I just about thought I was from Mars when a relative came back ffrom England and told me they "had a brew-up in the lay by." (Cup of tea in the rest stop.)

haha too funny!

This is a great thread to help us know and more importantly, understand each other. Sometimes it could be pretty easy to take offense at a truly innocent remark.

Love it! I really enjoy language. Another one that makes me wince at the Olympics is 'rooting for your team'. In Australia rooting is a very coarse and yucky word for intercourse.

One query on the original post though- who says casinos are common in England? They absolutely are not. However, betting shops/bookmakers/bookies are, and they are places where you place bets (or have a punt) on the outcome of events, notably but not exclusively horse races. But punter is such a common term now, I dont think it has anything to do with gambling. It is often used to mean 'customer'.

Thanks Kitsie!:thumbup:

here's a few more:-

trunk (of car) = boot
hood = bonnet
pavement = road
sidewalk = pavement
purse = handbag
wallet = purse
in line = queue
cell phone = mobile phone