Mighty Fine Words and Smashing Expressions: Making Sense of Transatlantic English

by Orin Hargraves

Have you ever traveled to England, been offered a "fairycake," and not known how to respond? Have you ever had to explain the difference between a "sleeping policeman" and a "speed bump" to a visiting Brit? Are you sure you know the difference between a "chip" and a "crisp"? (Transatlantic English) is a practical and entertaining guide to the differences between American and British English. As if written from a point in the Atlantic ocean exactly between Britain and the U.S., this book catalogs the differences between the "two" languages by taking a culturally neutral stance - addressing the needs of both British and American readers and listeners. Not a collection of lists, the chapters of (Transatlantic English) are arranged around important and familiar topics, including Politics, Law, and Government; Business and Money; Medicine and Healthcare; Education; Food, Clothing, and Shelter; Profanity and Obscenity, making this book essential not only for word lovers, but also
students abroad, business and casual travelers, and anyone confused by the differences in our common tongue. With (Transatlantic English) you won't be caught with your "knickers" down again.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Language

320 pages, Hardcover

First published December 19, 2002

About the author

Orin Hargraves is a native and current resident of Colorado. He graduated from the University of Chicago (BA with Honors) in 1977. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco in the 1980s. He is the author of three guidebooks in the Culture Shock! series: Morocco, London, and Chicago. He began his career in lexicography while living in London in the early 1990s. He has since written numerous articles and books about language, as well as contributing to dozens of dictionaries from publishers internationally. At present he lives in Niwot, Colorado and teaches writing at CU-Boulder. He is past president of the Dictionary Society of North America. He writes the monthly "Language Lounge" column for VisualThesaurus.com. His fiction is available on Amazon Kindle.

Reviews

[NormaCenva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful!

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful discussion and lists illuminating the differences between American English and British English. Some typos, especially later in the book. Attempts to be respectful of the major worldview / political differences but is not always successful.

Recommended for fans of British TV or word / linguistics aficionados.