Americans reveal all the British words they will never understand

American English is almost like a time capsule of English spelling and pronunciation from the era of the Mayflower.

Back when men were men, puritans were puritans, and 'favourite' was spelled without a 'u'.

Since the seventeenth century, mass communication has brought some of these linguistic chickens home to roost. And bob's your uncle: Americanization.

Our learned friends at Reddithave provided us with an insight into what words at first flummox and then tickle Americans' fancy.

If you understood any of that and you're from the US, you'll find this list a doddle.

• 'Fancy' and its many, many uses. 'Do you fancy this? 'Fancy that?', 'Do you fancy her?' 'Fancy seeing you here', 'It sounds well fancy!'
• 'Snog' (making out) - Somehow I can't unthink 'Desolation of Snog'
• 'Chuffed to bits'. What is chuffing and why are you doing it to bits?
• 'Bellend' - So literal.
• 'Cheers'. There is no American equivalent for an informal toast, say good-bye or end a friendly email.
• 'Whingeing' - whining, moaning, or complaining about something. A lot.
• 'Spanner'. It's better than 'wrench' and works as an insult.
• 'Dodgy'
• 'Arse over tit' - So graceful, so elegant, so foul mouthed.
• 'Cack-handed' Oh it means poo handed. Wait, what?

Go on, try and say them all properly.

HT Reddit