English isn't always English

This happens to me a lot because of confusion to meanings. I gather that some words in the english language have different meanings depending on the nationality of the user. usually, english's english has different meaning to pavement as compared to the english meaning of americans. Since our english are more on the american side, we tend to make confusing remarks when we talk to our english friends.

Well that is the truth- and especially so when you are dealing with e-mail or written forums. You can’t read into typing as you can into speaking with someone- tone of their voice- body language gives off a lot! You could think that they are being sarcastic when really they are being funny (e-mail) often times things are misinterpreted and arguments start. Feelings get hurt- etc.

The meaning of words differs so much between English English, and American English, with other countries versions being different as well, It wouldn't surprise me if some wars in the past have been started, simply because some things mean completely different in different countries. Even simple things.

In the U.S. people go out wearing pants (trousers, jeans) all the time, in the U.K. I would get arrested for walking in the street wearing pants (underwear). Women in the U.K. put there money in a purse, and carry the purse in a handbag. In the U.S. the purse is a handbag (I haven't a clue where they put their money though). Suspenders are used by men in the U.S. and women in the U.K. In the U.K. we stand for Parliament, in the U.S you run for Congress.

There is a translation dictionary at http://www.bg-map.com/us-uk.html for U.S. English to U.K. English, although I don't think everything there is totally correct.