-
dong, scrap

argument, quarrel, spat, row argument, quarrel, spat

arse

ass, arse

(Nfld)

ass

arse-licker

ass-kisser, suck-up

ass-kisser, brown-noser,
kiss-ass, toady

articulated lorry,
artic, juggernaut

tractor-trailer, semi, semi-
trailer, rig, trailer truck

tractor-trailer, semi, semi-
trailer, rig, trailer truck

athletics

track and field, athletics

track and field, athletics

attack (game)

offence, offense

offense

aubergine

eggplant

eggplant

autumn

fall, autumn

fall, autumn

[e-mail]

4

British

Canadian

American

B

baby, babby

baby

baby

back alley, back lane

back alley, back lane,
alleyway

back alley

backhander

backhander, kickback kickback

back to front, arse about face back to front

back to front

badge

badge, pin

pin

bagsie

call dibs on

call dibs on

baked potato, jacket potato

baked potato

baked potato

bakery

bakery, bakeshop

bakery, bakeshop

baking tin

baking pan

baking pan

balaclava

balaclava, ski mask,
skidoo mask

ski mask

balcony

(house)

balcony, deck

(although are

different things. Deck doesn't
exist in BE)

balcony, deck

ballpoint pen, biro, pen

ballpoint pen, pen

ballpoint pen, pen

balti, Indian restaurant, curry
house, Indian

Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant

banger, hot dog sausage,
chipolata, saveloy, frankfurter,
sausage

sausage, link, wiener,
frankfurter, frank,
steamie

(Que)

, smokie

sausage, link, wiener,
frankfurter, frank

bank holiday, public holiday

holiday, national
holiday, public holiday,
statutory holiday, stat

holiday, national holiday

bap, bun, batch, roll, cob

roll, bun

roll, bun

barbecue, barbie, have a BBQ barbecue, host a BBQ barbecue, cookout, have a

BBQ

barbed wire

barbed wire, barbwire barbed wire, barbwire

barber’s

barbershop

barbershop

Barbie, Sindy

Barbie

Barbie

bargain

bargain, bargoon

(sl)

bargain

barmaid

bar tender, beer
slinger, slinger

bar tender, slinger

[e-mail]

5

barman

bartender, beer
slinger, slinger

bartender, slinger

batch, roll, bap, bun, cob

roll, bun

roll, bun

bath

bath, bathtub, tub

bathtub, tub

bathing trunks,
trunks, swimming trunks (male)

Speedos, trunks

swim trunks, Speedos

beauty contest

beauty contest, beauty
pageant

beauty contest, beauty
pageant

bed-settee

hide-a-bed, hideaway
bed, sofa bed

hide-a-bed, hideaway,
sofa bed

bedsit, bedsitter

bachelor apartment,
studio apartment,
kitchenette

studio apartment,
efficiency, kitchenette

beefburger, hamburger, burger hamburger, burger

hamburger, burger

beer, ale, lager, stout, porter,
bock, bock beer, dry (different
types of beer)

beer, ale, brew, lager,
stout, porter, bock,
bock beer, dry, brewski

beer, brewski, ale, brew

beer belly

beer belly, Molson
muscle

beer belly

beer mat

coaster

coaster

beetroot

beet

beet

beggar

panhandler

panhandler

bellboy

bellboy, bellhop,
bellman

bellboy, bellhop, bellman

bent, queer, nancy boy, pansy,
fairy, gay, poof, poofta,

(all

offensive, except for `gay`)

gay, fag, faggot, homo,
fairy, queer, lesbo,
nancy,

(all offensive,

except for `gay`)

gay, fag, faggot, bent,
queer, homo, fairy, lesbo,

(all offensive, except for
`gay`)

bespoke, made-to-measure,
custom-made

(suit)

custom-made, bespoke custom-made

best man

best man, groomsman

best man, groomsman

bickie

(sl)

,

biscuit

cookie

cookie

bicycle, bike, push-bike

bicycle, bike

bicycle, bike

bill

(restaurant)

bill, check

check

billion

trillion

trillion

bin, rubbish bin, wastepaper
basket/bin

garbage can, trashcan garbage can, trashcan

bird, chick, bit of fluff, bit of chick

chick

[e-mail]

6

skirt

(woman)

biro, ballpoint pen, pen

ballpoint pen, pen

ballpoint pen, pen

biscuit, bickie

(sl)

cookie

cookie

bitch, cow, dog

bitch

bitch

bitter

dark beer

dark beer

black

(person)

black, Carribean-
Canadian

black, person of color,
African-American

blackboard

blackboard, chalkboard blackboard, chalkboard

blinkers

(horse)

blinders

blinders

block of flats

apartment building,
apartment block

apartment building,
apartment house,
apartment complex

bloke, guy, chap, lad, geezer

guy

guy

Bloody hell!, Blinkin' heck!,
Blinkin' hell!, Oh my
God!, Crikey!, Blimey!, Flippin'
'eck!, Get away! Shitting hell!,
Sodding hell! Christ!

Oh my God! (and?)

Oh my God! (and?)

blue riband

blue ribbon

blue ribbon

blusher

blusher, blush

blush

blu tack

poster putty, sticky
tack, fun tack

sticky tack, poster putty

bobbin, reel, spool

bobbin, reel, spool

bobby, cop, police constable
(PC), policeman/woman, copper,
PC Plod

police officer, Mountie,
patrolman, cop

police officer, cop
patrolman, trooper, state
trooper

bobsleigh

bobsled

bobsled

body clock

biological clock

biological clock

bogey

booger

booger

bogeyman

bogeyman, boogeyman bogeyman, boogeyman

boiled sweet

hard candy

hard candy

boiling

boiling, broiling

boiling, broiling

Bollocks!, Bullshit!

Bullshit!

Bullshit!

Bonfire Night, Guy Fawkes'

Bonfire Night

(Nfld)

n/a

bonnet

(on a car)

hood

hood

book

(into a hotel)

, book a room book

make a reservation, book

[e-mail]

7

booking

reservation, booking

reservation

booking office

ticket office

ticket office

bookstall

newsstand

newsstand

boot

(of car)

trunk

trunk

booze, alcohol, spirits, cargo
(Glasgow only)

, plonk

alcohol, liquor, booze

alcohol, liquor, Daddy's
juice (Northern Virginia),
Daddy's soda (East Texas)

booze cruise (going over the
English Channel for the day or
weekend to purchase cheap alcohol)

n/a

n/a

booze-up, piss-up, bender

?

?

boozer, pub, bar

bar, pub

bar, pub

borstal

reform school

reform school

boss, gaffer, governor, guv,
guv'ner, head honcho

boss

boss

bottom drawer

hope chest

hope chest

Boxing Day

Boxing Day

n/a

braces

(to hold up trousers)

suspenders, braces

suspenders

brackets

brackets, parentheses parentheses

breadbin

breadbox

breadbox

break

(play time at school)

recess

recess

breakfast, brekkie

breakfast, brekkie

breakfast

breeze-block

cinder block

cinder block

bricklayer, brickie

bricklayer

bricklayer

bridesmaid

(child)

flower girl, bridesmaid fl(take an inventory?)er

girl, bridesmaid

bring up (children)

?

raise

Brit, Briton, British person

Brit, Briton, British
person

Brit, Briton, British
person, Limey

(offensive)

Brits, Brit Awards

Junos

Grammys

broad bean

broad bean, fava bean fava bean

brolly, umbrella

umbrella

umbrella

brooch

pin, brooch

pin, brooch

broody

(to describe a young woman

desiring a baby)

?

?

brook, stream

creek, stream, brook

creek, stream, brook

brown bread, wholemeal bread brown bread, whole

whole wheat bread

[e-mail]

8

wheat bread

brown sauce, HP sauce

HP sauce

HP sauce

Bugger! Buggeration! Shit!
Damn! Bloody hell! Bugger-it!

Shit! Damn!

Shit! Damn!

bugger, sodomite

sodomite

sodomite

buggy, pushchair

stroller, buggy

stroller, buggy

building site

building site,
construction site

construction site

building society, credit union,
cooperative bank

credit union

credit union, cooperative
bank, savings and loan
association

bullshit, codswallop

hogwash, baloney, BS,
bullshit

hogwash, baloney, BS,
bullshit

bum, bottom, backside, behind,
rear-end, arse, botty, jacksie

butt, tush, bum, duff,
fanny, keister, rear-
end, buns, ass

butt, tush, fanny,
derriere, rear-end,
caboose, buns, duff,
keister, ass

bum bag

fanny pack

fanny pack

bumper

(of car)

fender, bumper

fender

bun, batch, roll, bap, cob

roll, bun

roll, bun

bunches

pigtails

pigtails

bunk off, skive
off,

(school/work)

skip, play hooky

skip, play hooky

bungalow

rancher, bungalow

bungalow, ranch house,
single-storey house

burgle

burgle, burglarize

burglarize

burns unit (in a hospital)

burn unit

burn unit

busker

street busker

street entertainer

busybody, nosey parker

busybody, nosy parker busybody

butter bean

lima bean

lima bean

butty, sandwich, sarni

sandwich

sandwich

bye, cheerio, ta-ta, see ya

bye, see ya, later, later
skater (any more?)

bye, see ya, later, later
skater (any more?!)

[e-mail]

9

British

Canadian

American

C

cable car

cable car, gondola

gondola

café, caff

café, diner, sidewalk
café

café, diner, sidewalk
café

Calgary

Calgary, cow town

Calgary

call box, phone box

phone booth

phone booth

camp bed

cot

cot

campsite

campground, campsite campground

can, tin

tin, can

can

Canada

Canada, Great White
North, Hollywood
North

Canada, Great White
North

Canadian

Canadian, Canuck,
Johnny Canuck,
Snowbird

(if you go

south for the winter)

Canadian, Canuck

candy floss

candy floss, cotton
candy

cotton candy

canteen, refectory, cafeteria

cafeteria, canteen

cafeteria

capital punishment

capital punishment,
death penalty

death penalty, capital
punishment

capsicum, pepper

pepper, capsicum, bell
pepper

bell pepper, sweet
pepper

car

car, auto, automobile car, auto, automobile

caravan, mobile home

trailer, mobile home,
motor home, fifth
wheel

trailer, mobile home,
motor home, fifth
wheel, Winnebago

car boot sale, jumble sale

garage sale, yard
sale, flea market

rummage sale, garage
sale, yard sale, flea
market, swap meet

[e-mail]

