They Talk Funny Here - Part 2 - "10 Things we don't say in America!"

In a lot of ways, adapting your language for living in the UK is simply learning how words you already use mean different things here. For example, biscuits. In America it means crackers but in the UK it means cookies. But what about expressions or words you've never heard or used before?

1. Dog's bollocks - Well, what better what to exclaim how fantastic something is than by comparing it to the balls of dog? "It was a great night out last night, dinner, dancing and tons of fun, it was the dog's bollocks!"

2. Aubergine - Hint: this is often baked with Parmesan. Yes, aubergine is the British equivalent of "eggplant" and also used for the color. Either way, it's still a disgusting and evil vegetable.

3. Faff about - This one cracks me up whenever I can get a chance to use it. It's often used to exclaim frustration at wasting time or procrastinating. Goes like this, you're trying to corral your teenager out the door; she keeps adjusting her hair, checking her texts, changing shoes and you end up exclaiming, "Let's go, stop faffing about!"

4. Full stop - Try to guess from this context: "I have a new resolution and no more excuses.Starting tomorrow I will go every day. Full stop!" It doesn't actually have much to do with stopping, but it is the equivalent of the American "period". As in, no more going back and forth. It's a done deal. Period. Full stop.

5. Bespoke: This is really handy to know if you're a fan of DIY (do-it-yourself) shows or magazines. It took a while but after watching episode after episode of Grand Designs, I finally got it!  "This banister wasn't bought from the standard showroom, it was bespoke based on the client's specific designs." In other words, "customized!"

6. Codswallop - means crap. You hear something ridiculous, "God, what a load of codswallop!"

7. Bob's your uncle - Meaning is best explained as, "and there you go". As in:
You: "I know! I'll send the letter first and then call them. What do you think?"
Me: "Yes, sounds good. Bob's your uncle."

8. Gormless - Can't say I've added this one to my repertoire yet. I only just learned what it meant! It means clueless. And a "gorm" is a stupid person. "He really seems out to lunch, he makes no sense whatsoever. He's totally gormless."

9. Knob, willy, pecker - Are just a couple of the words they use here for penis! They have so many words and expressions here related to male genitalia!

10. Billy no-mates - Someone with no friends. as in, "I was waiting for you guys at the restaurant and for 15 minutes I was alone, I looked like Billy no-mates."
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