Comments on: How to Learn Key Phrases in British English

on 9/24/2008 I believe I have an answer for you Mrs. Lizzy. As an American, it is sad to say, most of us lack the attentiveness, intelligence, and creativity necessary to make fine distinctions. Often times this is reflected in our speech patterns. After all this is a nation that calls "chips" French fries which, if I'm not mistaken, are Belgian in origin.

on 8/29/2008 Wrong wrong wrong I'm English, I live in England and I've NEVER said blooming or blinking. Cheerio has lost it's "hello" meaning and it's only used by a tiny amount of people to say goodbye. We get a lot of American TV and films over here so we all know what "garbage" and "trash can" mean. Your best bet is to speak normally and if someone doesn't understand you, they'll probably ask.

on 6/10/2008 TypicalyEnglish, I respect you and your culture. I'm American (I have relatives in England though) but I wish that Americans know not to be so ridicules and make up these stupid things about English people. I'm really sorry that people say such racist things about such a great country. Why don't people think that everyone is different even in one country? They don't all do the same thing! I totally agree w/ you.

on 6/10/2008 Yeah, don't use too much slang words. Its o.k to use some of those words but don't use them all the time. I wouldn't be a fast eater or dress too casual. England is known for having manners but it doesn't mean they're stuck up and snooty.

on 10/18/2007 Say cheerio and people will think your taking the piss and don't be over the top. Also, although people may find this stereotyping, peopledo use cockney rhyming slang e.g. Let's have a butcher's (Butcher's Hook = Look) so Let's ahve a look. - Don't try to use this slang if you aren't sure but be aware what people are talkig about if they seem to be making no sense!

on 7/15/2007 There are a few things that puzzle us about American English though: why do you say "alternate" instead of "alternative" for example? "Alternate" means "every other", as in "that church only has services on alternate Sundays". Any enlightenment would be greatly appreciated!

on 5/7/2007 they forgot pants meaning underwear and trowsers meaning pants!! muy importante. oh and doing the peace sign backwards is the equivalent of flicking someone off.. i learned that the hard way!

on 4/22/2007 Hi
im english , and i just like to say that the orginal tips are complete bollocks!
were SOOOO loud and can be very aggresive! and i find that we are too close, and hug and talk about personal stuff too much!
and please dont call the ENGLISH accent British cos british means the whole of the UK which are all different.
AND WE HATE IT WHEN AMERICANS THINK WERE ALL SNOBS AND ARE POSH AND HATE INTIMACY. ITS COMPLETE BOLLOCKS. AND WE ALSO DONT TALK POSH AND ARE NOT ALL CALLED JEEVES AND TIMOTHY ETC.
THANKS

on 8/8/2006 There's no point in imitating an English accent and trying to learn specific words or phrases. Apart from anything else, they vary across Britain and can even cause confusion for British people! Also, trying to use typically British words could cause embarrassment, so it's probably best not to overdo it. I'd suggest simply learning a few basic phrases and words and just knowing what they mean, rather than having to ask, or at the other extreme, going around spouting off ridiculous English jargon! Definitely don't use 'Cheerio'.

on 7/12/2006 People in Northern Ireland can consider themselves Irish or British based on their religion and politics. It's best to find out which they consider themselves before calling them anything, as mislabeling them can be very offensive due to the troubles in that area.

on 3/11/2006 If you do go to Northern Ireland, do not call us Irish. As someone who has lived in Belfast all her life, I know it really gets peoples backs up. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, therefore; British. Only people from Eire are Irish.

on 12/16/2005 While on vacation (holiday to you Brits) down in Miami, Florida, a Brit lady asked if I listened to garage music. I told her I never heard of the word garage let alone the genre of music. Brits pronounce it like "Carriage" but replacing the beginning "C" with a "G". After a quick discussion of how autos are parked in them, I figured it out.

on 12/16/2005 Using British slang with an American accent makes you sound silly. If you're traveling abroad, it is good to try to blend in as far as looks are concerned, but you don't need to totally assimilate, and if you attempt to talk like locals most of the time you look foolish.

on 12/16/2005 Don't look for an exit sign. Look for a way out sign. Also, look right first when crossing a street. We yanks are used to looking left first.

on 12/20/2005 The British Isles are made up of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. People from Scotland would say they are Scottish, Wales - Welsh and Northern Ireland - Irish. Never call someone from outside England English. The people from all 4 countries are British. Don't call someone from Eire (Irish republic), British.

Do visit - Cornwall (beautiful coastline- South West), Lake District (North West) Cotswolds (Midlands), Edinburgh and Cardiff .

Do drive on the left - obvious, but you never know!