10

caretaker

janitor, custodian,
caretaker

janitor, custodian

car mechanic

car mechanic, auto
mechanic

car mechanic, auto
mechanic

carnival

parade

parade

car park

parking lot, car park parking lot

carpenter, joiner

carpenter

carpenter

car pool

car pool, HOV (high
occupancy vehicle)

car pool, HOV (high
occupancy vehicle)

cash dispenser, cashpoint, hole-in-
the-wall

ABM, ATM, bank
machine, instant
teller, cash machine

ATM, bank machine,
instant teller, cash
machine

cashpoint, hole-in-the-wall, cash
dispenser

ABM, ATM, bank
machine, cash
machine, instant
teller

ATM, bank machine,
cash machine, instant
teller

caster sugar, castor sugar

berry sugar

superfine sugar

casualty

(hospital),

accident &

emergency

emergency, ER

emergency, ER

catapult

catapult, slingshot

slingshot

cater for

cater for, cater to

cater to

cat’s eyes

(embedded in road)

cat's eyes, road
reflectors

road reflectors

cattery

(cat) kennel

(cat) kennel

caving, potholing

caving, spelunking

spelunking

centenary

centennial, centenary centennial

central reservation

(road)

median

median

CEO, managing director

CEO

CEO

change down

(gears)

shift down

shift down

chap, lad, bloke, guy

guy, buddy

guy

charge

(officially, with a crime)

charge, indict

charge, indict

charity shop, Oxfam, second-hand
shop, Sally Anne

thrift store, thrift
shop, Value Village,
Sally Anne

thrift store, second-
hand store, Value
Village

chat show

talk show

talk show

[e-mail]

11

chav

(England)

, ned

(Scotland),

scanger

(Ireland)

trailer trash

trailer trash

chemist

pharmacist, druggist druggist, pharmacist

chemist’s

pharmacy, drugstore drugstore, pharmacy

chequerboard, chessboard

checkerboard

checkerboard

chest of drawers

chest of drawers,
dresser

bureau, dresser, chest
of drawers

chewing gum, gum, chuddy

gum, chewing gum

gum, chewing gum

chick, bird, bit of fluff

(woman)

chick

chick, dame

chickory

chickory, endive,
Belgian endive

endive, Belgian endive

chickpea

chickpea

garbanzo bean,
chickpea

chief bridesmaid

maid of honour,
matron of honour

maid of honor, matron
of honor

chimney

(factory)

smokestack

smokestack

Chinese meal, a Chinese

Chinese meal, Chinese Chinese meal, Chinese

chip van

chip wagon, chip truck ?

chiropodist

podiatrist,
chiropodist

podiatrist

chips

French fries/chips

French fries

choc-ice

ice cream bar

ice cream bar

chocolate bar

chocolate bar

candy bar

Christmas, Crimbo, Chrimbo

Christmas

Christmas

Christmas cake

Christmas cake

n/a

Christian name, first name, given
name

first name, given
name, Christian name

first name, given name,
Christian name (unusual)

Christmas present

Christmas present,
Christmas box

(Nfld)

Christmas present

cigarette, ciggy, ciggie, fag, cancer
stick, coffin nail, faggerette

cigarette, smoke

cigarette, smoke,
cigaret

cinema, pictures, picture house,
flicks

movie theatre,
theatre, cinema

movie theater, theater,
movie house

circular saw

circular saw, buzz saw circular saw, buzz saw

city centre

city centre, downtown downtown

clever clogs, clever dick, smart
arse, smart alec

smart ass, smart
aleck, smarty

smart ass, wise guy,
smart aleck

[e-mail]

12

cling film

cling wrap

plastic wrap, Saran
wrap

cloakroom

checkroom,
cloakroom, coat check

checkroom, coat check

closing down sale

closing out sale

closing out sale

clothes horse

drying rack, clothes
horse

drying rack

clothes peg

clothespin

clothespin

coach

(long-distance)

bus, Greyhound,
coach

bus, Greyhound

coach station

bus station, bus
depot

bus station

cob, bun, batch, roll, bap

roll, bun

roll, bun

cock, cockerel

cock, rooster

rooster, cock

cockroach

cockroach, roach

cockroach, roach

codswallop, bullshit

hogwash, baloney, BS,
bullshit

hogwash, baloney, BS,
bullshit

coffee

coffee, java, joe,
timmy's

coffee, java, joe

coffee break, tea break

coffee break

coffee break

coffin

coffin, casket

casket, coffin

colleague

co-worker, colleague co-worker, colleague

comic

comic book

comic book

compere

emcee

emcee

comprehensive school, secondary
school, high school

high school

high school

condom, Durex, johnny, rubber
johnny, French letter, nodder

condom, rubber,
Trojan, safe, French
safe

condom, rubber

cone, cornet

(ice cream)

cone

cone

conscription

conscription, draft

draft

Conservative Party, Tories

Progressive
Conservative Party,
Canadian Alliance
Party, Tories

Republican Party

constituency

riding, constituency (electoral) district

[e-mail]

13

continental quilt, duvet, quilt

duvet, quilt

quilt

cooker

stove

stove, range

copper, PC Plod, bobby, cop, police
constable (PC), policeman/woman

police officer,
Mountie, patrolman,
smokey

(dated)

, cop

police officer,
patrolman, smokey

(dated)

, state trooper,

cop, trooper

cops, the Old Bill, pigs, the law, the
fuzz, police

police, RCMP, cops,
pigs, the fuzz, the
Mounties, the law,
five-o, po-po

cops, police, pigs

(dated)

,

the fuzz

(dated)

, the

law, the heat

cordial, squash

concentrated drink

concentrated drink

coriander

cilantro, coriander

cilantro

corn

corn, grain

grain

corner shop, Spar

convenience store,
dépanneur

(Quebec)

, 7-

11, milk store, mini-
mart, variety store

convenience store, 7-11,
mini-mart, variety store

corn flour

corn starch

corn starch

cot

crib

crib

cot death

crib death, SIDS
(Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome)

crib death, SIDS
(Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome)

cotton

thread

thread

cotton buds

Q-tips

Q-tips

cotton wool

cotton balls

cotton balls, cotton

couch, settee, sofa

sofa, couch,
Chesterfield

sofa, couch

council estate

housing project

housing project, the
projects

council housing

social housing, public
housing

public housing

councillor

councillor, alderman councilman,

councilwoman, alderman

country bumpkin, yokel

country bumpkin,
yokel

hillbilly, yokel

country's capital

nation's capital

nation's capital

courgette

zucchini

zucchini

[e-mail]

14

court shoes

pumps

pumps

counterfoil

(cheque)

stub

stub

court

courthouse,
courtroom

courthouse, courtroom

cover charge, entrance fee

cover

cover

covering letter

cover letter

cover letter

cowboy

cowboy, buckaroo,
wrangler

cowboy, buckaroo,
wrangler

cram, swot

(for exams) (v)

cram

cram

crayfish

crayfish

crayfish, crawfish

crazy, daft, barmy, batty, bonkers,
crackers, doolally, daft as a brush,
loony, loopy, nutty, off one's head,
off one's rocker, one sandwich
short of a picnic, out to lunch,
round the twist, wacko, wacky, off
one's trolley

crazy, wacko, wacky,
nutty, batty, bonkers,
loony, nutty, off one’s
rocker

crazy, wacko, wacky,
nutty, batty, bonkers,
loony, nutty, off one’s
rocker

crazy golf

miniature golf,
minigolf, mini-putt

miniature golf, putt-
putt

cream cracker

soda cracker, saltine soda cracker, saltine

creature

creature, critter

creature, critter

creche, day care, nursery

day care

day nursery, day care

creepy-crawly, insect

insect, bug, creepy-
crawly

insect, bug

crew cut

(hair)

crew cut, brush cut,
buzz cut

crew cut, brush cut,
buzz cut

crisps

(potato) chips

(potato) chips

crooked, skew-whiff

crooked

crooked

crossroads

intersection, four way intersection, four way

cupboard

(in the bedroom, or general storage)

closet

closet

cupboard

(in the kitchen)

cupboard

cupboard

cup of tea, cuppa

cup of tea

cup of tea

curling tongs

curling iron

curling iron

current account

chequing account

checking account

[e-mail]

15

curriculum vitae, CV

résumé, curriculum
vitae, CV

résumé, curriculum
vitae, CV

curry house, balti, Indian
restaurant, Indian

Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant

curtains

drapes, curtains

drapes, curtains

cutlery

cutlery, flatware

silverware, flatware

cystitis

urinary tract
infection

urinary tract infection

[e-mail]

16

British

Canadian

American

D

dad, daddy

dad, daddy

dad, daddy, poppa, pops, pa

daddy long legs

daddy long legs

daddy longlegs, crane fly

dale, valley

valley

valley

day care, nursery, creche

day care

day nursery, day care

daypack, knapsack

(small

backpack for day hikes or for
carrying books)

knapsack, daypack,
packsack

knapsack, daypack

dd/mm/yy

(date)

dd/mm/yy, mm/dd/yy mm/dd/yy

dear, expensive

expensive

expensive

denim jacket

denim jacket, jean
jacket

jean jacket, denim jacket

deposit account

savings account

savings account

dessert, pudding, sweet,
afters

dessert

dessert

dessicated (coconut)

shredded

shredded

detached house

single-family
home/house, detached

single-family home/house

dialling code, area code

area code

area code

dialling tone

dial tone

dial tone

diamanté

rhinestone

rhinestone

diary, appointment diary

appointment diary,
schedule, datebook,
daybook, agenda,
planner

appointment calendar,
schedule, datebook,
daybook, agenda, journal

diary

(personal account)

diary

journal, diary

dinner, lunch

lunch

lunch, dinner

dinner, tea, supper

dinner, supper

dinner, supper

dinner jacket, DJ, tuxedo

tuxedo

tuxedo

dish up

serve dinner

serve dinner

dived

dived, dove

dived, dove

diversion

diversion, detour

detour

[e-mail]

17

docker

longshoreman

longshoreman

doctor, GP, general
practitioner

doctor, GP, general
practitioner, physician

doctor, physician

doctor’s surgery, surgery

doctor’s office

doctor’s office

dog, mutt

dog, pooch, mutt

dog, pooch, mutt

dog end, fag end

cigarette butt

cigarette butt

do-it-yourself (DIY)

do-it-yourself,
remodelling

remodelling

dole

pogey

unemployment

dole queue

unemployment line

unemployment line

doner kebab

donair, gyro

donair, gyro

double cream

heavy cream

heavy cream

double-glazing

double-glazing, storm
windows

storm windows

doughnut

doughnut, bismarck,
Burlington bun

(NS),

donut, Dutchie,
jambuster

(Man & On)

,

long john

doughnut, donut, bismarck,
Dutchie, long john

drainpipe

drainpipe

drainspout

draught excluder

weather stripping

weather stripping

draughts

checkers

checkers

drawing-pin

thumb tack

thumb tack, push-pin, tack

drawing room, reception
room, living room, sitting
room, lounge

living room, front room

(Maritimes)

living room

dress, frock

dress

dress

dressing gown

bathrobe, housecoat,
dressing gown

bathrobe, housecoat

dressing table

dresser

dresser

drink driving

drunk driving, impaired
driving

drunk driving, DWI, DUI

driving licence

(c for noun, s for verb)

driver's licence

(c for noun, s for verb)

driver's license

(s for noun or verb)

[e-mail]

18

drugs test (in sport)

drug test

drug test

drunk, plastered, smashed,
slaughtered, arse-holed,
sozzled, pissed, pissed as a
fart, pissed as a newt,
pissed up, battered, bevvied,
shit-faced, bevvied up,
caned, bladdered, blitzed,
blootered, blotto, cabbaged,
drunk as a skunk, gatted,
lagered (up), lashed up,
leathered, legless, ripped,
mortalled, off one's chump,
off one's face, off one's
tits, out of it, paralytic,
pickled, pie-eyed, rat-arsed,
ratted, steaming, stewed,
three sheets to the wind,
trashed, trolleyed,
trousered, twatfaced,
twatted, sloshed, wankered,
wasted, well gone, tanked up

drunk, pissed, ripped,
smashed, plastered,
wasted, stoned (old-
fashioned)

, shit-faced,

hammered, three
sheets to the wind,
falling down drunk, and?

drunk, ripped, wasted,
hammered, shit-faced, and?

dry-stone wall, plasterboard drywall, gypsumboard,

wallboard

drywall, gypsumboard,
wallboard

dual carriageway

divided highway, divided
road

divided highway, divided
road

dummy

(for babies)

pacifier, soother

pacifier

dump, tip

garbage dump

garbage dump, landfill

dungarees

overalls, bib overalls

overalls, bib overalls

Durex, johnny, French
letter, condom

condom, rubber, Trojan condom, rubber

dusk, twilight

dusk, twilight, duckish

(Nfld)

dusk, twilight

dustbin

garbage can, trash can garbage can, trash can

dustman, binman

garbageman, garbage
collector

garbage collector,
garbageman

duvet, quilt, continental quilt duvet, quilt

quilt

[e-mail]

19

British

Canadian

American

E

earthworm

earthworm, night crawler

earthworm, night crawler,
nightwalker

easy, piece of piss, piss
easy

easy

easy

economy, second class economy, coach

coach

edgeways

edgewise

edgewise

educationalist,
educationist

educator

educator

Eh?

