Humped Zebras?

Hi all,

Well, I have successfully completed one term at the University of Oxford! It went by very quickly, but it was a stellar experience. I have learned so much about applied theology, yet perhaps even more about myself. Coming to another country and being on my own, very far from home, has challenged my understanding of life in general. Moreover, it has compelled me to seek answers and find the truth - something people have been doing in Oxford for a long, long time (since about 1096)! I have not found all of the answers, but I think two more terms may very well be just enough to figure things out. However, until the next term starts in mid-January, I will be back home!

For this post I figured I would share some of the British quirks and terminology that I find, well, worthy of sharing. Most of them are just amusing, while a few are actually pretty frustrating:

• all types of cookies are biscuits
• oftentimes sinks will have two faucets
• and the water gets absolutely scalding hot
• instead of asking, 'What's for dessert?' a Brit will ask, 'What's for pudding?'
• many doors have handles on both sides - very frustrating
• when ordering a sub, which is usually called a baguette, instead of being asked, 'Would you like any vegetables?' you will be asked, 'Would you like any salad?' - a bit confusing the first time for sure
• British pounds are often referred to as quid, and pence is just 'p'
• if you ask a Brit, 'How are you?' I have found that they will nearly always start by say, 'Yeah, I'm alright.' I've started doing it myself, but I haven't developed an accent...yet
• a grilled cheese sandwich is called a toastie
• this one is great: a raised crosswalk is called a humped zebra - no joke
  
• yogurt is pronounced yawgurt, and, for that matter, pedagogy is pedagawgy
• bathrooms have three names: the loo, the water closet, and, most commonly, the toilet - I still haven't gotten used to it
• most small sweets and baked goods, besides cookies, are called cakes
• in music, instead of half notes, eighth notes, etc., they have crotchets, quavers, and semi-quavers
• shopping carts are called trolleys
• it seems everyone uses a knife and fork, but I won't give in! All I need is a fork!
• you might know this one, but just in case: fries are chips, and chips are crisps
• pants refer to underwear
• instead of looking good or sharp, Brits will say you look smart
• blazers are often called smart jackets
• for many desserts (puddings), instead of having whipped cream, it will be served with a small pitcher of regular cream to pour over the top - kind of odd, but not bad
• shrimp are called prawns
• sweatshirts are jumpers

I'll end the list there. It's been a good bit of fun learning the British way. I still haven't had a crumpet or an ale pie, but I still have time! One thing I can say is that the biscuits are excellent!

My flight home is set for tomorrow morning, so I probably won't post again until I return in January. In the meantime have an amazing Christmastime! Here's another chance to listen to my a cappella group, The Oxford Commas:

As always, if you have any suggestions for post topics, please comment below, comment on Facebook, or email me at timothy.m.nagy@gmail.com. Happiest of holidays to you all!

Truly,

Tim