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15 American slang words British people can’t understand

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Slang words are great for keeping languages fresh and modern but they can also be infuriating, especially if you don't understand them.

For us Brits, words like gaff, knackered and bagsy would resonate with most people on these shores but imagine saying those to an American.

They would probably look at you as if you've just insulted their entire family but what if the boot was on the other foot?

Some American slang terms and words can sound like an alien language to Brits.

So without further ado here are 15 American slang words that British people will never understand.

1. Buck

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English meaning: An American dollar, we guess.

2. Pass the buck

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English meaning: To transfer responsibility to someone else.

3. Going Dutch

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English meaning: Everyone pays for their own meal. Splitting the bill.

4. Sweet

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English meaning: Something is good.

5. Zonked

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English meaning: Exhausted.

6. Bought the farm

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English meaning: Moved to the countryside.

7. Shoot the breeze

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English meaning: A casual conversation.

8. Jonesing

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English meaning: Craving something.

9. John Hancock

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English meaning: Signature.

10. Monday morning quarterback

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English meaning: Criticising something with the benefit of hindsight.

11. Ride shotgun

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English meaning: Riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle.

12. For the birds

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English meaning: Something trivial or meaningless.

13. Put up your dukes

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English meaning: Get ready for a fight.

14. Carpetbagger

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English meaning: A politician who is seeking election for somewhere they aren't from or a company that profits from others misfortune.

15. Pork

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English meaning: Politician obtaining money from specific individuals or industries in return for their support.

HT Smartling, BBC America

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