04/25/25 Grif.Net - MORE American Expressions
b...@grif.net
[Many foreigners continue to wonder about what American phrases or words actually mean. I tell them that WE don’t usually know, either.]
1. ‘Entrée’ means beginning unless it’s now the main course which is later.
2. ‘I cannot put my finger on it’ but you can ‘flip the bird’ on it.
3. ‘Fall’ may be when you trip in autumn.
4. ‘Fixin’ to’ is an entirely different genre that about half of Americans know.
5. I ‘graduated college’ and ‘graduated high school’ but sound like you missed the lessons on grammar and prepositions.
6. Give your ’Faucet’ a tap for the rest of the English-speaking world.
7. Calling a koala a ‘koala bear’ is odd since it’s a marsupial not a bear.
8. Asking ‘Can I get a coffee/milkshake/etc’ when ordering at the counter brings an immediate, ‘No, you can’t go behind the counter and get it, but I will bring it to you’.
9. A ’Purse’ is a small thing for holding money and cards that goes into a handbag.
10. Biscuits’ are scones, not cookies.
Bonus: Guys - Be careful if someone says you have nice ’pants’ on, since they should not be seen when you wear trousers.
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
“From all harm safe in His sheltering arms
I'm living by faith and feel no alarm.”
