In a previous post we talked about how easy it is to assume you know the meaning of a word in one language because it seems to be identical to a word you know in another language. For example, when you’re first learning German, you might be pleased if your teacher gives you box marked “Gift” – until you realize that in German, the word “Gift” means “poison”! These pitfalls aren’t limited only to words from different languages. There are many places in the world where English is spoken, but although the words may be the same, the meaning of those words is not. When you’re traveling, or speaking with someone from another country, don’t assume that you’ll always be understood, even when you’re speaking the same language. You might think that the United Kingdom and the United States, being so closely linked in language and history, would be exempt from this problem, but here’s a list of words you’ll need to watch out for, no matter which side of the Atlantic you call home:

bomb
In the UK, something that’s a bomb is a great success, but a show that “bombs” in the US is a a total failure (however, the current slang phrase “that’s da bomb” refers to something really good).

cider
Parents traveling with children need to know that a glass of cider isn’t always the best choice for their kids, because in the UK “cider” is an alcoholic drink, not the simple pressed apple juice found in the US (in the US, “hard cider” means the alcoholic version).

entrée
You might think that because this is a French word meaning “beginning” that all English-speaking countries would agree on the same translation, but if you’re in the US, you’re talking about the main dish and largest portion of a meal, while in the UK it’s a starter or appetizer.

jumper
When getting dressed in the summer, an American girl might select a jumper (a sleeveless short dress) but a London lass will wear her jumper (a warm knitted sweater or pullover) when the temperature drops in winter.

paraffin
Although there are fewer things that run on this fuel these days, a paraffin lamp in the UK would be called a kerosene lamp in the US, where paraffin refers to wax.

pavement
When you’re walking on the pavement in the US, you’re running the risk of getting hit by a car, because “pavement” is what the automobiles use, and a “sidewalk” is where the pedestrians need to be – but be sure to stay on the pavement in the UK!

Translating from British to American English, a “zebra crossing” is a pedestrian walkway across a street, and a “broadsheet” is a newspaper.