Can the same language mean different things in different cultures?

Is it difficult for someone English to be friends with an American? Can there be misunderstandings due to words having very different meanings on each side of the pond? It seems like it is relatively easy to insult an American with absolutely no intent whatsoever? Anyone experienced this? What did you do to remedy the situation?

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LamontCranston · M

The only british usage I have trouble with is "knickers".

ArtieKat · M

@LamontCranston

The only british usage I have trouble with is "knickers"

Not as twee as "panties" Yuck! 🤣

BohemianBabe · M

@LamontCranston That's pants, mate. Totally pants!

LamontCranston · M

@BohemianBabe "plus fours",

ArtieKat · M

@LamontCranston Knickerbockers! 🤣

LamontCranston · M

@ArtieKat Right---so that is why i've never gotten used to the Brit usage.

Scribbles · 36-40, F

@LamontCranston "knickers" always sounds weird to my ear too...and makes me think of the New York Knicks and then I want to giggle.

ArtieKat · M

@LamontCranston But you wouldn't go into an Ice Cream Parlour.Parlor and ask for a "Knicker", would you?

LamontCranston · M

@ArtieKat nor "panties' either

ArtieKat · M

@LamontCranston 🤣

BohemianBabe · M

@Scribbles

ArtieKat · M

@LamontCranston I've just been googling - knickers, as female underwear, predates (even in the USA) by several decades. First use of panties (as a diminutive for dolls' clothes) is listed as 1908