Glossary for the transatlantic traveller

Chips or fries? Jelly on toast? Cheese & onion chips? Awesome fanny? We may speak the same language but do we actually mean the same thing? Fortunately this handy British - US glossary is the ideal companion for potential freshmen hot-footing it across the channel...

THE AMERICANS

British	American

1st year	Freshman
2nd year	Sophomore
3rd year	Junior
4th year	Senior
Secondary School/6th Form College	High-School
State-financed University	Public School
Uni	College/School
Year group	Class (as in ‘My class is graduating tomorrow’)

FOOD
100s and 1000s	Sprinkles
Aubergine	Eggplant
Chips	French Fries
Courgette	Zucchini
Crisps	Chips
Fish Fingers	Fish Sticks
Jam	Jelly
Jelly	Jello
Porridge	Oatmeal
Pudding	Dessert
Tinned	Canned
YOG-hurt	YO-ghurt

RELATIONSHIPS
Bloke	Guy
Fit	Cute/Hot
Going out	Dating
Mingin'	Gross
Pull	Hook-up
Snog	Kiss

CLOTHES
Braces	Suspenders(!)
Jumper	Sweater
Trainers	Sneakers
Trousers	Pants
Waistcoat	Vest
Pants Underpants
IN GENERAL
'Sorry'	'Excuse-Me'
Anti-Clockwise	Counter Clockwise
Athlete	Jock
Autumn	Fall
Backside/Bum	Fanny/Tush
Black Tie Dance	Formal
Boot (of car)	Trunk
Brilliant	Awesome
Chemist	Drug-Store
Clever	Smart
Condom	Rubber
Fags	Cigarettes
Film	Movie
Flat	Apartment
Football	Soccer
Fringe	Bangs
Full Stop	Period
Gents	Men's Room
Lift	Elevator
Queue	Line
Loo	Bathroom/Restroom
Maths	Math
Mobile	Cell phone
Nappy	Diapers
Nerd	Geek
Pavement	Sidewalk
Petrol	Gas
Post	Mail
Post-code	Zip-code
Pub	Bar
Rubber	Eraser
Rucksack	Backpack
Shag	A type of dance
Smart	Well-dressed
Sofa	Couch
Tap	Faucet
Tea-towel	Dish-cloth
Underground/Tube	Subway
Very	Quite (can be a compliment)
Washing-Up	Doing the dishes

One More Tip

When an American says, ‘Hey, what’s up?’ to you, they do NOT expect a five-minute answer on your cheating boyfriend, overdue paper and aching back. In fact, it is a mere formality – answer with a casual ‘Not much’.

Published 12th Apr 2015 by Harriet Plyler

Updated 3rd Aug 2016

Recommendations (references)

Most universities will ask you for at least one reference, written by a careers advisor, headteacher, housemaster, etc. This reference is similar to UCAS, although it should not focus on a particular course, but rather suitability in general for higher education. It is ‘all about’ you and should address academic performance, extra-curricular activities and personal qualities.
Deadlines & early decision

You must meet your deadlines! US universities will not accept late applications unless they have ‘rolling admissions’, meaning they accept students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Financial statement

Most universities will require you to complete a financial statement. Do this carefully as it will be used to determine your eligibility for financial assistance.
Interviews

Although interviews are rarely mandatory for admission into any American university, they are often recommended and are an excellent way of finding out about the place in which you are planning to spend the next four years. Interviews for international students can function in two ways...
Help!

I need help: find a University Consultant!, How can a consultant help me?, About our university consultants, This just in! UU in the news and Student uni fairs: don't miss...

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