An American woman living in the UK has shared the four phrases she “can’t bring herself to say”.
Ashley Jackson has been documenting her experience in Britain ever since she moved to Manchester from her native Texas.
The 42-year-old micro influencer – who is married to a Brit – has thousands of likes and views on her videos – including a recent clip of the bizarre slang that she has encountered in Ole Blighty.
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And some of them she simply refuses to use: Swimming costume, candy floss, wheelie bin and people carrier.
“’People carrier’ was chosen because when my husband first came to Texas, there was a group of us going out, he said we should get a ‘people carrier’ to take us all,” Ashley, who has 13,400 followers, told What’s The Jam.
“No one in the group had ever heard the term before and found it funny, as it describes exactly what it does.
“I loved that.
“I immediately started listening for other words he used that we don’t use in the States.
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“Now that I live here there’s a whole list! “
Some of the other words and phrases that have left Ashley scratching her head include braces, rubber, pants and ‘having a nosey’.
Social media users have shared their thoughts, too.
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Jessie said: “Yes!! I feel like the English have such fun whimsical words for things! Lollipop lady is my favorite.”
Someone else added: “This made me laugh so much. People carrier is the best. We are so basic.”
Sammy, said: “I love this, these differences in language are so cute. To me, a swimming costume is totally normal but ‘bathing suit’ brings to mind a smart 3 piece suit to go in the bath.”
Brittany added: “Another one! I can’t get used to saying vest for a tank top… or waistcoat for a vest.”
Ashley also recently shared a video about the top nine things that Brits do “exude” coolness.
She gave a 10 out of 10 for the nation’s “sharp” sarcasm skills and also highlighted our penchant for “farmer’s clothes” like flat caps, wellies and a wax jacket.
Other ways Brits appear chic included riding the top of double-decker buses, enjoying afternoon tea and pub culture.
Ashley said: “I do stress in my video that I love the differences [between Brits and Americans] and I’m not poking fun or ignorant to the fact that words would have different meanings here.
“Most people understand that, especially those who have been following for a while or who can read into the tone of my videos.
“However, many are quick to point out that the US does ‘funny’ words too, which I can appreciate.
“I enjoy most of what I read in the comments.
“It’s been great having conversations with people about language and has been really insightful for me, and it seems to others as well.
“Those who don’t get it or perhaps take it too seriously, I try to understand their POV and either explain myself, or just let them be.”
Ashley and her husband moved to the UK in April 2022, along with their two children, in order to be closer to family.
And there have been plenty of perks as well as quirks.
She said: “For me, it’s knowing I can take my kids or myself to the doctor or A&E and it not costing everything I have in my bank account and more.
“In the states, we always stressed about doctor bills and we’re in a lot of medical debt from the births of both of our children.
“I also feel safe here and don’t stress about guns when I go to shops or the cinema for example.
“I’m sure that sounds extreme but that really was the case in the States.
“On a lighter note, I really love how accessible nature is here!
“The Peak District and the Lakes are very close, as are the Yorkshire Dales.
“My favourite thing to do as a family is to load the kids up in the car and go explore a nearby town or village.”
However, there’s no denying that Ashley sometimes misses home.
She added: “I miss some American holidays like Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July.
“I get homesick during those times as I see all my friends and family celebrating and feel a little sad that I’m missing out and that my kids haven’t yet had the experience of those holidays.
“But there are tradeoffs like Bonfire Night and Boxing Day, which are really nice.”
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