English - American translation

[Keith]

This forum is full of Brits and Yanks who think they speak the same language. This is a list of automotive-related terms that could be useful in translating the messages. I am sure there are others I have not included so please add them. There are probably some interesting phrases from Oz. Looking at this list makes me wonder how we ever manager to communicate!

ENGLISH = AMERICAN ...

accelerator = gas pedal
aerial = antenna
amber = yellow (traffic light)
artic. = semi, tractor trailer, 18-wheeler
bonnet = hood
boot = trunk
bulkhead = firewall
caravan = camper, trailer
car park = parking lot
cat’s eyes = road reflectors
cul-de-sac = dead end
damper = shock absorber
demister = defogger
dipped = low beam
diversion = detour
drive shaft = half shaft or axle shaft
dual carriageway = divided highway
earth = ground
estate = station wagon
excess = deductible (insurance)
fascia = dashboard
flyover = overpass
gallon not equal to gallon!
gearbox = transmission
gear lever = gear shift
give way = yield
hand brake = parking brake
hire car = rental car
hood = convertible top
hoot = honk
indicators = turn signals
juggernaut = semi, tractor trailer, 18-wheeler
jump leads = jumper cables
junction = exit
lay-by = rest stop
level crossing = grade crossing
lypop lady/man = crossing guard
lorry = truck
main beam = high beam
manual = standard, stick-shift
mileometer = odometer
mole wrench = vice grips
monocoque = unibody
motoryway = freeway
nearside = nearest the curb – slow lane or passenger side
nose = front of car
number plate = license plate
offside = drivers side (furthest from the curb)
pavement = sidewalk
pelican crossing = crosswalk
pile-up = wreck
pinking = knocking or pinging
prang = fender bender
prop shaft = drive shaft
petrol = gasoline
puncture = flat
rev counter = tachometer
reversing lights = back-up lights
roundabout = rotary, traffic circle
saloon = sedan
side lights = parking lights
silencer = muffler
sill = rocker panel
slip road = off ramp, on ramp
soft top = convertible
spanner = wrench
split pin = cotter pin
spring washer = lock washer
sump = oil pan
tarmac = asphalt, pavement, black top
tickover = idle
top up = fill up
tow bar = hitch
traffic light = stop light
tyre = tire
Van = delivery truck
wheel nut = lug nut
windscreen = windshield
wing = fender
write-off = totaled
zebra crossing = crosswalk

[MiniCooperS2002]

Zebra crossing? i've heard of bonnet before, but never zebra crossing. Is there any reason why zebra is used?

[Keith]

The crosswalk is marked by wide black and white stripes in the road - hence zebra.

Having spent half my life in the UK (learned to drive in a Mini) and half in the States, I have got so used to these terms that they no longer look weird to me! Pelican and zebra crossing are some of the strange English terms when you have not grown up with them. In general, the American terms seem more literal so tend not to sound quite so odd on the other side of the pond, even if they are unfamiliar. e.g. Mole wrench and vice grip - what has this got to do with a mole!

[MiniCooperS2002]

Ahh i understand now!

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by Keith
...In general, the American terms seem more literal so tend not to sound quite so odd on the other side of the pond, even if they are unfamiliar. e.g. Mole wrench and vice grip - what has this got to do with a mole!

Long ago I learned how to work on cars by working a series of classic Minis. (had/have much frustration and happiness in doing so) Anyway, this meant I buried my head deep in UK Haynes manuals and BMC workshop books, so I never realized that I was learning UK terms for some things. For example, on a classic Mini, a "circlip" holds the rear wheel cylinders in place and the front hub is secured to the half shaft with a "castellated" nut. I never knew these were UK terms until I went to a local US parts store and asked if they stocked those parts. All I got was a blank stare like I was an alien from Mars. I still don't know the proper US names for them (c-ring is it? and castle nut?)

