Lost in Translation

When you move to a new place, you have to learn the language. Now I'm not talking about Arabic, I'm talking about English. Our move has forced Cindy and I to learn a few new English words. You see, the Brits got here before anyone else from the West, so people here speak the Queen's English, not the devolved, improper form that is spoken in North America. So before any of you Americans come to Dubai, here are a few words and phrases that you'll need to be aware of.

1. Toilet - none of the American euphemisms over here. 'Powder room' or 'washroom' are completely meaningless to people over here. Most folks will understand what you mean when you ask for the 'restroom' or 'bathroom', but they think it's a silly usage of the words since you would never really want to rest there, and let's be real, you're probably asking because you need to use the toilet. So let's just call it the toilet.

2. Cheers - in America, you only use this phrase when you raise a glass. It is used for that here as well. But this word is far more versatile for the Brits. Here, 'cheers' is used for 'thank you' (like when you hold a door open for someone and they say, 'Cheers."). 'Cheers' is also used when parting company (instead of 'goodbye' or 'have a nice day' or 'have a good evening' - which do still sometimes get used). You can also use 'cheers' to sign a letter or e-mail instead of 'Regards,' or 'Best'.

3. Biscuits - it means "cookies". If someone offers you 'biscuits' with your tea or coffee, expect some small cookies.

4. Timings - If you call a store or restaurant to find out when they open and close, you might be inclined to ask, "What are your hours tomorrow?" Such an expression will get you only puzzled silence and perplexed looks over here. You should ask, "What are your timings?"

5. Lift - it means "elevator". Pretty self-explanatory.

6. Car Park - Not a place for cars to get some R&R, but what Americans refer to as a 'parking garage.'

7. Trolley - Has multiple uses. It may mean a shopping cart, a baby stroller, or a furniture dolly. I think that if something has wheels, carries stuff, and you push it, it's a trolley.

8. Marks - It means 'grades'. Students ask about their 'marks' in the class. Or you 'mark' exams. They do use the term 'grades' over here, and I'm pretty sure they're interchangeable. If they're not, I'll try to update you.

9. Prawns - It means 'shrimp'. Now, I knew about prawns before I left the States, and I realize that for a marine biologist, there is a difference between a shrimp and a prawn, but there's no difference when you're eating them. All we have over here are prawns. Stir-fry prawns, grilled prawns, steak and prawns, prawns on the barbie.... Always prawns.

10. Boxing Day - December 26. So in our last blog post when we talked about 'Boxing Day' Sales, that's how the Brits refer to an after-Christmas sale. And so far, we think that Boxing Day beats DSF. In America, in Great Britain, and even in Dubai.