Eh?

Huh?

eiderdown

comforter

comforter

elastic band

elastic band, rubber band

rubber band

electricity

(at home),

lecky

hydro

electricity

emulsion paint

latex paint

latex paint

end-of-year party

(school)

prom

prom

endorsement

endorsement, endorsation

endorsement

engaged

(phone)

busy

busy

engaged tone

busy signal

busy signal

engine

engine

motor, engine

entrance fee, cover
charge

cover

cover

Essex girls

Surrey girls

(BC)

Valley girls

estate agent

realtor, real estate agent

realtor, real estate agent

estate car

station wagon

station wagon

everywhere

everywhere

everywhere, everyplace

exclamation mark

exclamation mark,
exclamation point

exclamation point

ex-directory (phone)

unlisted

unlisted

[e-mail]

20

exhaust pipe

tailpipe

tailpipe

expensive, dear

expensive

expensive

expiry date

expiry date, expiration date expiration date

ex-serviceman/woman ex-serviceman/woman, vet,

veteran

veteran, vet

extra time

(game)

overtime

overtime

[e-mail]

21

British

Canadian

American

F

fag, cigarette, ciggy,
ciggie

cigarette, smoke, butt

cigarette, smoke, cigaret

fag end, dog end

cigarette butt

cigarette butt

faggots

meat balls

meat balls

fairy, poofta, pansy,
gay, bent, queer, poof,
nancy boy, woofta

(all

offensive, except for `gay')

gay, fag, faggot, homo,
fairy, queer, lesbo, nancy,

(all

offensive, except for `gay')

gay, fag, faggot, homo, fairy,
queer, lesbo,

(all offensive, except

for `gay')

fairy cake

cupcake

cupcake

fancy dress party

costume party

costume party

fair

fair, carnival

fair, carnival

fairy lights

Christmas lights

Christmas lights

family allowance

child benefit, baby bonus,
child tax benefit

child tax benefit

fantastic, ace, blinding,
brill, brilliant, the dog's
bollocks, smashing,
mega, fab, wicked, dead
good

fantastic

fantastic

fanny, vagina

vagina

vagina

farm

(small, for pleasure)

hobby farm

hobby farm

fart, fluff, trump, break
wind, blow off, bottom
burp, botty burp, guff,
let off, let one go, let
(one) rip

fart

fart

Father Christmas, Santa
Claus

Santa Claus

Santa Claus

fell (a tree)

fell, fall

fell, fall

feller

feller, faller

feller, faller

female undergraduate

coed

(dated)

coed

(dated)

[e-mail]

22

film

movie, film

movie, motion picture, film

financial year

financial year, fiscal year

fiscal year

finger (the)

Trudeau salute, the finger,
one-fingered salute, highway
salute

the finger, one-fingered
salute, highway salute

fire brigade, fire
service

fire department

fire department

fire engine

fire truck, fire engine

fire truck, fire engine

fire station

fire hall

fire station, fire house

first name, given name,
Christian name

first name, given name

first name, given name

fish fingers

fish sticks

fish sticks

fishing boat

fishing boat, fishboat

(esp

BC)

fishing boat

fit

(epileptic)

seizure, fit

seizure, fit

fitted carpet

wall-to-wall carpet

wall-to-wall carpet

fizzy drink, pop

pop, soft drink

soda, soft drink, pop

(Midwest)

,

soda pop, etc.

flannel

face cloth, washcloth

face cloth, washcloth

flat

apartment, condo,
condominium

apartment, condo,
condominium

flatmate, housemate

roommate, housemate

roommate

flat tyre, puncture

flat tire

flat (tire)

flavoursome

flavoursome, flavourful

flavorsome, flavorful

flex

cord

cord

flick-knife

switchblade

switchblade

flip-flops

flip-flops, thongs

thongs, flip-flops

flirt

flirt, make out with
someone, make a move on
someone, make moves on
someone

flirt, make out with someone,
make a pass at someone, make
time with someone, make eyes
at someone, make a play for
someone

floor

floor, storey

storey

flyer

(advert)

flyer, shopper

flyer, shopper

flyover

flyover, overpass

overpass

football, soccer, togger soccer

soccer

[e-mail]

23

footballer

soccer player

soccer player

fortnight, two weeks

two weeks

two weeks

fortnightly, biweekly

biweekly

biweekly

4x4

(not a pick-up truck)

,

Discovery

SUV, Sports Utility Vehicle SUV, Sports Utility Vehicle

four-poster bed

four-poster bed, canopy bed canopy bed

four-wheel drive

four-wheel drive, all-wheel
drive, AWD

four-wheel drive, all-wheel
drive, AWD

foyer

foyer, lobby

lobby

freefone

toll-free

toll-free

French beans, runner
beans, green beans

string beans, green beans

string beans, green beans

French-Canadian

French-Canadian, pepsi

(derog),

Franco, frog

(derog)

Franco-Canadian,
francophone, Quebecer,
Quebecois, Quebecoise,
Quebecker

French-Canadian

French kiss, snog

neck, French, French kiss,
tonsil hockey, swap spit

French kiss, make out, neck

(dated)

French letter, condom,
Durex, johnny

condom, rubber

condom, rubber

fresher

freshman, frosh

(sl)

freshman, frosh

(sl)

fridge

fridge

fridge, icebox

friend

(female, of female)

friend, girlfriend

friend, girlfriend

fringe

bangs

bangs

frock, dress

dress

dress

fruit machine

slot machine, VLT, video
lottery machine

one-armed bandit, slot
machine

frying pan

frying pan, skillet, fry pan

skillet, fry pan, frying pan

Fucking hell! Chuffin'
hell! Bloody hell! For
fuck's sake!, For Pete's
sake! Frigging hell!

Fucking hell!

Fucking hell!

Fuck off!, Get lost!, Bog
off!, Clear off!, Buzz
off!, Knob off!, Piss
off!, Naff off!, On your

Fuck off!

Fuck off!

[e-mail]

24

bike!, Sod off! Sod you!,
Up your bum!, Up yours!,
Bugger off!, Get
stuffed!
full-board

American plan

(unusual)

American plan

(unusual)

full stop

(punctuation mark)

period

period

funeral parlour

funeral home, funeral
parlour, funeral chapel

funeral home, funeral parlor

funfair

amusement park

amusement park

funny bone

?

crazy bone, funny bone

further education

continuing education

continuing education

[e-mail]

25

British

Canadian

American

G

gangway, aisle

aisle

aisle

gaol, the nick, prison,
jail, clink, slammer

prison, jail, clink
penitentiary, pokey,
hoosegow, pen, lock-up

prison, jail, pen,
penitentiary, hoosegow,
pokey, lock-up

garden

yard

yard

gay, poof, poofta, bent,
queer, nancy boy,
pansy, fairy, bent as a
nine bob note, woofter

(all offensive except for 'gay')

gay, fag, faggot, homo,
fairy, queer, lesbo, nancy,

(all offensive except for 'gay')

gay, fag, faggot, homo, fairy,
queer, lesbo,

(all offensive except

for 'gay')

gear box

transmission

transmission

gearstick

gearshift, stick shift

gearshift, stick shift

general practitioner,
doctor, GP

doctor, GP, general
practitioner, physician

doctor, physician

Gents

Men’s Room

Men’s Room

geologist

geologist

geologist, rockhound

get your knickers in a
twist

get your panties in a bunch get your panties in a wad

gherkin

dill pickle, pickled
cucumber

pickle, pickled cucumber

Girl Guide

Girl Guide

Girl Scout

giro

welfare cheque

welfare check

given name, Christian
name, first name

given name, first name

first name, given name

give way

(street sign)

yield

yield

glandular fever

glandular fever,
mononucleosis

mononucleosis

glasses, specs,
spectacles

glasses, specs eyeglasses,
spectacles

glasses, eyeglasses,
spectacles, specs

glove box

glove box, jockey box,
glove compartment

glove compartment

goalkeeper

goalkeeper, goaltender

goaltender

gobbledegook,
gobbledygook

gobbledegook,
gobbledygook, bafflegab

gobbledegook, gobbledygook,
bafflegab

[e-mail]

26

golden syrup

corn syrup

corn syrup

goodbye, bye, cheerio,
ta ta, ta ta for now,
see you (later), toodle
pip

(dated)

goodbye, bye, see you
(later)

goodbye, bye, see you (later)

goods train

freight train

freight train

goose pimples

goose bumps

goose bumps

gossip, goss, tittle-
tattle

gossip, scuttlebutt, tittle-
tattle

gossip, scuttlebutt, tittle-
tattle

got

(past participle)

gotten, got

gotten, got

GP, general
practitioner, doctor

doctor, GP, general
practitioner, physician

doctor, physician

gradient

gradient, grade

grade

grandma, nan, nanny,
gran

grandma, gramma

(informal),

gran, nan

(Nfld)

grandma, gramma

(informal)

,

gran

grandpa, grampy,
grandad, gramps,
granddad

grandpa, grampa, gramps,
granddad, grandad,
granddaddy, grandaddy

grandpa, grampa, gramps,
granddad, grandad,
granddaddy, grandaddy

grass, grasser (n)

informer, snitch

informer, snitch

grass (v), shop

tattle

tattle

grease-proof paper

wax paper

wax paper

green fingers

green thumb

green thumb

gribbit

(frog)

ribbit

ribbit

grill (v)

broil

broil

ground floor

ground floor, main floor

first floor

G-string

G-string, thong

thong, G-string

guide dog

guide dog, seeing eye dog

guide dog, seeing eye dog

Guide Dogs for the
Blind

Guide Dogs for the Blind,
Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Guiding Eyes for the Blind,
Guide Dogs for the Blind

guillotine

paper cutter, guillotine

paper cutter

gutter

eavestrough

gutter

guy, chap, lad, bloke,
geezer

guy

guy

Guy Fawkes', Bonfire
Night

Bonfire Night

(Nfld)

n/a

[e-mail]

27

British

Canadian

American

H

hair grip

bobby pin

bobby pin

hair slide

barrette

barrette

hair spray, hair lacquer hair spray

hair spray

half-board

Modified American Plan
(MAP)

(unusual)

Modified American Plan
(MAP)

(unusual)

hall

auditorium, hall

auditorium, hall

hall of residence

(uni)

dorm, res

dorm

hamburger,
burger, beefburger

hamburger, burger

hamburger, burger

handbag

handbag, purse

purse, pocketbook

hand brake

parking brake, emergency
brake

parking brake, emergency
brake

hang up, ring off

hang up

hang up

hanky panky, get off
with

making out

making out

happy slapping

?

