Every Indian who comes to the USA needs to know a few lingo changes. There are some words that if used in USA will evoke laughter and might cause you some embarrassment. Here is my list:
Dicky Vs Trunk: Yes that thing at the back of your car in which you carry your junk is called a ‘trunk’ in the US and calling it a ‘dicky’ might instantly make you the focus of the conversation.
Rubber Vs Eraser: Yes that thing at the back of your pencil is called an ‘eraser’. ‘Rubber’ actually means condom so you don’t want to ever ask a child for a rubber!
Bath Vs Shower: Both words are used in the US but has different meanings. Most indians are used to saying ‘I am going for a bath’ when they are actually going to shower. In US ‘Bath’ means to soak in a tub/jacuzzi and bathe there, whereas a ‘shower’ is where you stand and let the over head jets do their job.
Stepney Vs Spare: If you have a flat tire and ask for a Stepney, you will surely get the ‘Whattttt???’ That extra tire is called a spare tyre (notice the spelling difference too)!
Here are a few more quick ones (some words might be colloquial so might apply to a small sect of Indians) :
Indian way - American way
Purse - Wallet
Pinafore - Jumper
Trial room - Fitting room
Keds - Sneakers
1st standard - 1st grade
Canteen - Cafeteria
Invigilator - Proctor
9th standard/1st year college - Freshman highschool/college
10th standard/1st year college - Sophomore highschool/college
11th standard/1st year college - Junior highschool/college
12th standard/1st year college - Senior highschool/college
Marks - Grades
Biscuit - Cookie(if sweet) cracker(if salty)
Brinjal - Eggplant
Ladies finger - Okra
Cold drink - Soda
Curds - Yogurt
Filter coffee - Brewed coffee
Jam - Jelly
Hotel - Restaurant for eating, Hotel for lodging
Soda - Club soda
Football - Soccer