Anyway, Mole Grips were apparently invented by a Mr. Mole whose company then made them, so that is why they are called that. Also another unique UK term is Jublee clip for a radiator-type hose clamp, again based upon the name of the company that made the part -- much like in the US a 'crecsent' wrench is used to describe an adjustable wrench whether or not is is actually made by the Crescent Company.

[Kinster]

please stop = "alright already"

[Martin L]

Errr...(= d-oh!)
I don't want to be pedantic (= picky) my friend (= buddy), but side lights are not the same as parking lights. They are, I suppose, more like what you would call daylight running lights.
In Europe parking lights are for when you park up and can leave either the left side or right side car lights on to warn traffic when parking in dark areas. It's actually compulsory (= statutory) in certain countries.

I may be wrong though, but that's my interpretation (= gist) of the situation.

Great list though, would love to get the Oz terms too. Dying to know what the Engish/US definition of a "yute" is

[Wynn]

Only in the UK could you have a "half shaft" and "castellated nuts," and not RUN to your doctor in desperate fear for your manhood.

[Keith]

Quote:

Originally posted by Martin L
Great list though, would love to get the Oz terms too. Dying to know what the Engish/US definition of a "yute" is

I had a Belgium colleague who told me he had rented a Jeep and then showed up in a Mitsubishi. As far as he was concerned Jeep = SUV. Don't know how common that is but Chrysler can't be too keen on it!

[noahe]

Some sage advice from a Canadian. Always look right at a Zebra Crossing. Some of them even have this written on the road, at the curb. I remember thinking "Look right?" as I stepped off the curb, went a few paces, and then did so... Nearly got creamed. So, do indeed, look right before stepping out off the curb.

Other than that fairly stupid oversight on my part, Canadians usually seem to know most of these terms, but some of the younger generation increasingly does not.

BTW, an Imperial Gallon (UK and Older Canadians) is 1.20095 Gallons (US), or 4.54609 Litres (Canada). That's why a UK or Canadian Mpg quote, looks better than a US Mpg quote.

[mad hatter]

And don't forget:
Freeway=Interstate
I once got very ****ed in Oz land (Nice place)
Does anyone have a left handed metric crescent spanner so I can get my dynamo out?

[gromit]

UK / America

Flogged = Put up for sale
Driven hard = Flogged
Fag = Cigarette

[Ciaran Darcy]

Quote:

Originally posted by Keith
In general, the American terms seem more literal so tend not to sound quite so odd on the other side of the pond, even if they are unfamiliar. e.g. Mole wrench and vice grip - what has this got to do with a mole!

Umm, err, one like wonders why the like american terms have to be soooooo like literal????

[Sealevel]

Additional translations of terms in these forums, for an ignorant colonist please? Some spellings questionable:

tea cosy - as in "it looks a bit like a tea cosy to me"
cossie - as in "I hope this doesn't turn out to be a cossie"
****** - as in "what a ******..." not complimentary, I think
****** - even less complimentary I'm sure
totting up(?)- something to do with a UK traffic citation
gone walkabout - is it like missing??

US definition of a "yute" - A youth, as pronounced by some people living in the states of New Yawk and New Joisey

[Paul]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sealevel
Additional translations of terms in these forums, for an ignorant colonist please? Some spellings questionable:

tea cosy - as in "it looks a bit like a tea cosy to me"

Thing, usually knitted from wool, that keeps a tea pot warm. Not in popular use anymore I hope.

Quote:

cossie - as in "I hope this doesn't turn out to be a cossie"

Ford Cosworths. Generally now boy racer cars with huge stick on wings and bodykits, not to mention bus size exhausts.

Quote:

****** - as in "what a ******..." not complimentary, I think

I believe you say "stroker" in the USA. Not polite.

Quote:

****** - even less complimentary I'm sure

Means the same as above, but for some reason is considered more offensive/rude. I should add this to the banned word list really.

Quote:

totting up(?)- something to do with a UK traffic citation

Adding to, in addition to. Totting up points=adding points to your licence.

Quote:

gone walkabout - is it like missing??

More OZ than UK, means gone for a walkabout. Gone for a walk (usually long) etc...