?

hardback

(book)

hardback, hardcover

hardcover, hardback

hardware

hardware

housewares

harmonica, mouth
organ

harmonica, mouth organ,
mouth harp

harmonica

hash

(sign on phone)

pound key, pound

pound key, pound

haulage

haulage

trucking

have a natter

shoot the shit

shoot the breeze

hazelnut

hazelnut

hazelnut, filbert

headlamp, headlight

headlight, headlamp

headlight

headmaster,
headmistress, head
teacher

headmaster, headmistress,
head teacher

principal

health farm

spa

spa

healthy

healthy

healthy, healthful

[e-mail]

28

hen night

bachelorette party,
stagette party

bachelorette party, stagette
party

hessian

burlap

burlap

hiccup

hiccup

hiccup, hiccough

high heels, stilettos

spike heels, high heels

spike heels, high heels

high school,
comp, secondary
school, comprehensive
school

secondary school, high
school, junior high, senior
high

high school, junior high,
senior high

high street

main street, main drag

main street, main drag

hire car

rental car

rental car

hire purchase, HP,
never-never

instalment plan

instalment plan

hit the sack

hit the sack, hit the hay

hit the hay

hob

hot plate, burner

hot plate, burner

hockey

field hockey

field hockey

hole-in-the-wall,
cashpoint, cash
dispenser

ABM, ATM, bank machine,
cash machine, instant teller

ATM, bank machine, cash
machine, instant teller

holiday, hols

vacation, holiday

vacation

holidaymaker

holidaymaker, vacationer

vacationer

home affairs

?

domestic affairs

homely

(room that is

pleasant & comfortable)

homely, homey

homey

Hooch

(alco-pop drink)

Mike's Hard Lemonade

?

hoover, vacuum
cleaner, vac

vacuum cleaner

vacuum cleaner

hoover, vacuum

(v)

vacuum

vacuum

horse manure

horse manure, horse bun,
road apple

horse manure, road apple

hose, hosepipe

hose

hose

hotch-potch

hodgepodge

hodgepodge

hot flush

hot flash

hot flash

housecoat

housecoat

housedress

[e-mail]

29

housemate, flatmate

roommate, housemate,
roomie

roommate, roomie

House of Commons

House of Commons

House of Representatives

housewife

housewife, homemaker

homemaker, housewife

housing estate

subdivision, housing
development

track housing, subdivision

How are you? How's it
hanging? How's
tricks? All
right? How's it going?

How are you? How's it
going? What's up?

How are you? How's it
going? What's up?

HP, never-never, hire
purchase

instalment plan

instalment plan

[e-mail]

30

British

Canadian

American

I

iced lolly, lolly

popsicle

popsicle

ice hockey

hockey, NHL

ice hockey, hockey,
NHL

ice hockey player

hockey player, puckster hockey player

ice pops

freezies

?

ice rink

arena, ice rink, ice pad,
ice palace

(specifically for

hockey)

ice rink

ice rink machine (??)

Zamboni

ice rink machine (??)

icing

icing, frosting

frosting, icing

icing sugar

icing sugar

powdered sugar,
confectioner’s sugar

identity parade

line-up

line-up

ill, poorly, sick

sick

sick

immersion

(heater)

water heater

water heater

income support, on the dole

welfare, pogey

welfare

Indian, Asian

East Indian, South
Asian

Indian, South Asian

Indian meal, an Indian

Indian meal, Indian

Indian meal, Indian

Indian restaurant, Indian,
curry house, balti

Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant

indicator, winker

(on a car)

turn signal lever, turn
signal

turn signal

indirect speech, reported
speech

indirect speech,
reported speech,
indirect discourse

indirect speech,
reported speech,
indirect discourse

Inland Revenue

Revenue Canada, RevCan Internal Revenue

Service (IRS)

insect, creepy-crawly

insect, bug, creepy-
crawly

insect, bug

inside leg

inseam

inseam

interval

intermission

intermission

in-tray

in-tray, in-basket

in-tray, in-basket

[e-mail]

31

inverted commas

quotation marks

quotation marks

[e-mail]

32

British

Canadian

American

J

jab

(injection)

shot

shot

jacket potato, baked potato

baked potato

baked potato

jail, gaol, the nick, prison, clink,
slammer

prison, jail, clink ,pen,
penitentiary, lock-up
hoosegow, jailhouse,
pokey

prison, jail, hoosegow,
penitentiary, jailhouse,
lock-up, pen, pokey

jam

jelly, jam

jelly

jeans

jeans

blue jeans, jeans

jelly

Jell-o

Jell-o

jersey, pullover, jumper,
sweater

sweater

sweater

Jock, Scotsman

Scotsman

Scotsman

Joe Bloggs

Joe Blow, Joe Public,
John Doe, Joe Bloggs,
Bloggins

Joe Blow, Joe Public,
John Doe

jogging bottoms, tracksuit
bottoms

track pants

sweat pants

johnny, French letter, condom,
Durex

condom, rubber

condom, rubber

joint

(marijuana)

, spliff, wacky-

backy, grass, hash, skunk,
reefer

joint, grass, hash,
reefer, BC bud

joint, grass, hash,
reefer

joint

(meat)

roast

roast

jug

jug, pitcher

pitcher

juggernaut, articulated lorry,
artic

tractor-trailer, semi,
semi-trailer, rig, trailer
truck, fifth wheel, 18-
wheeler

tractor-trailer, semi,
semi-trailer, rig,
trailer truck

jumble sale, car boot sale

garage sale, yard sale,
flea market

rummage sale, garage
sale, yard sale, flea
market, swap meet

jumper, sweater, jersey,

sweater

sweater

[e-mail]

33

pullover

jump lead

jumper cable, booster
cable

jumper cable, booster
cable

[e-mail]

34

K

ketchup, tomato sauce

ketchup

ketchup, catsup

kilometre

kilometre, klick

kilometer

kipper

smoked herring

smoked herring

kitchen roll, paper towel

paper towel

paper towel

knackered, shattered, worn
out, bollocksed, buggered,
cream crackered, fagged
(out), whacked, wiped out,
zonked

worn out, pooped, pooped
out, tuckered out

worn out, tired, all in,
(all) tuckered out,
pooped out, pooped

knapsack, daypack

knapsack, daypack,
packsack

knapsack, daypack,
packsack

knickers, undies, smalls, pants

(female)

panties, underwear,
undies, ginch, gonch,
gitch, gotch

panties, underwear,
undies

get your knickers in a twist

get your panties in a
bunch

get your panties in a
wad

[e-mail]

35

British

Canadian

American

L

Labour Party

Liberal Party

Democratic Party

lad, bloke, guy, chap,
geezer

guy, lad

(Nfld)

guy

ladder

(in tights)

run

(in pantyhose)

run

ladies

women’s room, ladies room

women’s room, ladies room

ladybird

ladybug

ladybug

lager (light beer)

lager, beer

beer

larch

larch, tamarack

larch

larder, pantry

pantry

pantry

last orders

(pub)

last call

last call

launderette, laundrette

laundromat, coin laundry

laundromat

laundry basket

laundry basket, laundry
hamper

laundry hamper

lay-by

pull-off

pull-off

lead

(for dog)

leash

leash

leave school

graduate

graduate

lecturer

(university teacher

without PhD)

professor

professor

let, rent, let out

rent

rent

letterbox

mailbox, mail slot

mailbox, mail slot

level crossing

railway crossing, level
crossing

railroad crossing, grade
crossing

lice, nits

lice, cooties

lice, cooties

licence plate, number plate licence plate

license plate

lie-in, to have a

sleep in

sleep in

life insurance, life
assurance

life insurance

life insurance

life jacket

life jacket

life preserver, life vest

lift

elevator

elevator

lighthouse

lighthouse

lighthouse, light station

lightning conductor

lightning rod

lightning rod

liquidizer, liquidiser

blender

blender

[e-mail]

36

little finger

pinkie

pinkie

living room, sitting room,
lounge, drawing room,
reception room

living room, sitting room

living room

lollipop

lollipop, sucker

sucker, lollipop

lollipop lady/man

crossing guard

crossing guard

lolly, iced lolly

popsicle

popsicle

Loch Ness monster, Nessie Ogopogo

Champie

(NE USA)

lodger

lodger, boarder

boarder

lonely

lonely, lonesome

lonely, lonesome

long jump

long jump, broad jump

long jump, broad jump

long-sighted

far-sighted

far-sighted

loo, bog, lav, toilet

(in a

home)

toilet, bathroom, biffy,
john, lav, shitter, crapper,
can, loo, pisser, the head

john, bathroom, can,
shithouse, outhouse, toilet

loo roll, toilet paper, toilet
roll

toilet paper

bathroom tissue, toilet
paper

lorry

truck

truck

lorry driver

truck driver, teamster

teamster, trucker

lost property

lost and found

lost and found

lounge, drawing room,
reception room, living
room, sitting room

living room, sitting room

living room

love bite

love bite, hickey

hickey

luggage

baggage, luggage

baggage, luggage

lumberjack

logger, lumberjack

logger

lunch, dinner

lunch

lunch

lunch box

lunch box, lunch pail, brown
bag

lunch box, lunch pail, brown
bag

[e-mail]

37

British

Canadian

American

M

macaroni cheese

macaroni and cheese,
Kraft dinner

macaroni and cheese

mac(k), raincoat

raincoat

raincoat

mad, crazy

crazy

crazy

main course

entrée, main course

entrée, main course

main road

main road, highway

highway

male prostitute, rent
boy

male prostitute

male prostitute

mange-tout

snow peas, sugar peas

snow peas, sugar peas

manic depression

manic depression, bipolar

manic depression, bipolar

man of the match

most valuable player

most valuable player

marks

marks, grades

grades

marrow

vegetable marrow

vegetable marrow, gourd

mashed potato, mash,
Smash

mashed potato

mashed potato

masking tape

duct tape, masking tape

duct tape, masking tape

maths

math

math

mature (cheese)

mature, sharp, vintage

mature, sharp, vintage

mayor

mayor, reeve

mayor

merry-go-round,
roundabout

carousel, merry-go-round

carousel, merry-go-round

Mexican wave

wave

wave

Middle East

Middle East, Mideast

Middle East, Mideast

mileometer

odometer

odometer

mince, minced beef

ground beef, minced meat ground beef

minor collision

(between

vehicles)

fender-bender

fender-bender

mobile home, caravan

trailer, mobile home,
motor home, fifth wheel,
RV (recreational vehicle)

trailer, mobile home, motor
home, fifth wheel, Winnebago

mobile phone, mobile,
moby

cell(ular) phone, mobile
phone

cell(ular) phone, mobile phone

moggie, pussy, cat,
pussycat

cat, pussycat

cat, pussycat

[e-mail]

