I am aware that the meaning of "to table" in the political sense (to table a bill, to table a report, etc.) is the EXACT OPPOSITE in American English to what it is in Canadian English (and I believe British English as well). Are there any other English words that mean in one English speaking country the opposite of what they mean in another English speaking country?
2007-01-16 09:54:53 · 3 answers · asked by Hank 6 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
In England we can put a trunk in a boot and likewise a boot in a trunk or a boot in a boot.
(Translation: a trunk = a large box like case. a boot = the rear compartment of a car. OR: footwear.).
All young children take a 'rubber' to school with them 'just in case'. Americans take one as well, only they call it an eraser.
2007-01-16 10:08:48 · answer #1 · answered by thomasrobinsonantonio 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure about polar opposites,but there are certainly plenty of words that mean something different between brit English and US English...
in the US,talking about "bills" would refer to cash money,which in the UK would be "notes".
In the Uk,You'd ask for Your "Bill" on finishing a meal in a restaurant.
You might pay with a "Cheque" which,spelled as "Check" would be what the American Diner would be asking for after his Meal..
But then the American could also want to pay by "Check"..!
Americans use Gas(oline)in their cars-the UK uses Petrol(eum).
The UK uses (Propane) Gas for gas cookers-so does the US.
And don't mention slang and the difference between PHAT and Fat.. :)
2007-01-16 18:18:31 · answer #2 · answered by Devmeister 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm. Interesting.
My only thought might be "telle" -- TV in Britain, and, to a dumb American, makes me think of the telephone more than the television. Of course, that's not the exact opposite... but it's the best I can do at 5:00.
2007-01-16 18:01:00 · answer #3 · answered by Perdendosi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