I'm still trying to figure out why they call the trunk a boot. Did someone kick the crap out of a Mini Cooper's trunk at one time????

 

It's since MINIs are originally British. The terms "boot" and "bonnet" stuck instead of "trunk" and "hood".

 

AHhhhhh. I keep hearing about some stunt though and I'm not talking about the latest one. On mini video tutorials they talk about some stunt and the boot. I can't make out what she says though.

 

Because the trunk is in the back, so it has a "bootay"

 

So technically, if I open the Bootay, that could be a "Bootay Call"

 

Here is a pretty good page list the US vs British cat terms...

Terminology
(or understanding British technical terms...)

General car terms:



http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/...erminology.htm

Here is a few more...

 

The list must be endless... including a couple 'none car' related;

Trousers = Pants

Tights = Pantyhose

Chips = Fries

Football = Soccer

Never heard anyone in the UK call a convertible a drophead though. Its either convertible or cabriolet.

 

Hooter = horn

 

Bollacks = Insert customary curse word!

 

nickers - landies skivvies
damper - strut/shock absorber
binders - brakes
wee dram - what it's time for beyond this silly buisness.

 

From Wikipedia:

Etymology

The usage of the word "trunk" comes from that being the word for a large travelling chest, as such trunks were often attached to the back of the vehicle before the development of integrated storage compartments in the 1930s; while the usage of the word "boot" comes from that being the word for a built-in compartment on a horse-drawn coach (originally used as a seat for the coachman and later for storage). The usage of the word "dickie" comes from that being the British word for a rumble seat, as such seats were often used for luggage before cars had integrated storage.

 

Actually, it's techinally slang for *********...

 

Twenty plus years ago I answered a similar question for a guy in the UK who was asking what a "tranny" was. He and I are still pen palls to this day. So, the slang issue does go both ways, so don't feel bad if you don't get it.

 

Best way to learn, is to watch multiple episodes of UK Top Gear.

car park = parking lot
gear box = transmission
saloon = sedan
lorry ?sp = big truck

 

bloke = guy
chaps= guys
mate=friend

dual carriageway= 2 lane highway
splitter= spoiler on the nose of car

 

Yup…

Used in a statement. Ah bollacks!
Americanized. Ah crap! Ah sh@t!

 

It's not "UK Top Gear"... It's Top Gear. The wannabe is is "US Top Gear".

 

****** = Mother F'er, or masterbater (only call an englishman a ****** of you really want a fist fight)
Slag = ****
Bollocks = BS

That's all I can think of. Not car related, but still funny!

 

My husband's job had us live in Australia for 2.5 years. He also worked with a lot of British ex-pats. The combination of Australian, British, and American terms/slang caused a lot of confusion.

BTW - in Australia, "fanny" isn't your backside, it's, um..., female parts.

 

just to further confuse ...

in the us, cars have trunks and motorcycles have a boot box

in uk, cars have a boot and motorcycles have a trunk

and if someone walks up to you in a pub in uk and says "***?" ... don't be offended, just give them a cigarette

scott

 

[jack]

So true. In the US, they've missed the point altogether. It's not just cars; it's extremely clever, entertaining, and urbane personalities supported with outstanding concepts and scripts that just happen to all converge on the topic of automobiles. However, the crowning glory in the presenting all of this is the art direction and innovative videography. Masterful.

I'm sorry to say that, IMHO, US Top Gear is an attempt to borrow the essence and spirit of Top Gear...without an appreciation of the whole of what they are trying to copy. I guess that I prefer a less juvenile, lower testosterone-based approach to the material. Oh yes, and none of the US Top Gear "boys" can match Jeremy Clarkson's command of wit and metaphor (though he can get tiring at times).

Please don't throw anything at me...

[/jack]

 

I'll not address directly the difference in terms here so you can do your own research on the difference between the use of the word 'root' in the US and Austrailia. Here in the US we 'root' for our favorite team. Down under, well, you look it up.

 

Ah yes..."the UK and the USA...two countries separated by the same language!"......I think that was Winston Churchill please correct if I am wrong on that!

 

Well said, I couldn't agree more!

 

Couldn't agree more. US version seems like their only goal is to destroy the cars. The show lacks the variety, finesse, and wit of the UK version.
I either multi task or fast forward through the US version but I don't even have my iPad near me when I'm watching the UK episodes.