38

money, brass, loot, lolly,
bread, bunce, dosh,
spondulicks, dough,
lookah, wonga

money

money

Monopolies & Mergers
Commission, Office of
Fair Trading

Competition Tribunal

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

mosquito, mozzie

mosquito, skeeter

mosquito, skeeter

most successful

most successful

most successful, winningest

(sl)

Mother's Day,
Mothering Sunday

Mother's Day

Mother's Day

motorbike

motorbike, hog,
motorcycle

motorcycle, hog motorbike

motorway

highway, freeway,
autoroute

(Quebec)

,

superhighway

freeway, expressway, highway,
interstate, superhighway

mountaineer

mountaineer

mountaineer, alpinist

mouth organ, harmonica harmonica, mouth organ,

mouth harp

harmonica

mudguard

fender

fender

muesli

granola

granola

multi-purpose vehicle,
MPV, people carrier

minivan

minivan

multi-storey car park

parkade, parking garage

parking garage

mum, mummy

mom, mommy, mum,
mummy

mom, mommy, mama

mummy's boy

mama's boy

mama's boy

Murphy's Law, Sod's
Law

Murphy's Law

Murphy's Law

Musical Statues

Freeze Dance

Freeze Dance

[e-mail]

39

British

Canadian

American

N

nail varnish

nail polish, nail enamel

nail polish, nail enamel

nancy boy, pansy, fairy, gay,
poof, poofta, bent, queen, queer,

(all offensive except for `gay`)

gay, fag, faggot, homo,
queen, fairy, queer, lesbo,
nancy,

(all offensive except

for `gay`)

gay, fag, faggot, fairy,
queen, homo, fairy,
lesbo,

(all offensive

except for `gay`)

napkin, serviette

napkin, serviette

napkin, table napkin

nappy

diaper, Pampers

diaper, Pampers

National Health Service (NHS)

Medical Services Plan
(MSP)

Medicaid

national insurance number

social insurance number,
SIN

social security number

(Native) American Indian, Red
Indian

(offensive)

Indian, native, aborigine,
Native American,
aboriginal

Indian, native, Native
American, American
Indian

Native American Indians,
American Indians, Red Indians

(offensive)

First Nations, aborigines,
First Peoples, natives,
Canadian Indians, Native
Americans, Red Indians

(offensive)

Indians, natives,
American Indians,
Native Americans, Red
Indians

(offensive)

nativity scene

nativity scene, manger
scene

nativity scene, manger
scene

naturist, nudist

nudist

nudist

neat

(drink)

straight

straight

neighbourhood

neighbourhood

neighborhood, 'hood

net curtains

sheers

sheers, underdrapes

never-never, hire purchase, HP

instalment plan

instalment plan

new recruit

rookie

rookie

newspaper clipping

press clipping

press clipping

newsreader

newscaster, news anchor

newscaster, anchor

newsagent’s

newsstand

newsstand

nick, pinch, steal

steal, punk'd

steal

nightdress, nightie

nightgown, nightie,

nightgown, nightie,

[e-mail]

40

nightdress

nightdress

nightshift

nightshift, graveyard shift nightshift, graveyard

shift

nosey parker, busybody

busybody, nosy parker

busybody

note

(money)

bill

bill

noticeboard

bulletin board, message
board

bulletin board,
message board

noughts and crosses

tic-tac-toe, X's & O's

tic-tac-toe

nowhere

nowhere

nowhere, no place

nudist, naturist

nudist

nudist

number plate, licence plate

licence plate

license plate

Numbers: one hundred and
twenty three

one hundred twenty three one hundred twenty-

three

nursery, crèche, day care

day care, nursery

day nursery, day care,
nursery

nuttier than a fruitcake

nuttier than a fruitcake,
crazier than a bag of
hammers

nutty, fruitcake, as
crazy as a loon, out of
w(h)ack, pop one's
cork

[e-mail]

41

British

Canadian

American

O

OAP, old aged pensioner,
pensioner, senior citizen

senior, OAP, old aged
pensioner, senior
citizen

senior, senior citizen

odds and ends, odds and sods,
bits and bobs

odds and ends

odds and ends

old age pension

old age security

social security check

off-licence, offie, beer & wine
store

liquor store, bond store

(Nfld)

liquor store

oilskins

slicker, sou'wester

(east

coast)

slicker

old boy, old girl

alumnus, alumni, alumna,
alum

alumni, alumnus, alumna,
alum

on foot

on foot, afoot

on foot, afoot

on heat

in heat

in heat

ONO (or nearest offer)

OBO (or best offer)

OBO (or best offer)

open-plan

(house)

open-plan, open concept open-plan

operating theatre

operating room, OR

operating room, OR

optician

optometrist, optician

optometrist

out tray

out tray, out basket

out tray, out basket

oven glove

oven mitt

oven mitt

overalls

(different from American

'overalls`)

coveralls

coveralls

overheads

overhead

overhead

overtake

(a car)

pass

pass

Oxfam, second-hand shop, charity
shop

thrift store, second-
hand store, Value
Village

thrift store, second-
hand store, Value
Village

[e-mail]

42

British

Canadian

American

P

pack of cards

deck of cards

deck of cards

pad, sanitary towel, brick

maxi-pad, pad

(feminine) napkin,
pad, maxi-pad

paddling pool

wading pool

wading pool

pager, beeper

pager, beeper

beeper

pancake

pancake, flapjack, ploye

pancake, flapjack,
hotcake

pancake roll, spring roll

egg roll, spring roll

egg roll, spring roll

pansy, fairy, gay, poof, poofta,
bent, queer, nancy boy,

(all

offensive, except for `gay`)

gay, fag, faggot, homo,
fairy, queer, lesbo, nancy,

(all offensive, except for
`gay`)

gay, fag, faggot,
homo, fairy, queer,
lesbo,

(all offensive,

except for `gay`)

pantry, larder

pantry

pantry

pants, knickers, undies, smalls

(female)

panties, underwear,
undies, ginch, gonch,
gitch, gotch

panties, underwear,
undies

paperback

paperback, softcover

paperback,
softcover

paper knife

letter opener

letter opener

paper round

paper route

paper route

parka, anorak

parka, anorak

parka

parliament

parliament

congress

paraffin

paraffin, kerosene

kerosene

pass away, pop one's clogs

pass away

pass away, pass

pastry base

crust

crust

patience, solitaire

(

card game)

solitaire

solitaire

patrol car, panda car

squad car, patrol car,
smokey

(dated)

squad car, patrol
car, smokey

(dated)

pavement

sidewalk

sidewalk, pavement

(unusual)

pay cut

wage cut, rollback, pay

wage cut, rollback,

[e-mail]

43

cut

pay cut

pay packet

pay packet, pay envelope

pay envelope

pay slip

pay slip, pay stub, pay
statement

pay slip, pay stub,
pay statement

pedestrian crossing, zebra
crossing

crosswalk

crosswalk

pelican crossing

pedestrian-controlled
crosswalk

pedestrian-
controlled
crosswalk

pelmet

valance

valance

people carrier, MPV, multi-
purpose vehicle,

minivan

minivan

pensioner, OAP, old aged
pensioner

senior, OAP, old aged
pensioner

senior, senior
citizen

pepper, capsicum

pepper, capsicum, bell
pepper

bell pepper, sweet
pepper

percolator

(coffee)

percolator, perk

percolator

perfume, scent

perfume

perfume

pernickety

pernickety, persnickety

(informal)

pernickety,
persnickety

(informal)

personnel department

personnel department,
human resources

human resources

perspex

plexiglass

plexiglass

petrol

gas, gasoline

gas, gasoline

petrol station, filling station,
service station

gas station, filling station,
gas bar, service station

gas station, filling
station, service
station

phone (v), on the phone, phone in,
phone up, ring, ring round, ring
up

phone, call, phone in, call
in, phone up, call up, call
round

call, call in, call up,
call round

phone box, call box

phone booth

phone booth

photocopier

Xerox machine,
photocopier

Xerox machine,
photocopier

physiotherapist, physio

physiotherapist, physio

physical therapist

pick up, pick up truck

pick up, pick up truck

pick up, pick up
truck

[e-mail]

44

pictures, cinema, picture house

movie theatre, theatre

movie theatre,
theater

pig

pig, hog

pig, hog

pigsty

pigsty, pigpen

pigpen, pigsty

pigtail, plaits

braids

braids

pillar box, postbox

mailbox

mailbox

pillock

useless or stupid person

useless or stupid
person

pillowcase

pillowcase, pillow slip

pillowcase, pillow
slip

pinafore

jumper

jumper

pinch, steal, nick

steal

steal

pinny, apron

apron

apron

pissed, drunk, plastered,
smashed, slaughtered, arse-
holed, sozzled, pissed, pissed as a
fart, pissed as a newt, pissed up,
battered, bevvied, shit-faced,
bevvied up, caned, bladdered,
blitzed, blootered, blotto,
cabbaged, drunk as a skunk,
gatted, lagered (up), lashed up,
leathered, legless, ripped,
mortalled, off one's chump, off
one's face, off one's tits, out of
it, paralytic, pickled, pie-eyed,
rat-arsed, ratted, steaming,
stewed, three sheets to the
wind, trashed, trolleyed,
trousered, twatfaced, twatted,
sloshed, wankered, wasted, well
gone, tanked up

pissed, drunk, ripped,
smashed, plastered,
wasted, stoned (old-
fashioned)

, shit-faced,

hammered, three sheets
to the wind, falling down
drunk, and?

drunk, ripped,
wasted, hammered,
shit-faced, and?

pissed off, hacked off, miffed,
naffed off, narked, ticked off,
brassed off, cheesed off

pissed, pissed off

pissed

pitch

(sport)

field

field

pit stop

pit stop, rest stop, rest
area

rest stop, rest area

[e-mail]

45

placement, work experience

internship

internship

plaits, pigtail

braids

braids

plaster, sticky plaster, sticking
plaster

band aid

band aid

plasterboard

drywall, wallboard,
gypsumboard

drywall, wallboard,
gypsumboard, sheet
rock

plimsolls, pumps

Keds

Keds

Plough

(constellation)

Big Dipper

Big Dipper

pluck

(with tweezers)

pluck, tweeze

pluck, tweeze

plughole

drain

drain

pneumatic drill

pneumatic drill,
jackhammer

pneumatic drill,
jackhammer

pocket money

allowance

allowance

podgy

pudgy

pudgy

polar neck, roll-neck

turtleneck

turtleneck

police, cops, the Old Bill, pigs,
the law, the fuzz , bizzies

police, RCMP, cops, pigs,
the fuzz, the Mounties,
the law, five-o, po-po

police, cops, pigs

(dated)

