Do you speak English? What English do you speak?
English has become the business international language, but native English-speakers in different countries (and there are many countries with English as one of their native languages) have different terms for the same thing that can confuse everyone, and, at times, create a complete communication breakdown.
Here are eight examples from the UK and US:
Table it. “Let’s table that idea.”
British English meaning: Bring the idea forward to discuss
American English: Put it aside. Maybe never discuss it
Pavement. “Let’s walk on the pavement.”
British English meaning: Cement pathway for pedestrians
American English: Asphalt pathway for cars
Pissed. “He’s really pissed.”
British English meaning: Drunk
American English: Mad
Diddle. “They’re really diddling.”
British English meaning: Swindle
American English: Wasting time
Leery. “When it comes down to it, they’re leery.”
British English meaning: Sly
American English: Wary
Slate. “We slated it.”
British English meaning: Criticize
American English: Put it on the agenda.
Casket. “I’ll put this in our casket where we keep our other treasured items.”
British English meaning: Small ornamental box for valuable objects
American English: A coffin
Rubber. “Could you pass me a rubber.”
British English meaning: Eraser
American English: Condom
It’s bad enough for native speakers of English but imagine how it is for non-native speakers trying to use English for Business. Even fluent speakers need a cheat sheet.
What are your favorite contrary expressions?
