Florida Guide > Miscellaneous
You Say Tomato, I Say Tomato - Part One
One thing that always surprises and delights me on my trips to Florida is that every time we go we learn something new. This is particularly true when it comes to the language. Yes we all speak English but there are so many words and phrases that have different meanings. I have put together some I have got to know to help from the moment of booking until you are there –vive la difference!
So you’ve finally made the great decision to rent a home directly from an owner – great decision, so where do you start when looking for the perfect holiday home or villa for your holiday (or as they say in the U. S vacation).
Choosing Your Accomodation:
Condo or Condominium – the closest comparison here in the U. K is an apartment. Usually these will have 2 or three bedrooms, a bathroom (sometimes 2) kitchen area and living/lounge area. Often in small blocks of 2 or 3 stories and usually with a communal pool.
Town House – these are usually on 2 stories, with 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms, bathroom(s), kitchen, lounge area, patio area and sometimes with splash pool or a Hot Tub.
Vacation Home – this is a generic term which can include condos and town homes, but also includes villas. Villas will usually be detached homes on an estate or community, usually with private pools and amenities.
Arriving in Florida – Cars and Roads
Well you’ve finally arrived in sunny Florida – now to collect your car and set off for your chosen accommodation.
Parking Lot – you may be directed to the lot to collect your car, this is the same as our car park.
Minivan – people carrier.
Trunk – car boot.
Windshield – windscreen.
Gas Pedal – accelerator.
Freeway – motorway.
Highway – road.
Merge – you will often see this written in the road, just means lane is coming to end.
Sidewalk – pavement
Gas – petrol.
Gas Station – Petrol Station.
At the Supermarket and Shops
Before you head off for the supermarket to stock up on supplies, you may want to get some cash. Look out for ATM or Auto Teller rather than cash point machine.
Soda – all fizzy drinks (or pop) are called soda
Sprite – lemonade
Beer – lager (as opposed to bitter)
Zucchini - courgettes
Chips – crisps
Kleenex – tissues
Pattie – burger
Milk and juice are bought by the gallon.
Milk is graded by % fat content, for example skimmed 0% fat, semi-skimmed 2% etc.
Diapers – nappies
Pacifier – dummy
Band Aid – plaster
Booboo – plaster (for young children)
Serviettes – feminine hygiene (not used in restaurants – use napkin)
Drug Store – chemist or pharmacy
Liquor Store – off license
Pants – trousers
Briefs – underwear
Sneakers – trainers or plimsolls
Purse – handbag
Pocket Book – wallet
Bill Fold – wallet
Cell Phone – mobile phone
Bill – paper money as in dollar bill
Check – check (as in traveller’s cheque). In the US the date format used is MM/DD/YYYY, to avoid mistakes it is best to write the date i. e. 01st January 2008.
Author: Dawn and Alan Murray
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