, the fuzz

(dated)

, the heat,

the law

policeman/woman, copper, PC
Plod, bobby, cop, police constable

police officer, Mountie,
patrolman, smokey

(dated)

,

cop, policeman/woman,
police constable

police officer,
patrolman, smokey

(dated)

, state

trooper,
cop, trooper

polling station

polling station, polling
place

polling station,
polling place

polo neck

turtle neck

turtle neck

polystyrene

styrofoam

styrofoam

poo, poo-poo

poo, poo-poo, poop

poop, poo

poof, poofta, bent, queer, nancy
boy, pansy, fairy, gay

(all offensive,

except for `gay`)

gay, fag, faggot, homo,
fairy, queer, lesbo, nancy,
ass-pirate

gay, fag, faggot,
homo, fairy, queer,
lesbo

poorly, sick, ill

sick

sick

pop, fizzy drink, soft drink

pop, soft drink

soda, soft drink,
soda pop, pop, cold
drink

[e-mail]

46

Poppy Day, Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day, Poppy
Day

Veteran’s Day,
Memorial Day

porch

porch, veranda

porch, veranda

porcupine

porcupine, porky

porcupine, porky

pork scratchings

pork rinds

pork rinds

porridge

porridge, oatmeal

oatmeal

positive discrimination

employment equity,
affirmative action,
positive discrimination

affirmative action

post

mail, post

mail

postal order

money order

money order

post(age) & packing (p&p)

shipping & handling (s&h) shipping & handling

(s&h)

postbag

mailbag

mailbag

postbox

mailbox

mailbox

postcode

postal code

zip code

postgraduate student

graduate student

graduate student

postman

mailman, letter carrier

mailman, letter
carrier

postbox, pillar box

mailbox

mailbox

poste restante

general delivery-

general delivery

post mortem

autopsy

autopsy

postnatal

postnatal, postpartum

postnatal,
postpartum

postponement

postponement, raincheck

postponement,
raincheck

potatoes, spuds

potatoes

potatoes

potter

(v)

putter

putter

potty

crazy

crazy

pound, quid, sterling

dollar, buck, loonie

(one

dollar)

, toonie, twoonie

(two)

dollar, buck,
greenback, a single

(one dollar)

power cut

power cut, power failure,
outage

outage

[e-mail]

47

power point, socket

outlet, socket

outlet, socket

pram

baby carriage

baby carriage

prat

stupid or foolish

stupid or foolish

prawn

shrimp, prawn

shrimp

prawn cocktail

shrimp cocktail

shrimp cocktail

pregnant, up the duff, to have a
bun in the oven

pregnant

pregnant

premature baby

premature baby, preemie

premature baby,
preemie

pre-menstrual tension (PMT)

pre-menstrual syndrome
(PMS)

pre-menstrual
syndrome (PMS)

press stud

snap

snap fastener, snap

press-ups

push-ups

push-ups

primary school

elementary school, grade
school

elementary school,
grade school

prime minister

prime minister, first
minister

president

(nearest

equiv.),

prez

(slang),

Mr President

prise open

pry open

pry open

prison, jail, gaol, the nick, clink,
slammer, chokey

prison, jail, hoosegow
penitentiary, clink, pen,
jailhouse, lock-up, pokey

prison, jail, lock-up
penitentiary,
hoosegow,
jailhouse, pen,
pokey

private detective, private eye

(just referring to a magazine)

private detective, private
investigator, private eye

private detective,
private
investigator,
private eye

pub, public house, bar, boozer,
rub-a-dub

bar, pub, beer parlour

bar

publican

bar owner

bar owner

public school, private school

private school

private school

public prosecutor, crown, crown
prosecutor

crown, crown prosecutor,
crown counsel, federal
prosecutor, provincial
prosecutor

district attorney

[e-mail]

48

public conveniences, ladies,
gents, WCs, toilets

washroom, ladies, women’s
room, men’s room

restroom, comfort
station, bathroom,
ladies, women’s
room, men’s room

public transport

transit, mass transit

transit, mass
transit

pudding, dessert, sweet, afters

dessert

dessert

puke, throw up, blow chunks,
barf, chuck, chuck up, chuck
one's guts up, chunder, gip, hurl,
pray to the porcelain god, ralph,
spew, spew up, spew one's guts
up, be sick, honk

barf, puke, upchuck,
throw up

barf, puke,
upchuck, blow one's
lunch, blow one's
cookies, spit
(something up),
throw up, toss
one's cookies

pullover, jumper, sweater, jersey sweater

sweater

pumps, plimsolls

gym shoes

gym shoes

puncture

flat

flat, blow out

purse

change purse

change purse, coin
purse

push-bike, bicycle, bike

bicycle, bike

bicycle, bike

pushchair, buggy

stroller, buggy

stroller, buggy

pussy, cat, pussycat, moggie

cat, pussycat

cat, pussycat

pylon

hydro tower

?

[e-mail]

49

British

Canadian

American

Q

quarrel, slanging match,
argument, row

argument, quarrel, spat

argument, quarrel, spat

queer, Nancy boy, pansy,
fairy, gay, poof, poofta,
bent

(all offensive, except for

`gay`)

gay, fag, faggot, homo,
fairy, queer, lesbo,

(all

offensive, except for `gay`)

gay, fag, faggot, homo,
queer, lesbo,

(all offensive,

except for `gay`)

question time

(parliament)

question period

?

queue

(v)

, queue up

stand in line

stand in line, line up, stand
on line

(NYC)

queue

(n)

line up, queue

(Victoria,

B.C.)

line

quilt, continental quilt,
duvet

duvet, quilt

quilt

quizmaster

host

host

quotation

quotation, estimate, a
quote

estimate, a quote

[e-mail]

50

R

RAC, AA

CAA

AAA

racism, racialism

racism, racialism

racism

railway

railway

railroad

railwayman

railwayman

rail worker, railroad worker

rain

(weather forecast)

rain, precipitation

rain, precipitation

raincoat, mac(k)

raincoat, slicker

raincoat, slicker

randy

randy, horny

horny

ratepayer

ratepayer

?

reader

associate professor

associate professor

really

(I had a really

good time)

real, really

real, really

reception

reception, front desk

front desk

receptionist

receptionist, desk clerk

receptionist, desk clerk

reception
room, living room,
sitting room, lounge,
drawing room

living room

living room

recliner

recliner, la-z-boy

recliner, la-z-boy

red light, traffic
light

red light, stop light

red light, stop light

redundancy

layoff, downsize,
rightsize

layoff, downsize, rightsize

redundant

laid off

laid off

reel

(as in cotton reel)

spool

spool

register

register, roster

roster

registrar

(hospital)

admitting officer

admitting officer

registrar

(marriage)

justice of the peace
/ registrar

justice of the peace

registry office

(births, marriages &
deaths)

City Hall

City Hall

reindeer

reindeer, caribou, cariboo

(rare)

reindeer, caribou

[e-mail]

51

reverse

(car)

back up

back up

Remembrance Day,
Poppy Day

Remembrance Day, Poppy
Day

Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day

rent, let, let out

rent

rent

rent boy, male
prostitute

male prostitute, rent boy,
male escort, escort

male prostitute, rent boy, male
escort, escort

repayable

repayable, payable

payable

repeat

(TV)

repeat, rerun

repeat, rerun

report

report card

report card

residents’
association

neighbourhood
association, subdivision
association

neighborhood association

resit

(exam)

retake

retake

result

(exam)

score, grade

score, grade

retirement party

retirement party, roast

retirement party, roast

return (ticket), day
return

return, round-trip

round-trip

reverse the charges

call collect, reverse the
charges

call collect

rib-eye steak

(unusual)

rib-eye steak

rib-eye steak, Delmonica steak

ring, ring round, ring
up, phone, on the
phone, phone in,
phone up, bell, buzz

phone, call, phone in, call
in, phone up, call up, call
round

call, call in, call up, call round

Ring-a-ring o' roses,
A pocket full of
posies,
A-tishoo! A-tishoo!
We all fall down.

Ring-a-ring o' roses,
A pocket full of posies,
Ashes! Ashes!
We all fall down.

Ring-a-ring o' roses,
A pocket full of posies,
Ashes! Ashes!
We all fall down.

ring off, hang up

hang up

hang up

ring-pull

pull tab

pull tab

ring road

ring road

beltway

rise

(in salary)

raise

raise

road surface

road surface, asphalt

pavement

[e-mail]

52

road works

construction

construction

rocking chair

rocking chair, rocker

rocker, rocking chair

roll, bap, bun, batch,
cob

roll, bun

roll, bun

roll

(sandwich),

balm

(regional)

sub, submarine, Subway

sub, submarine, Subway, sub
sandwich, hoagy, hoagie, hogie,
hero, poboy, poor-boy, grinder

roll of honour

honour roll

honor roll

roof rack

roof rack

luggage rack

room only

(in a hotel)

European Plan (EP)

(unusual)

European Plan (EP)

(unusual)

roundabout

roundabout, traffic circle traffic circle

row, quarrel, slanging
match, argument

argument, quarrel, spat,
row

argument, quarrel, spat

rowdy behaviour

roughhousing, rowdy
behaviour

roughhousing, rowdy behavior

rowing boat

rowboat

rowboat

Royal Mail

Canada Post

Postal Service

RSPCA

SPCA

SPCA

rubber

eraser

eraser

rug

rug, area rug

rug, area rug

rumpus

ruckus

ruckus

runner beans, French
beans

string beans

string beans

Rubbish!, Rhubarb!,
Balls!, bosh, cack,
Cobblers! Crap!
Bollocks! Knickers!,
Pants!, Piffle!,
Pigshit!, Rot!, tommy
rot, tosh

Nonsense!, Garbage! Crap! Nonsense!, Garbage! Crap!

rubbish

garbage, trash

garbage, trash

rubbish bin, bin,
wastepaper
basket/bin

garbage can, trashcan

garbage can, trashcan

rumbustious

rambunctious

rambunctious

[e-mail]

53

British

Canadian

American

S

sack

(from a job)

fire, to be canned

fire, to be canned

sailing boat

sailboat

sailboat

saloon

(car)

, four-door

sedan, four-door

sedan, four-door

sand pit

sand box

sand box

sandwich, sarni, butty

sandwich

sandwich

sanitary towel, pad, brick,
jam rag

maxi-pad, pad

(feminine) napkin, pad maxi-
pad, sanitary pad, Kotex pad

Santa Claus, Father
Christmas, Santa

Santa Claus, Santa

Santa Claus, Santa, St Nick

sausage, banger, hot dog
sausage, chipolata, saveloy,
frankfurter

sausage, link, wiener,
frankfurter, frank,
smokie, steamie

(Que)

sausage, link, wiener,
frankfurter, frank

scent, perfume

perfume

perfume

school, at

school, in

school, in

school fete, sports day

field day

field day

secateurs

pruning shears, secateurs

pruning shears

secondary school, high
school, comprehensive
school

high school

high school

second class, economy

economy, coach

coach

second-hand shop, charity
shop, Oxfam, Sally Ann

thrift store, thrift shop,
Value Village, Sally Ann,
second-hand store

thrift store, second-hand
store, Goodwill Store

see-saw

see-saw, teeter-totter

see-saw, teeter-totter

self-catering

efficiency unit

efficiency

sellotape, sticky tape

scotch tape

scotch tape

[e-mail]

