[Coyote]

I've tried searching for lots of translations but can't seem to fine a good list. Can someone point me in the right direction, or could we do with starting a list ? The vast number of American members have lots of good advice to offer, but some of the terminology can be confusing for us Brits / Euros.

US V's English

rotor = disc
sedan = saloon
variant = estate
quart = 0.94635295 litre


this probably could go on and on and on and ......

or am I on my own on this one ?

 

[hoypinoy1234]

Oh, you could go on and on with that list. Even non-car related stuff.

elevator = lift
TV = telly
fat, anoying, Texan woman = cow

 

[hoypinoy1234]

Actually, we call it Variant because that's what the VW calls it in Germany. But to most Americans, they just call it a station wagon.

 

[Coyote]

Oh, you could go on and on with that list. Even non-car related stuff.

elevator = lift
TV = telly
fat, anoying, Texan woman = cow

I was think of just B5 stuff, but I appreciate the comments. lol.


Damn, You reminded me of that awful woman again.

 

[r3awak3n]

hum, not really car realated but definatly my favorite.
truck = Lorry (I think its spelled this way)... ah, I miss living in england!

 

[Coyote]

I've heard station wagon before - any meaning behind that terminology?
And "shooting brake" is that US ?

 

[ice_man]

bonnet = hood
boot = trunk
tyre = tire :lol:

 

[hoypinoy1234]

I would guess that it had evolved from this:

To this:

To this:

To this:

To this:

To this :thumbup: :

 

[grhdylan]

wing = fender
hand brake= parking brake
petrol = gas

 

[teejdOrk]

What's with "Top Up Washer Fluid" and "Close Boot Lid"?

 

[Coyote]

What's with "Top Up Washer Fluid" and "Close Boot Lid"?

washer fluid = windscreen washer water (www ! ) or whatever you call it
close boot lid = close the trunk

 

[teejdOrk]

Yeah, I know. Before I had my Passat I had never seen something like that in a car in the States. Not even in my Dad's A4.

 

[george_uk]

I have no idea what that green "woodie" is but it has a certain charm.

I think the idea of a translation of some terms is useful. I had puzzled for a (short) while as to the meaning of "rotor". In my day the rotor was the thing inside the distributor cap for distributing the spark. Now that I have a Tdi i don't worry about such things.

Best wishes

 

[hoypinoy1234]

Here's one:

http://www.bg-map.com/us-uk.html

UK vs. US

aerial = antenna ("aerial" used regionally in the past but has faded from use)
bonnet = hood
boot = trunk
car park = parking lot
car silencer = muffler
cats eyes = reflectors (embedded in road)
central reservation = median
clock = odometer
demister = defroster
diversion = detour
driving license = driver's license
dual carriageway = divided highway
dumper truck = dump truck
flyover = overpass
fourway = crossroads
full lights = high beams
gear box = transmission
gear lever = gear shift
hire car = rental car
indicators = turn signals
lights dipped = low beams
motorway = freeway (Western U.S.) expressway (Eastern U.S.) Interstate See Notes
orbital = beltway (Eastern U.S.)
petrol = gasoline, gas
propeller shaft = drive shaft
recovery = towing
roundabout = circle, rotary (New England)
straight = straightaway (as at a race track)
top up = fill up, top off See Notes
transmission = power train
turning left = left turn
turning right = right turn
tyre = tire
unmade road = dirt road, unpaved road
windscreen = windshield
window heater = defroster
wing = fender

 

[marc uk]

not car related, but don't foget:

mom = mum
period = full stop
rubber = condom
color = colour

I know when i'm over in Tx, they love words like brilliant & excellent that we use