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PLEASANTRIES

BRIT-SPEAK

AMERI-SPEAK

COMMENTS
  1. Cheers
  2. Chin-wag
  3. Cuddle
  4. Natter
  5. Snog
  6. Ta
  1. "Bottoms-up"
  2. Gossip
  3. Hug
  4. Chat
  5. Smooch
  6. Thanks
  1. also Thanks; occasionally Good-bye
  2. -
  3. -
  4. -
  5. Kiss
  6. -

TO OFFEND OR NOT TO OFFEND!

BRIT-SPEAK

AMERI-SPEAK

COMMENTS
  1. Bugger
  2. Bum
  3. Fag
  4. Fagged
  5. Faggot
  6. Fanny
  7. Knackered
  8. Knock-up
  9. Randy
  10. Rubber
  11. Toilet (W.C.)
  12. Wee
  1. Milder form of F_ _ _
  2. Bottom / "backside"
  3. Cigarette
  4. Beat /exhausted
  5. Meatball
  6. Female genitalia
  7. Exhausted
  8. Drop by
  9. Horny
  10. Eraser
  11. Bathroom
  12. Pee
  1. not  "booger"
  2. not  transient
  3. not  homosexual
  4. -
  5. not  homosexual
  6. not  bottom/backside
  7. -
  8. visit not  sexual assault
  9. not just a name
  10. not condom
  11. refers to the room not the fixture
  12. urinate

General:

Endearments are heard often, especially "Luv," "Sweetheart," and even "Lover".  Nothing personal.
"Spend a penny" is a lady's way of saying "use the facilities."  Probably refers to the days when a penny was the cost of using the bathroom in a commercial/retail establishment.  (Nowadays, it's more like 10p but only in the more touristy places and some reststops.) ("P" is short for "pence") 

Special Events:

Weddings:
 Often a somewhat more formal affair for the guest (as well as the bride and groom).  Plan on wearing your nicest outfit and ladies often add large frothy confections called "hats"  (matching of course!) to their outfits.  Think "mother of the bride" and you won't be far off.
Be aware that there are "themed" weddings as well and are entered into with great enthusiasm, much like a costume party is some ways.
Birthdays and weddings tend to be celebrated with a cake unusual to American tastes:  a heavy, moist fruit cake (think Christmas) with a stiff, carve-able marzipan icing.  If you like fruit cake, (which I do) you'll like this; well, at least the cake portion.
Guy Fawkes Day:  November 5.  Guy Fawkes was notorious for trying to blow up Parliament.  He is cheerfully burned in effigy each year on an evening of bonfires and fireworks.
Christmas Festivities:  "Crackers" are a popular oddity found at many of the parties/dinners you'll attend.  The tradition is to turn to someone on either side of you and tug at it until it gives a loud pop and comes apart.  There is usually a little prize, a joke and a silly hat to wear. (Wear it at least for awhile in good humor.)
Boxing Day:  December 26.  Traditionally the day when household servants were treated to their gifts and a little spoiling by their employers.  The day is a national holiday and families tend to exchange just one last gift and generally sit back recovering from the excesses of the days before.

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