Rules, Britannia: An Insider's Guide to Life in the United Kingdom

Born and raised in England, but living now in Chicago, Hargis offers perspectives from both sides of the pond, proving once again that the United States and the United Kingdom are two countries divided by a common language. In chapters such as ""Words That Guarantee Giggles"" and ""Grub and Other Delicacies,"" the author explains differences in pronunciation and usage between American English terms and British English terms: ""In the U.K., Hush Puppies are a type of comfy shoe, and a sloppy joe is a sweater."" Such discrepancies, obviously, can fill a book. Throughout, Hargis also includes lists of ""British words that might require translation"" (their sleeping policeman is our speed bump, and blokes named Randy or Willy will likely get stroppy and not at all cock-a-hoop after taking the piss from a tosser about their names) and ""American words that the Brits don't share"" (busboys and the concept of bussing a table are ""totally meaningless in the UK""). Sections on road rules, real estate, fashion and employment will be handy for readers planning on staying longer than a vacation (or, in Brit: holiday).