Mighty Fine Words and Smashing Expressions: Making Sense of Transatlantic English (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780195157048)

Have you ever traveled to England, been offered a "fairycake," and not known how to respond? Have you ever had to explain the difference between a "sleeping policeman" and a "speed bump" to a visiting Brit? Are you sure you know the difference between a "chip" and a "crisp"? (Transatlantic English) is a practical and entertaining guide to the differences between American and British English. As if written from a point in the Atlantic ocean exactly between Britain and the U.S., this book catalogs the differences between the "two" languages by taking a culturally neutral stance - addressing the needs of both British and American readers and listeners. Not a collection of lists, the chapters of (Transatlantic English) are arranged around important and familiar topics, including Politics, Law, and Government; Business and Money; Medicine and Healthcare; Education; Food, Clothing, and Shelter; Profanity and Obscenity, making this book essential not only for word lovers, but also students abroad, business and casual travelers, and anyone confused by the differences in our common tongue. With (Transatlantic English) you won't be caught with your "knickers" down again.

Author: Orin Hargraves
ISBN-10: 0195157044
ISBN-13: 9780195157048
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Language: English
Published: 12/19/2002
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.34lbs
Size: 9.62h x 6.28w x 1.09d

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 08/01/2002 pg. 1998
Library Journal 10/15/2002 pg. 72
American Reference Bks Annual 01/01/2003 pg. 442