10 Words to Avoid when Visiting/Moving to USA

by Khan · Published May 29, 2014 · Updated October 18, 2015

Petrol – Gas

“$20 Petrol”, I asked at the fuel filling station counter. The salesperson looked at me for a few seconds as I might be speaking Chinese, but then he figured out that I am asking about Gas. It’s weird, but that is what commonly used in the US. It should be gasoline or Petrol. At least I used to think this way or may be still. That is even against the science. Petrol is a liquid, how come called Gas? But doesn’t matter what you believe. Word “Gas” is used instead.

Toilet/Washroom – Restroom

Nature’s call? Search for the “Restroom” sign. First time, at the Chicago airport. I was searching for the Toilet/Washroom sign, but couldn’t find it. I totally ignored Restroom sign as I thought, it may be some kind of quick nap area. After searching for some time, I decided to try “Restroom” as that was the only place left and finally I FOUND IT!

Footpath – Sidewalk

I haven’t heard anybody using “footpath” here. It is better to use “Sidewalk” instead.

Fire Brigade – Fire Truck

One of my friends told me about this conversation between him and another person. Friend: Hey, Fire Brigade is here.
Other Person: Fire What? Friend: Yeah, Fire Brigade! That thing in red with Siren.
Other Person: You’re saying what? Fire Brigade? Bro, that’s a Fire Truck.

Moral of the story, Never use the word “Fire Brigade” use “Fire Truck” instead.

Punctured Tire – Flat Tire

“Flat Tire” is more commonly used in USA.

Dickie/Dicky/Diggy/Boot – Trunk

Always use “Trunk” instead of all alternatives.

Rubber – Eraser

I still laugh about this incident. Those were my early days in the US. I went to my office receptionist and asked her, “Where can I find a Pencil & Rubber.” She looked at me with a shocked face as I said something really bad. “You need what!” she almost screamed. I got confused with her reaction and started to feel that I have messed up something. Quickly I started to think about the alternate words and said, “I need something to write and erase.” She started to relax, “so you need a Pencil and Eraser. Never use the word Rubber again.” I was confused that why she said that, I came to my desk, search this word and started laughing as soon as I saw the meaning of it in American English. I went back to the receptionist and said, “Now, I know the meaning of it” and then we laughed like crazy…

Bonnet – Hood

Another story from early days. I went to an Auto workshop. “Please open the Hood” the mechanic asked. That time I had no clue what he was asking. I tried few seconds searching the “Hood” inside the car and as expected couldn’t find it. “I don’t know from where to open the Hood, I just bought this car” I replied. I knew, that was a stupid reply, but it was the only way out from this situation. But anyway, sometime you have to learn the hard way.