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A humorous guide to British English for Americans—idioms, slang, abbreviations and rhyming slang—from an American scholar who has lived in the UK for more than three decades.
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!
"Bloody Brilliant!" —Frommers.com
"Full of colorful British slang like “scrumping,” (taking fruit from someone else’s tree) or “throw one’s toys out of the pram” (an adult having a temper-tantrum) and words we in the US should adopt such as “whinge” or “oojamaflip.” The book will save you from the embarrassment of using “pants” or “suspenders” in the US sense. But the reader also gets an education in British history and culture—Roman Britain, Guy Fawkes, the structure of the education system, a complete list of bank holidays. It’s a delightful, unconventional book!" —Ellen Finkelpearl, the Helen Chandler Garland Professor of Ancient Studies, Scripps College and author of Metamorphosis of Language in Apuleius and translator of The Golden Ass
"Hall’s book is appealing, not only for the linguistically bewildered but also for armchair travelers. The book shines in the chapter “In and Around London,” which does much to distinguish the actual geography of the city from the preconceived tourist notions based on the famous Underground map." —Rebecca Lommel, Professor Emeritus in English Language, Southern Methodist University
"The conveniently arranged guide—which covers everything from differences in names for food, clothing, body parts, and buildings to colloquialisms and rhyming slang—is a treasure trove of definitions, phrases, and sayings.” —Skylar Hamilton Burris, editor of Ancient Paths Literary Magazine and author of When the Heart Is Laid Bare.
“I was gobsmacked by Blimey, I’m Knackered! Hall’s perfect ear for Britishisms makes this indispensable for anyone who wants to understand the modern UK. This is a terrific and terrifically entertaining book.” —Eric A. Chiappinelli, Frank McDonald Endowed Professor of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law
“Blimey, I'm Knackered is a really fun and humorous book that is basically a British dictionary, encyclopedia, how-to guide, and travel guide all in one.” —Crystal Lowery, Goodreads.com
“Marshall Hall’s Blimey, I’m Knackered is an approachable, useful, and entertaining dictionary.” —Kalene Westmoreland, Ph.D., College of Southern Nevada
"The definitive guide to help us navigate even the most confusing of conversations.” —Councillor Jane MacBean, Buckinghamshire County Council
“This warts-and-all compendium of British English words and phrases showcases the inventiveness and wit of the language, the practical tips woven throughout the book, and the edifying plunge into the waters of rhyming slang." —Beth Castrodale, award-winning author of Marion Hatley, In This Ground, and I Mean You No Harm
“Marshall Hall’s funny, enlightening book is essential reading for logophiles, linguaphiles, and Americans who can’t understand Guy Ritchie movies. Don’t be a bloody pillock, mate. Read Blimey, I’m Knackered!” —Brett Riley, Ph.D., Professor of English, College of Southern Nevada and author of The Subtle Dance of Impulse and Light, Comanche, Lord of Order and Freaks.
“Entertaining, educational and wonderfully thorough!" —Joseph Houghton, Administrator and Director at Troy University
Marshall Hall is a retired university professor of socio-anthropology, author, and longtime student of language, culture, and the human experience. His award-winning book, Blimey, I'm Knackered! An American's Survival Guide to British English, explores the linguistic distinctions, cultural nuances, and everyday expressions that distinguish British English from its American counterpart. The book was the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award Winner, 2021.
Born and raised on a farm in Ohio, Hall began his academic career at the University of Cincinnati before moving to England to teach at the American College in London. His scholarly interests in linguistics, anthropology, and cross-cultural communication have been enriched by more than three decades of living and working in the United Kingdom.
Hall is also the author of Historic Bridges of Buckinghamshire, and Medieval Bridges of Southern England, reflecting his enduring interest in history, architecture, and the cultural landscapes of Britain. An American by birth and a British citizen by choice, Hall maintains residences in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, and Bradenton, Florida. His life on both sides of the Atlantic continues to inform his writing and his exploration of language, history, and culture.