20 Not-So-English Anglicisms Used Abroad
In almost all languages the strange phenomenon of faux-anglicisms pervades. What do the French mean when they refer to “babyfoot”? And what are the Danish getting at when they use the term “butterfly”?
Here’s a run-through of some of our favourite pseudo-anglicisms…
Multiple Languages:
1. Box: Garage
2. Looping: Loop-the-loop
3. Catch: Professional Wrestling
4. Flipper: Pinball Machine
5. Lifting: Facelift
6. Baby-foot: Foosball
7. Smocking: Dinner Jacket
8. Shooting: Photoshoot
Danish:
9. Butterfly: Bow-tie
Dutch:
10. Coffeeshop: Cafe that Sells Cannabis
French:
11. Jogging: Tracksuit
12. Brushing: Blow-dry
13. Building: Skyscraper
14. People: Celebrities
15. Planning: Schedule
16. Relooking: Makeover
17. Top: Brilliant
18. Stage: Internship
German:
19. Handy: Mobile Phone
20. Sprayer: Graffiti Artist