US Lexicon

Last update:
12-Oct-2002
©1996-2008
Mike Todd

Where it's not obvious: BE = British English, AE=American English and

indicates an external link

Labor Day (Federal Holiday)
	First Monday in September In 1882, the Knights of Labor staged a parade in New York City. Ten thousand left their work to join it, and after ten years of lobbying, in 1894, Congress designated it a national holiday. Labor Day is also seen as marking the unofficial end of summer, and also the beginning of the school year. For more general information, see American Holidays in the Encyclopedia.
Lanai
	A screened porch or veranda Mainly a term used in Florida
Lavatory
	Washbasin or washroom BE uses the term to mean a toilet, which may also have washing facilities. AE is more likely to mean a room with washing facilities, which may also have a toilet. The term is also applied to a washbasin or washbowl (particularly in the building industry).
Lazy Susan
	A trade name for a revolving tray used to serve food and relishes
Leatherneck
	A US marine The nickname was first seen in the 1812 war, and came from the leather collars of the enlisted men's uniforms.
Lemonade
	Lemon squash (approx) In the US lemonade is a still drink made from squeezed lemons, sugar and water. It's a very refreshing drink, but many first-time British visitors get a bit of a surprise when they ask for "a lemonade". If you want a British-style lemonade you need to ask for a lemon soda, or ask for one of the brand names, such as 7-Up or Sprite (which is actually lemon and lime)
Liability insurance
	Third party insurance When you rent a car, limited liability insurance is usually included. However, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance) is usually advised.
Life Saver
	Lifebelt
Life Savers
	Polos (sweets - approx) They originally appeared in 1912 was round white mints with a hole, just like the British Polo Mints. And, like Polos, they also now come in fruit and other flavours. The name drives from the fact that they look like Life Savers (lifebelts)
Lima Beans
	Butter Beans However, in parts of the USA, the butter bean is a different variety of lima bean than the one normally called butter bean in the UK. Lima beans are often combined with sweetcorn to make succotash
Lincoln Highway
	This was the first ever paved highway to run coast-to-coast in the US, and was opened on September 10th, 1913
Line
	Queue The use of queue in the US is not unknown, but line is by far the most frequently used term.
Links
	Sausages When sausages are on the menu, you'll often be given the choice "links or patties", and links are the normal sausages whereas patties are simply flat rounds of sausage meat
Little League
	A children's baseball programme, started in 1939 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania (where the annual Little League World Series is still held). It is aimed at boys aged 8-12, although since 1974, girls have been admitted.