In the US, we’re conditioned as teens, by the likes of Hugh Grant and Jude Law, to drool upon hearing the slightest bit of an English accent come from even a sub-average looking guy. Upon hearing the first few syllables, we swoon and look dreamily at the bloke who’s speaking. It’s automatic.
Whoever thought that we, as Americans, would provoke the same response from the Brits? The other day, I was on the line with a lettings agent discussing flats when I got the same response. “Deary, where are you from. I could listen to you speak all day.” Granted. It could be that he was buttering me up to make a sale (we didn’t rent from him anyway). But, whatever the case, our accent (or lack thereof) seems to attract attention. And, despite the bets back home that I would take on an English accent, I vow to keep the pronunciation characteristic of my Virginia home.
So, for those of you back home who want to add a few British terms to you vocab to be exotic in your own right, here are a few pointers:
Cheers–used at the end of a conversation in place of “thanks” or “goodbye”
Range–design or pattern. For example. A store displaying china might say that they have a dinner plate, salad plate, and tea set in the Courtyard Gold range.
Bloke–Guy
Lad–Boy
Love or Deary–like honey or sweetie in the South
Overground–above ground train
Underground–Subway
Lorry–Truck
Lift–Elevator
Flat–Apartment
Let–Rent
Holiday–Vacation
Bap–Sandwich Bun
Tele–obvious one, TV.
Ring–call, or phone (v)
Just now–trying to figure this one out still, but I think it means now.
Straight on–straight ahead
We’ll keep you posted as we learn more…