16 Words That Can Mean Something Completely Different In The U.K.

    And how to avoid potentially embarrassing situations while abroad.

    1. Pants

    What it means in the U.S.: Outerwear from the waist to the ankles; trousers.

    What it means in the U.K.: Underwear.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "Wow, your mom has the nicest pants!"

    2. Braces

    What it means in the US: Devices for straightening teeth.

    What it means in the UK: Suspenders.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "I used to always get food caught in my braces as a kid."

    3. Biscuit

    What it means in the U.S.: A buttery, flaky bread served with savory meals.

    What it means in the U.K.: A cookie.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "I can't eat a biscuit unless it's dripping in gravy."

    4. First floor

    What it means in the U.S.: The floor at ground level.

    What it means in the U.K.: The floor above the ground level floor.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "That super-important meeting is taking place on the first floor — don't be late!"

    5. Fancy dress

    What it means in the U.S.: Formal attire.

    What it means in the U.K.: Costume.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "Those girls invited us to a fancy dress party tonight. Now where can I get a tuxedo?"

    6. Trainers

    What it means in the U.S.: A fitness expert who helps you work out.

    What it means in the U.K.: Sneakers.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "Work out with trainers? What do I look like, a millionaire?!"

    7. Chaps

    What it means in the U.S.: Leather leggings worn by cowboys designed to protect the legs whilst horseback riding.

    What it means in the U.K.: Guys.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "Nothin' sexier than a pair of assless chaps!"

    8. Comforter

    What it means in the U.S.: A quilted bedspread.

    What it means in the U.K.: A baby's pacifier.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "I can't fall asleep without my favorite comforter."

    9. Cider

    What it means in the U.S.: A nonalcoholic apple juice popular in the fall.

    What it means in the U.K.: An alcoholic beverage derived from fermented apples, popular every season.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "I used to drink cider every day as a kid."

    10. Knob

    What it means in the U.S.: A rounded door handle.

    What it means in the U.K.: A penis.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "I broke my knob rushing out of the house this morning."

    11. Bin

    What it means in the U.S.: A storage container.

    What it means in the U.K.: A trash can.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "I put all my grandmother's valuables in a bin."

    12. Garden

    What it means in the U.S.: A designated area for growing flowers or crops.

    What it means in the U.K.: A backyard.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "No thanks, I don't want to drink beers in your garden because I'm not a crazy person."

    13. Rubber

    What it means in the US: A condom.

    What it means in the UK: An eraser.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "Why on EARTH would you give those school children rubbers?!"

    14. Pissed

    What it means in the U..S: Angry.

    What it means in the U.K.: Drunk.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "Sorry that I'm late for work. I got a parking ticket and I'm pissed."

    15. Shag

    What it means in the U.S.: Carpeting with particularly long and soft fibers.

    What it means in the U.K.: Sex.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "Shag? Gross. What is this, the '70s?"

    16. Football

    What it means in the U.S.: Football.

    What it means in the U.K.: Soccer.

    Potentially confusing sentence: "I don't like football."