Top Americanisms the British Find Annoying
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Contemporary, modern-day UK English has come on a long journey to get to where it is today, having been influenced by various languages over the centuries, most notably those of the Latin, French, and Germanic varieties.
In many ways, the English language has been a great borrower of other vernaculars, adding depth and richness to its composition along the way.
However, there is one particular feature that has slowly crept into the lexicon of everyday British speakers – those dreaded words and phrases to have crossed the Atlantic onto the shores of dear old Blighty, known as the Americanism.
In this article, we’re going to be looking at this phenomenon, including what it is and how it came about, as well as translating some of the most common Americanisms that British people find annoying.
What are Americanisms?
Annoying Americanisms – Words
● Cart
One of the many American-style words that shape standard online language In the UK, the preferred term would be basket or trolley.
● Candy
There’s nothing more American than this word in the eyes of many a Brit, who would much rather refer to the treats as sweets.
● Drive-thru
The annoyance comes from the sheer laziness of this phrase, used instead of drive-through at fast-food restaurants the world over.
● Drop
Used to describe the release of something, like a new product or service. Has gained even greater significance since the advent of NFTs.
● Gotten
It was used in Britain way back in Middle English, before being replaced by got. Following widespread use in the US, it has since crept back into British use.
● Hike
You will now hear about price hikes just as much as price increases in the UK, where previously this word more commonly meant to go for a long walk.
● Period
Used as an interjection to say something is final, or that there is nothing else to be said – the British traditionally preferred the full stop punctuation mark.
● Season
Much to the chagrin of many British people, this has taken over from series as a way of describing a television box set.
● Take-out
Has so many different meanings in the UK, but Americans have favoured this to takeaway – and it has started to become popular among Brits.
Annoying Americanisms – Phrases
● Can I get
You will find this uttered more often in a coffee shop or restaurant, which can be very irritating. The more accepted alternative used to be could I have.
● Do the math
British people feel the plural pain on this one, every time they hear it on US television programmes. It should be maths – as in mathematics.
● Expiration date
This is a strange one, with the Americans using the longer form word, compared to British people, who prefer expiry date.
● I could care less
While accepted in the US, this grates on British people as it is actually the opposite of the correct meaning – in the UK, the phrase is I couldn’t care less.
● I hear you
Not a likable phrase, as it is sometimes used as a prelude to disagree with what has just been said. An unpleasant form of acknowledgment or sympathy.
● Let’s touch base
An infuriating example of business or office speak, meaning to make contact or reconnect with at a later date or time – UK speakers would prefer let’s catch up.
● My bad
An American slang phrase used to acknowledge responsibility for an error, which has grown in usage in the UK. A sloppy way of saying my mistake.
● That’s so awesome
This phrase contains a word almost synonymous with American speakers in the eyes of British people, who would prefer the term amazing or impressive.
● You got this
Despite meaning to inspire, it is rather irritating. The preferred way of saying this among British speakers would be you can do it.
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