Divided by a Common Language: A Guide to British and American English,
by Christopher Davies
This is a must read for
anyone who travels to the UK or watches way too much BBC. This book delves into
the divergent paths that English has taken to describe such everyday things as
electrical outlets and water closets. It gets one out of a mental rut to
suddenly realize that there are millions of people who think it reasonable to
call a "windshield" and "windscreen." And why couldn't we all use the same name
for "mimosas"? We all know that sneakers are trainers, but who knew that snaps
were "press-studs"? So enjoy! (Which by the way is a curious American English
expression that waiters say after giving you your meal.)
-Marcia
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