English Around the World
Discover familiar and surprising words from different varieties of English through everyday situations, from cafés to workplace conversations.
Preview
Questions with solutions-
1. Escolhe a resposta correta.
What does “lift” refer to in this hotel?
At a hotel in London, the receptionist says, “Your room is on the sixth floor. The lift is beside the stairs.”
- An elevator
- An escalator
- A staircase
- A moving walkway
Show solution
- An elevator
British English usually uses “lift” where American English uses “elevator.” Both refer to the same way of traveling between floors.
-
2. Escolhe a resposta correta.
What does “barbie” mean in this invitation?
In Australia, a friend says, “Come over for a barbie on Saturday. We'll cook some food on the grill.”
- A camping trip
- A birthday party
- A barbecue
- A beach picnic
Show solution
- A barbecue
“Barbie” is an informal Australian word for a barbecue. Australian English often shortens everyday words with endings such as “-ie.”
-
3. Escolhe a resposta correta.
What does “wee” tell you about the slice?
In a Scottish café, the server asks, “Would you like a wee slice of cake with your tea?”
- It is free.
- It is small.
- It is warm.
- It is sweet.
Show solution
- It is small.
“Wee” means “small” and is common in Scotland. It can also make an offer or description sound friendly.
-
4. Escolhe a resposta correta.
Which item does “thongs” refer to here?
At an Australian beach, Leo says, “My thongs keep slipping off my feet when I walk across the sand.”
- Socks
- Sneakers
- Slippers
- Flip-flops
Show solution
- Flip-flops
In Australian English, “thongs” commonly means flip-flops. The same word can refer to underwear in other varieties of English.
-
5. Escolhe a resposta correta.
Where should the visitor look for the mugs?
A host in Ireland says, “The clean mugs are in the press above the sink.”
- In a dishwasher
- In a cupboard
- In a drawer
- In a refrigerator
Show solution
- In a cupboard
In Irish English, a “press” can mean a cupboard. You may hear it when someone describes where household items are stored.
-
6. Escolhe a resposta correta.
What is Amir putting on?
In Canada, Amir pulls on his toque before stepping into the cold winter air.
- A knitted winter hat
- A wool scarf
- A padded jacket
- A pair of warm gloves
Show solution
- A knitted winter hat
A “toque” is a knitted winter hat in Canadian English. The spelling “tuque” is also used.
-
7. Escolhe a resposta correta.
What kind of business is the “dairy” here?
While visiting New Zealand, Eva hears, “The dairy on the corner sells bread, newspapers, and cold drinks.”
- A farm that produces milk
- A factory that makes cheese
- A neighborhood convenience store
- A wholesale produce market
Show solution
- A neighborhood convenience store
In New Zealand, a “dairy” can be a small neighborhood store. Despite the name, it sells much more than milk products.
-
8. Escolhe a resposta correta.
What has Priya packed?
In India, Priya says, “I've packed some tiffin for the train ride, so I won't need to buy food on board.”
- A set of eating utensils
- A bottle of drinking water
- A portable cooking pot
- A light meal
Show solution
- A light meal
In Indian English, “tiffin” can refer to a light meal or snack. Its exact use varies by region and situation.
-
9. Escolhe a resposta correta.
What should the passenger look for?
“Turn left at the second robot,” says a driver in South Africa, pointing toward a busy intersection.
- A pedestrian overpass
- A set of traffic lights
- A speed camera
- A roundabout
The driver is referring to something that controls traffic at an intersection.
Show solution
- A set of traffic lights
In South African English, “robot” can mean a traffic light. A familiar word can have a very different everyday meaning in another region.
-
10. Escolhe a resposta correta.
What change is the colleague suggesting?
In an Indian office, a colleague writes, “The client is free sooner than expected. Could we prepone our call?”
- Move the call to an earlier time.
- Move the call to a later time.
- Keep the time but make the call shorter.
- Keep the time but prepare an agenda.
The prefix “pre-” often relates to something happening before.
Show solution
- Move the call to an earlier time.
“Prepone” is used in Indian English to mean moving an event earlier. It provides a direct opposite to “postpone.”
-
11. Escolhe a resposta correta.
What does Nora mean by “I'm grand here”?
In Ireland, Nora is offered a different seat. She replies, “I'm grand here, thanks,” and stays where she is.
- This seat looks very expensive.
- This seat is unusually large.
- I'm fine staying in this seat.
- I have the most important seat.
Pay attention to the offer and Nora's decision to stay.
Show solution
- I'm fine staying in this seat.
In everyday Irish English, “grand” often means “fine” or “OK.” It does not necessarily describe anything impressive or luxurious.
-
12. Escolhe a resposta correta.
A visitor arrives after the library has closed. What does the notice tell them?
A Scottish library notice says, “Returns can be placed in the outdoor box outwith opening hours.”
- They must wait until the library opens again.
- They can enter the library through another door.
- They must arrange a special return time.
- They can still return books using the outdoor box.
Compare “outwith” with the more familiar word “within.”
Show solution
- They can still return books using the outdoor box.
In Scottish English, “outwith” means “outside.” Here, it describes times outside the library's opening hours.