54

semi-detached house, semi

duplex

semi-detached, duplex

semi-skimmed

(milk)

1%, 2%

1%, 2%

semolina

cream of wheat

cream of wheat

senior (officer)

ranking

ranking

serviette, napkin

napkin, serviette

napkin, table napkin

settee, sofa, couch

sofa, couch, Chesterfield

sofa, couch, divan

(dated)

shaman, healer, witch
doctor

shaman, healer, witch
doctor, angakok

(Inuit)

shaman, healer, witch doctor

shandy

beer with lemonade

beer with lemonade

shattered, knackered, worn
out, tired

worn out, tired

worn out, tired

shoelace

shoelace, shoestring

shoelace, shoestring

shop (retail outlet)

store, shop, shoppe (to be
quaint)

store, shoppe (to be quaint),
shop (if the place sells a service,
e.g. repair shop, beauty shop)

shop assistant

sales clerk, saleslady,
saleswoman, salesman,
salesperson

sales clerk, saleslady,
saleswoman, salesman,
salesperson

shop front

storefront

storefront

shopkeeper, shop manager

shopkeeper, storekeeper,
store manager

storekeeper, store manager

shopping centre, shopping
precinct

mall, shopping centre,
plaza, strip mall

mall, shopping center plaza,
strip mall

short, shooter

shooter, highball

shooter, highball

short-sighted

nearsighted, myopic

nearsighted, myopic

Shreddies

Shreddies

Chex

Shut up! Shut your
trap! Shut your
cakehole! Belt up!

Shut up!

Shut up!

sick, ill, poorly

sick

sick

sideboard

(furniture)

buffet

buffet

side dish

side dish, side order

side dish, side order

silencer

(car)

muffler

muffler

Sindy, Barbie

Barbie

Barbie

singer

(female)

singer

singer, songstress

[e-mail]

55

single

(ticket)

one-way

(ticket)

one-way

single cream

light cream

light cream

sister, R.N.

(hospital)

senior female nurse, R.N.

senior female nurse, R.N.

sitting room, lounge,
drawing room, reception
room, living room, front
room, parlour

(dated)

living room, front room,
parlour

(regional)

living room, front room,
parlor

(regional)

skimmed milk

skim milk

skim milk

skip

dumpster

dumpster

skipping rope

skipping rope, jump rope

jump rope

skirting board

baseboard

baseboard

skive off, bunk off, throw a
sickie

skip, play hooky, cut class

skip, play hooky, cut class,
goof off

slag, slut, bike, whore,
slapper, tart

(all offensive)

slut, whore, tramp

(all

offensive)

slut, whore, tramp

(all

offensive)

slanging match, argument,
row, quarrel

argument, quarrel

argument, quarrel

sledge

sled

sled

sleeping car

(train)

sleeping car, Pullman

Pullman

sleeping partner

sleeping partner, silent
partner, dormant partner

sleeping partner, silent
partner, dormant partner

sleeping policeman

speed bump, speed hump

speed bump

sleepover

sleepover, slumber party,
pyjama party

slumber party, sleepover,
pajama party

sleeve, jacket

(book)

jacket

jacket

slippers

slippers

slippers, house shoes

slip road

ramp

entry ramp, entrance ramp,
exit ramp

slush, slush puppy

slush, slurpee

slush, slurpee, icee

smack

spank

spank

smallholding

hobby farm

hobby farm

smalls, pants, knickers,
undies

(female)

panties, underwear, undies panties, underwear, undies

[e-mail]

56

smart arse, smart alec,
clever clogs, clever dick

smart ass, smart aleck,
smarty

smart ass, wise guy, smart
aleck, smarty pants

smear test

pap smear, pap test

pap smear, pap test

Snakes & Ladders

Snakes & Ladders

Chutes & Ladders

snog

(v)

, French kiss

neck, French (kiss), tonsil
hockey, swap spit

make out, neck

(dated)

,

French kiss

snowmobile

sled, snowmobile, Ski-Doo

snowmobile, Ski-Doo, sled

soccer, football

soccer

soccer

social security

social security, social
assistance, public
assistance

public assistance

socket, power point

outlet, socket

outlet, socket

soda

club soda, soda water,
seltzer, soda

club soda, soda water,
seltzer, soda

sofa, couch, settee

sofa, couch, Chesterfield

sofa, couch

soft drink, pop, fizzy drink

pop, soft drink

soda, soft drink, soda pop,
pop, cold drink

solicitor, brief

lawyer, barrister &
solicitor

attorney, lawyer

somewhere

somewhere, someplace

somewhere, someplace

sorbet

sherbet

sherbet

soya bean

soybean

soybean

spanner

wrench

wrench

speech therapist

speech-language
pathologist

speech-language pathologist

spend a penny

go to the toilet, take a pee go to the toilet, go potty,

excuse myself, take a pee

spirits

spirits, liquor

liquor

spliff, joint, grass, wacky
backy, hash, toke, hashish,
funny fag

(marijuana)

joint, grass, hash, hashish,
spliff, toke

joint, grass, hash, hashish,
spliff, toke

sport, (as reported in the
media), e.g BBC Sport

sports, e.g CBC Sports

sports, e.g. ESPN Sports, Sports
Illustrated

sports day, school fete

field day, sports day

field day

spot, zit

pimple, zit

pimple, zit

spring onion

scallion, salad onion, green
onion

scallion, green onion

[e-mail]

57

spring roll, pancake roll

egg roll, spring roll

egg roll, spring roll

sprog, baby

baby

baby

spuds, potatoes

potatoes

potatoes

squash

racquetball

(near-

equivalent)

, racketball,

squash

racquetball, racketball,
squash

squash, cordial

concentrated drink

concentrated drink

stag night

bachelor party, stag party bachelor party, stag party

stalagmite

stalagmite

flowstone, stalagmite

stand for office

stand for office, run for
office

run for office

stands, terraces

bleachers, stands

bleachers, stands

starfish

starfish, sea star

starfish, sea star

starters, entrée, hors
d'oeuvres

appetizers, hors d'oeuvres appetizers, hors d'oeuvres

state school

public school

public school

steal, nick, pinch, rip off

steal, rip off

steal, rip off

stick of rock

rock candy

rock candy

sticks

(out in the),

the back

of beyond

sticks

(out in the)

, boonies

(in the)

sticks

(out in the)

, boonies

(in the)

, BFE (bum-fuck

Egypt)

stilettos, high heels

stilettos, spike heels, high
heels

spike heels, high heels

stocking filler

stocking stuffer

stocking stuffer

stockings

nylons

nylons

stocktaking

(making an inventory?)

(making an inventory?)

stomachache, gut-rot

stomacheache

stomachache

stone

(person’s weight)

14 lbs

14 lbs

stone

(fruit)

pit, stone

pit

storm in a teacup

tempest in a teapot

tempest in a teapot

stream, brook

creek, stream

creek, stream

stretcher

stretcher, gurney

stretcher, gurney

[e-mail]

58

Strictly Come Dancing

Dancing with the Stars

Dancing with the Stars

strimmer

weed eater

weed eater

stroke

(the dog)

stroke, pet

pet

study

home office

home office

stupid

dumb, stupid

dumb, stupid

sub-editor

copy-reader

copy-reader

suburb

suburb, bedroom
community, bedroom
suburb, burb

suburb, bedroom community,
bedroom suburb, burb

subway

underpass

underpass

summer holidays

(from school)

summer break

summer break

sun cream, suntan lotion

sunscreen

sunscreen

summer time

daylight saving time

daylight saving time

sunrise, dawn

sunrise, sun-up, dawn

sunrise, sun-up, dawn

super glue

crazy glue, super glue

crazy glue, super glue

supper, dinner, tea

dinner, supper

dinner, supper

supply teacher

substitute teacher

substitute teacher

supporters (political)

constituency, supporters

constituency, supporters

surgery, doctor’s surgery

doctor’s office

doctor’s office

surgical spirit

rubbing alcohol

rubbing alcohol

surname, last name, family
name

surname, last name

last name

suspender belt

suspender belt, garter
belt

garter belt

swear word

swear word

cuss word, curse word

sweater, jersey, pullover,
jumper

sweater

sweater

swede

rutabaga

rutabaga

sweet, pudding, dessert,
afters

dessert

dessert

sweetcorn

corn

corn

sweet potato

yam, sweet potato

yam

sweets

candy

candy

[e-mail]

59

swimming costume, swim
suit, cozzy

(female)

swim suit, bathing suit

swim suit, bathing suit

swimming trunks, bathing
trunks, trunks

Speedos, trunks

swim shorts, Speedos,
trunks

Swiss roll

jelly roll

jelly roll

Switch

Interac

?

swot

(n)

nerd

nerd

swot

(for exams) (v)

, cram

cram

cram

[e-mail]

60

British

Canadian

American

T

table tennis

table tennis, ping-pong

table tennis, ping-pong

tadpole

tadpole, pollywog

tadpole, pollywog

take away

(food)

take out

take out, carry out

take-out

(beer from a pub)

off-sales

?

tailback, traffic jam

traffic jam

traffic jam, gridlock

tap

(indoors)

tap, faucet

faucet, tap

tap

(outdoors)

tap

spigot

tap

(v)

wiretap

wiretap

tarmac

asphalt, blacktop, tarmac

asphalt, blacktop

taxman

taxman, revenuer

(dated)

taxman, the auditor,
revenuer

(dated)

taxi, cab

(London)

taxi, cab

taxi, cab

taxi rank

taxi stand

taxi stand

tea, brew, cuppa, Rosie Lee,
char, splosh

(London)

tea

tea

tea, supper, dinner

dinner, supper

dinner, supper

tea break, coffee break

coffee break

coffee break

teat

(baby bottle)

nipple

nipple

tea towel

dish towel, tea towel

dish towel

telegraph pole

utility pole

telephone pole, utility pole

telephonist

telephone operator

telephone operator

telly, TV, the box, the tube

TV, the tube

TV, the tube, idiot box

ten-pin bowling

bowling, ten-pin

bowling

term

semester

semester

terraced house, terrace

townhouse, row house,
townhome

townhouse, row house,
townhome

[e-mail]

