STAR'S UNUSUAL DICTIONARY

Evening Star, Issue 23729, 9 November 1940, Page 5

STAR'S UNUSUAL DICTIONARY

England and America are the two great English-speaking countries, but . there are so many words and phrases used on one side of the Atlantic that have a completely different meaning on the other that many English visitors to America find themselves as much at a loss for the correct expression as they might be in a foreign country. British film star Anna Neagle, who is becoming familiar with the language after 18 months in America, feels that an English-Araerican phrase book would be very helpful to visiting Britons and save them from the embarrassment she herself experienced when she first went to the United States.

“ Before going to any foreign country you can buy a little pocket dictionary of simple English words and phrases translated into the correct language,” she said the other morning on the set of ‘ No, No, Nanette,’ in which she is starring for RKO Radio Pictures, under the direction of Herbert Wilcox. “ But there is no such assistance available for the Briton visiting America. It is surprising how easily a British visitor can make a faux pas in the simplest. conversation, I am now preparing a dictionary giving the different meaning of our words and phrases in America. I have already over 100 words with their correct translation into ‘ American,’

and within a few months I expect to have at least one thousand,” she added. The British star keeps a note book in her handbag and writes down each new word or phrase as she comes across it. Here are some selections she has made already;— English. American;’ Nib Penpoint Suitcase Grip or valise Larder Cooler. Counterfoil Stub Boots High shoes Frying pan Skillet Late , Tardy Tap Faucet Bath Tub Face Flannel Wash cloth Braces Suspenders Stud Collar button Scissors Shears Cotton wool Cotton Cotton Thread Cot Crib Camp bed Cot Sweets Candy Pudding course Dessert Dickey seat (Rumble seat Car bonnet . Hood Wash your hands Wash up Best man (at He stood up for weddings) them “ A very easy faux pas to make,” said Miss Neagle, “ is to refer, as we do, to any woman who spends a great deal of time in her house and takes pride in it, as homely. In America ‘ homely ’ has only , one meaning, which is ugly.”