Wendy Powell

8 Things British Mums Say That American Moms Find Weird.

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Pregnant woman in a green dress, gray sweater, and cream hat outside in the snow.

Our community of mamas spans worldwide, so sometimes a few things can get lost in translation. It even feels like a whole other language at times between British and American mothers. 

If you know your eggplant from your aubergine or if the word dummy leaves you offended or confused… read on for a little giggle with your sisters overseas. Comment below with your favorite thing British mums say.   

“Chuffed”

You’re what?! British mums might use this term if they’re really happy about something. “I’m so chuffed that little Joseph is now toilet trained”. 

GIF by @Originals

“Dummy”

“Can you pass me that dummy”, could leave you offended, but Brit mums say dummy, you say pacifier. Nobody needs to get offended. It’s all cool.

GIF by Jada Grace

“Buggy or Pushchair”

This one leaves American moms scratching their heads! Pushchair we get… It’s a chair that you push… but buggy…?

“Nappy”

Often confused with sleepy time. Nappy is a diaper, not a cute name for a nap.

GIF by The Dungeon Run

“Coriander”

Also know by the majority of humankind as ‘Cilantro’… But as it’s UK Mother’s Day we’re gonna have to inform you that Coriander is correct 😉 

GIF by Rhe Dungeon Run

“Jumper”

Not to be confused with an all-in-one jumpsuit. British mums say jumper, you say sweater. Everyone’s confused. 

GIF by giphy.com

“Pants”

Mean actual underwear, not trousers! Not to be confused.

GIF by reddit.com

“Knackered”

This is a universal mom feeling. Basically you’re experiencing levels of tired you didn’t think were humanly possible. 

GIF by ABC Network

Did we miss something? Comment below to let us know the funniest thing you’ve ever heard a British person say, then share with your friends on social media. 

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