61

terraces, stands

bleachers, stands

bleachers, stands

Territorial Army

Army Reserve, The Militia

Army Reserve

The City

Bay Street

Wall Street

The Gods

(highest balconies in

theatre)

nosebleed section

nosebleed seats

thermos, thermos flask,
vacuum flask

thermos, thermos bottle

thermos, thermos bottle

third-party insurance

third-party insurance

liability insurance

three times, thrice

three times

three times

throw a spanner in the works throw a (monkey) wrench

in(to) the works

throw a (monkey) wrench
in(to) the works

thrush

yeast infection

yeast infection

thunderstorm

thunderstorm

electrical storm,
thunderstorm

tick

check, check mark, tick

(if in

box)

check, check mark

tie

tie, necktie

tie, necktie

tights

pantyhose, tights

(thick)

pantyhose, tights

(thick)

till

cash register

cash register

timber yard

lumberyard

lumberyard

Time: quarter past five

quarter after five

quarter after five

timetable

schedule, timetable

schedule, timetable

tin, can

tin, can

can

tin opener

can opener

can opener

tip, dump

garbage dump

garbage dump, landfill

tippex

whiteout

whiteout

tissue

Kleenex

Kleenex

toffee apple

caramel apple, candy apple

caramel apple, candy apple,
toffee apple, taffy apple

toilet, loo, bog, lav, crapper,
karzy, pisshole, shitter,
throne

toilet, bathroom, biffy,
honey bucket, john, lav,
shithouse, outhouse,
pisser, loo, shitter,
crapper, the head

bathroom, john, shithouse,
outhouse, can, toilet

toilet paper, toilet roll, loo
roll, arsewipe, bog roll,

toilet paper, bathroom
tissue

bathroom tissue, toilet
paper

[e-mail]

62

bumwad

toilets, public conveniences,
ladies, gents, W.C., lavatory,
little boy's/girl's room

washroom, ladies, women’s
room, men’s room, lavatory

restroom, bathroom, ladies
room, women’s room, men’s
room, powder room

toll motorway, tollgate

toll highway, tollgate

turnpike, parkway

tomato sauce, ketchup

ketchup

ketchup, catsup

torch

flashlight

flashlight

tornado

tornado, twister

tornado, twister

Toronto

Toronto, T.O., Hogtown

Toronto

tortoise

turtle, tortoise

turtle

tout

tout, scalper

scalper

tow truck, recovery vehicle,
breakdown recovery

tow truck

tow truck, wrecker

town

city, town

city, town

tracksuit, tracky

sweatsuit

sweatsuit

tracksuit bottoms, jogging
bottoms

track pants, sweat pants

sweat pants

trade union

trade union, labour union

labor union

traffic jam, tailback, snarl-
up

traffic jam, snarl-up

traffic jam, gridlock

traffic warden

metermaid

metermaid

train driver, engine driver

engineer

engineer

trainers

running shoes, runners, gym
shoes, high-tops

sneakers, running shoes,
gym shoes, high tops

tram

streetcar, trolley

streetcar, trolley

tramp, homeless person

tramp, bum, transient,
hobo, homeless person

bum, transient, hobo,
homeless person

transport cafe

truck stop

truck stop

trawler

trawler, dragger

trawler, dragger

treacle

molasses

molasses

trolley

(shopping)

cart, buggy, grocery cart

cart, buggy, grocery cart

trousers, kecks, strides,
slacks

(f, dated)

pants

pants, slacks

(f)

, trousers

(dressy)

trouser suit

(f)

pant suit

pant suit

[e-mail]

63

truncheon

truncheon, billy club,
nightstick

truncheon, billy club,
nightstick

trunks, swimming trunks,
bathing trunks, shorts

Speedos, trunks, swim
trunks, swim shorts

swim shorts, Speedos,
trunks, swim trunks

tube, underground

(

train

)

subway, metro

subway

tumble dryer

clothes dryer

clothes dryer

turn-ups

(on trousers)

cuffs

cuffs

turtle

turtle

sea turtle

tuxedo, dinner jacket, DJ

tuxedo

tuxedo

TV, the box, telly

TV

TV

twat

(vulgar)

,

twit, prick

(vulgar)

,

prat, dickhead, moron

bozo, twit, prick, dumb-ass,
hoser, goof, dickhead,
jackass, moron

bozo, twit, prick, dumb-ass,
goof, dickhead, jackass,
moron

twenty-four bottles/cans of
beer (case of)

two-four

twenty-four bottles/cans
of beer (case of)

twice, two times

two times, twice

two times, twice

two weeks, fortnight

two weeks

two weeks

[e-mail]

64

British

Canadian

American

U

umbrella, brolly

umbrella

umbrella, bumbershoot

(Midwest)

underlay

carpet pad

carpet pad

underground, tube

(

train

)

subway, metro

subway

undertaker

undertaker, mortician

mortician

underwear, shorts, boxers,
briefs, undershorts,
undercrackers, underkeck,
undies, Y-fronts, smalls

(male)

underwear, shorts,
undershorts, boxers, briefs,
gitch, gotchies, Stanfields,
ginch, gonch, gotch, undies

underwear, shorts, briefs,
tighty-whities, undies,
underoos, Jockeys, Fruit
of the Looms, boxers,
BVD's

undies, smalls, pants,
knickers

(female)

panties, underwear, undies,
gitch, gotchies, underthings,
ginch, gonch, gotch

panties, underthings,
underwear, undies

unemployment benefit, the
dole (not income support)

employment insurance,
pogey, EI, UI

unemployment
compensation (not welfare)

unit trust

mutual fund

mutual fund

university, uni, college

university, college, school

university, college, school

[e-mail]

65

British

Canadian

American

V

vacuum cleaner, vac, hoover

vacuum cleaner

vacuum cleaner

vacuum flask, thermos,
thermos flask

thermos, thermos bottle

thermos, thermos bottle

valeting service

(car)

detailing service

detailing service

valley, dale

valley

valley

Value Added Tax (VAT)

Goods & Services Tax
(GST), Harmonized Sales
Tax (HST), Provincial
Sales Tax (PST), sin tax

Sales Tax

valuer

appraiser

appraiser

van

delivery truck

delivery truck

Vancouver

Vancouver, Brollywood,
Hongcouver

(derog)

Vancouver

vegetable garden, vegetable
patch

vegetable garden, garden garden

vegiburger, veggie burger

garden burger,
vegiburger, veggie burger

garden burger, vegiburger,
veggie burger

verge

(of a road)

shoulder

shoulder

vest

undershirt

undershirt

vicious circle

vicious circle, vicious
cycle

vicious circle, vicious cycle

video, video machine

VCR

VCR

VIP, big shot, bigwig

VIP, big shot, bigwig, big
kahuna, big wheel

VIP, big shot, bigwig, big
kahuna, big wheel

[e-mail]

66

W

wage cut, pay cut

wage rollback, pay cut

pay cut, salary cut

waistcoat

vest

vest

wallet

wallet

wallet, billfold

wally, prat, idiot, plonker, berk,
burk, duh-brain, clot, daft, daft
as a brush, daftie, twit,
wazzock, divvy, dimbo,
dumbo,dork, as thick as two
short planks, ninny, nit,
nobhead, dipstick, eejit, plank,
pilchard, right Charlie,
blithering idiot, pillock, pranny,
spanner, spac, spacky, spaz,
thicko, twerp, bollock-brain,
jerk, numpty

(Scottish English)

idiot, dork, dumb ass,
dweeb, jerk

idiot, dork, dumb ass,
dweeb, jerk

wanker, prick, arsehole, dick
head, dick splash, dipshit, dick
splat, dog-breath, scumbag,
motherfucker, piece of shit,
twat, twat face, tosser, toss pot
(all offensive)

prick, asshole, dick,
motherfucker (all
offensive)

prick, asshole, dick,
dickwad, motherfucker (all
offensive)

wash

(hands, face etc)

wash, wash up

wash up

washing powder

laundry detergent

laundry detergent

washing up bowl

dishpan

dishpan

washing up liquid

dishwashing liquid, dish
soap, dishwashing
detergent

dishwashing liquid,
dishwashing detergent

wash up

do the dishes, wash the
dishes

do the dishes, wash the
dishes

wastepaper basket/bin, bin,
rubbish bin

garbage can, trashcan,
wastebasket

garbage can, trashcan,
wastebasket

watershed

watershed, height of
land

watershed

[e-mail]

67

way out

(sign in building)

exit

exit

wee, wee-wee

pee, pee-pee

pee, pee-pee

weekend, at the

weekend, on the

weekend, on the

wellington boots, wellies,
wellybobs, wellygogs

rubber boots, galoshes,
gumshoes

rain boots, galoshes,
gumshoes

Wendy house

play-house

play-house

wet ones

handiwipes, wet ones,
baby wipes, moist
towelettes

handiwipes, wet ones, baby
wipes, moist towelettes,
wet naps

wheelbarrow

wheelbarrow, barrow,
hand barrow

(Nfld)

wheelbarrow

while, whilst

while

while

whinge, grizzle

whine

whine

whipped cream

whipping cream, heavy
cream

heavy cream, whipping
cream, whip cream

whisky, whiskey

whisky, scotch, bourbon,
rye, Texas Mickey

(130-

oz bottle),

whisky blanc

(Que)

whiskey, scotch, bourbon,
rye

whitener

whitener

non-dairy creamer

wholemeal bread, brown bread

brown bread

whole wheat bread

wife, 'er indoors, the missus,
old lady, trouble and strife

wife

wife

willy, winkie

weenie

weenie

wimp, wuss, big girl's blouse,
namby pamby

wimp

wimp

windscreen

windshield

windshield

wing, mudguard

(of car)

fender

fender

winker, indicator

(on a car)

turn signal lever, turn
signal

turn signal

wireless

(dated)

, radio

radio

radio

woolly hat

toque, tuque

stocking hat/cap, ski hat

work experience, placement

internship

internship

workshop

(at home)

shop

shop

worrying

worrying, worrisome

worrying, worrisome

[e-mail]

68

worse

worse, badder

(sl)

worse, badder

(sl)

worst

worst, baddest

(sl)

worst, baddest

(sl)

[e-mail]

69

British

Canadian

American

Y

Year One, Year Two

(school)

Primary One, Primary Two

(primary school, Scotland)

First Year, Second Year

(secondary school, Scotland)

Grade One, Grade Two

First Grade, Second Grade

Year Nine

Grade Nine

Freshman Year, Ninth Grade

Year Ten

Grade Ten

Sophomore Year, Tenth
Grade

Year Eleven

Grade Eleven

Junior Year, Eleventh Grade

Year Twelve

Grade Twelve

Senior Year, Twelfth Grade

Yeti, Abominable Snowman Sasquatch, Big Foot,

Abominable Snowman

Big Foot, Abominable
Snowman

Y-fronts, smalls,
underwear, shorts, boxers,
briefs

(male)

underwear, shorts, boxers,
briefs, undershorts,
Stanfields, ginch, gonch,
gitch, gotch

shorts, briefs, undershorts,
boxers underwear, drawers,
undies, BVD's, Jockeys,
Fruit of the Looms

yokel, country bumpkin

country bumpkin, yokel,
hillbilly, redneck

hillbilly, yokel, redneck

Yours sincerely

Sincerely

Sincerely

You're welcome

You're welcome

You're welcome, uh-huh

(informal)

Z

zebra crossing, pedestrian
crossing

pedestrian crossing,
crosswalk

pedestrian crossing,
crosswalk

zed

zed

zee

zimmer, zimmer frame

walker

walker

zip, flies

zipper, flies

zipper, fly

[e-mail]

70

zit, spot

pimple, zit

pimple, zit

999

911

911

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