Britishisms and the Britishisation of American English

BBC News ^ | 27th September 2012 | Cordelia Hebblethwaite

[the scotsman]

'There is little that irks British defenders of the English language more than Americanisms, which they see creeping insidiously into newspaper columns and everyday conversation.

But bit by bit British English is invading America too.'

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I always thought the “southern accent” derived from midlands English.

[Atlas Sneezed]

I despise hearing “brilliant” used by Americans to mean “great.” Maybe that’s because my ex-wife used it to try to sound sophisticated.

I, however, am guilty of ending an email with “cheers!” but that’s usually when it’s related to a celebration or drinking.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

It has me a “skosh” worried.

[MamaTexan]

One my girls has already picked up “Oh, crap!” from me.

I know what you mean. I started having to watch my mouth when my younger twin's second word was 'dammit'!

Good luck!......Seriously :-)

[MamaTexan]

In the British theatrical circles that I run in, there is an even worse word (female genitalia) which they use as an insult for a “jerk”. When they come to NY and use it in conversation, they are in the shock for their life. American women get furious!

LOL! Personally, I cut the 'furriners' some slack when it comes to the usage of certain words.

What do your British theatrical circle friends think about our usage to the word 'fag'?

I'm not trying to be smarmy....I really want to know!

[N. Theknow]

(Um...you did use a British accent, didn't you?)

But of course!

One would never purposefully allude to the age of another's memsahib.

[the scotsman]

It means someone who looks not quite retarded, but dosent look all that intelligent or handsome. Not quite fully cooked in the oven.

[the scotsman]

There is no such thing as a British accent.
Britain/UK and England are not the same thing.

[Boogieman]

Well, this just takes the piss.

[Boogieman]

I like “slapper”, their term for promiscuous women. Quite evocative.

[the scotsman]

1—You realise, being Scottish, that I am also British as well?. Britain/UK and England are not the same.

2-The monarchy has no power, and hasnt done since the days of Cromwell.

3-Thanks to the 16th Amendment, the US has been since 1913 both a republic (as intended) and a democracy. So you’re dumb too.

4-Contrary to myth, Britain has a constitution. And England and Scotland can refer to earlier, more basic constitutions.

[Boogieman]

“Do not paint the toilet that colour!”

The loo! Do not paint the loo!

[Boogieman]

In the UK, I think they usually say it is “dear” instead of expensive. I think “pricey” is an American term.

[Trailerpark Badass]

I've been using "manky," for awhile.

I love Britishisms, as they help combat the trend of over-Latinizing American English.

And God help the poor soul who coined "impactful," if I ever get my hands on him!

[Trailerpark Badass]

“What the Bloody Hell?!” has become my recent favorite expletive. And I frequently tell our annoying dog to “bugger off!”

You've got to say it "bloody 'ell" for full effect.

[Gamecock]

The Southern accent bias is interesting because there are theories that it has it’s roots in the British dialect.

True. Both drop the "R".

Interestingly the Scots settled in Appalachia, so there is that influence too.

[KC_Lion]

Fine, how about the Lavatory.

But make sure you pronounce it "Lavaetree".

[Mr. Lucky]

Jeez, a Limey bike?

Couldn't you find something American, like a Norton Atlas?

[Mr. Lucky]

Yeah, but Americans are no longer required to study Western Civilization, so actual historical facts are no longer operative in our society.

[reegs]

I use brilliant to describe something great or particularly clever. “That’s brilliant!” It just rolls off the tongue now. Down thread, a Freeper mentioned hearing it said in a pretentious tone, and I agree that it sounds annoying that way. I just say it, not trying to bring any attention to it.