Blimey, I'm Knackered!: An American's Survival Guide to British English

Differences between British English and American English continue to exist, despite technology and social media. "Blimey, I'm Knackered!" is a book that provides definitions and explanations of British idioms, colloquialisms, abbreviations, acronyms, and slang, making it an engaging read for language lovers and travelers alike.

Format: Hardback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: Imbrifex Books

Back in 1887, Oscar Wilde wrote, "We have really everything in common with America nowadays, except, of course, language." One would think, in a world homogenized by technology and social media, that differences between British English and American English would gradually disappear. Ask any recent traveler, though, and you'll learn that plenty of linguistic idiosyncrasies persist, and new ones emerge all the time. Folks on both sides of the pond may be in closer touch than ever before, but we are still, as George Bernard Shaw purportedly noted, "two nations divided by a common language."

Blimey, I'm Knackered! is the perfect companion for anyone desiring to bridge the gap between US and UK English or who simply enjoys the evolution of language and culture. American scholar and longtime UK resident Marshall Hall has organized his insightful definitions and explanations of British idioms, colloquialisms, abbreviations, acronyms, and slang into nineteen entertaining and revealing chapters covering everything from transportation and food to politics, education, and wardrobe. Making the book truly comprehensive are sections on pejoratives and "naughty bits." Hall's often amusing explanations make the book an engaging read for language lovers and travelers alike. Charming pen-and-ink illustrations by Mark Cowie add whimsy and humor to this entertaining, useful, and unique compendium. No American need ever be befuddled again!

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781945501494