Did I Say Something Wrong?

English is NOT the same language over here. I'm following my brother's advice..."Don't change who you are, or how you speak, just get your point across and still be you." I think it's wonderful advice, and I was a bit concerned about my inability to acquire any resemblance of a British accent. However, in using my colloquial American way of speaking, I am finding that I must be funny. Here are the words that just don't work here:

You can imagine the face of the car salesman when I asked him to "pop the hood"....apparently, it's a bonnet here. Yes, a bonnet! (And the trunk is called a boot.)

The kids will speak of getting their pants dirty, but pants here are UNDERWEAR. I hope we get used to this one before school starts, or the kids will be in loads of trouble.

As anyone will tell you, Jeppesens are big fans of amusement parks. We've already visited two local ones this week, and purchased season passes. Upon entering the parks, you will find signs that read, "Queue here". (A queue is a line....go figure.)

I haven't yet figured this one out, but while on the phone the other day, a guy told me his computer had just crashed and I inadvertently said, "Uh oh." He laughed for a while. Anyone get this one?

When you ask someone to call you, you say "ring me" or "phone me".

My mother raised me to speak of using the "facilities, restrooms, etc." It was a nicer way to speak of not so nice places. Apparently here, they're just "toilets". Sorry, Mom. And if you happen to be in the train stations, they cost 20 pence.

The kids get the biggest kick out of food names. Their favorite line is "French fries are called chips, and chips are called crisps." It is true.

I don't know how many raised eyebrows I've gotten when I've asked for the trash can. They're called bins and they're really hard to find! (Don't get me started on the recycling subject...I'll save that for another day.)

I can't begin to count the times I've heard cheers, and I will admit I had to look this one up. I thought it meant goodbye, but apparently it means thank you. Why is this language so difficult?

When leaving or entering the motorway (highway, interstate) you are on a sliproad. Whatever.

There are hundreds more, and I'm getting a headache. Blimey! I think I'll stick with my brother's advice! :)