This article on English colloquialisms within Britain should be considered a must read for all South Africans relocating to the UK. It’s a preparation guide to a new culture.
Theoretically we both speak English, however our dialect and interpretation differs. Inspired by a social media discussion, we wanted to share some of our top observations.
South African English vs. British English
- Bless not shame.
- Hiya not howzit.
- You alright? not How are you?
- Trousers not pants.
- Jumper not jersey.
- Trainers not tekkies.
- Wellies not gumboots.
- Tights not stockings.
- Nickers not panties.
- Crisps not chips.
- Pop not juice.
- Weet-A-Bix not weetbix.
- Bag not packet.
- Traffic light not robot.
- Roundabout not circle.
- Tangerine or clementine not naartjie.
- Yeah not ya.
- Dayta not dahta.
- Top up not airtime.
- Mobile not cellphone.
- Text not sms.
- Quid not bucks.
- Bloke not guy.
- Lad not boy.
- Boiler not geyser.
- Receipt not slip.
- Dinner not lunch.
- Tea not supper.
- Offie (Off licence) not liquor store.
- Football not soccer.
- Barbecue not braai.
- Corridor not passage.
- Knackered not tired.
- Crack on not focus.
- To be fair not to be honest.
- Sitting room not lounge.
- Snog not kissing.
- Posh not larney.
- Chemist not pharmacy.
- Poorly not sick.
- Well chuffed not very chuffed.
- Biro not pen.
- Lip balm not lip ice.
- Loo not toilet.
- No bother not No problem.
- Fit not attractive.
- Bank holiday not public holiday.
- Stopping over not sleeping over.
- Doing my head in not driving me crazy.
- Lugholes not ears.
We hope this useful understanding has taken you one step closer to understanding the British culture.
Contact us for more information on getting a Visa to the UK.
Enjoy your Move Up.