Singapore,Philippines,India English Vocabulary Differences!

Summary

In this engaging conversation, people from four countries—USA, Singapore, Philippines, and India—share their unique vocabulary for common objects and concepts. They discuss everything from terms for bathrooms and movie theaters to words for food and directions. Cultural differences and similarities emerge as they explore regional phrases like 'comfort room' (Philippines), 'WC' (India), and 'hang a louie' (Michigan, USA). The lively exchange highlights how language reflects cultural nuances, with plenty of humor and insights into daily life around the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Different terms for restrooms: In the U.S., it's 'bathroom,' while Singapore uses 'toilet,' the Philippines calls it 'CR' (comfort room), and India uses 'washroom' or 'toilet.'
• 😀 Food preferences: Singaporeans recommend low-carb options when dining in their food markets, while others discuss local dishes like eggplant, or 'brinjal' in India and 'talong' in the Philippines.
• 😀 Family connections: Many of the speakers have family in different countries and express an interest in visiting each other, highlighting the cultural exchange.
• 😀 Diverse names for eggplant: The U.S. calls it 'eggplant,' Singaporeans sometimes say 'brinjal,' and in the Philippines, it’s known as 'talong.' In India, it's commonly called 'brinjal.'
• 😀 Clothing store terminology: In the U.S., terms like 'dressing room,' 'changing room,' and 'fitting room' are used, while in India, the term 'trial room' is common.
• 😀 Gas stations: In the U.S., it’s called a 'gas station,' while in Singapore, it’s a 'petrol station,' and in India, it’s referred to as a 'petrol pump.'
• 😀 Movie theaters: The U.S. calls them 'movie theaters,' while Singapore uses 'cinema,' and in the Philippines, it can also be called 'sinehan' or 'cinema.' In India, 'cinema hall' is a traditional term, but 'theater' is more common now.
• 😀 Roundabouts and intersections: In the U.S., it's a 'roundabout,' while in Singapore, they might say 'intersection' or 'crossroads.' In India, 'roundabout' is commonly used.
• 😀 Driving directions: In Michigan, some people say 'hang a louie' for a left turn, and 'hang a roger' for a right turn, a quirky regional way of giving directions.
• 😀 Cultural differences in everyday terms: The speakers share many unique terms and variations across their countries, from the bathroom to gas stations and food terms, demonstrating the diversity of English around the world.

Q & A

What term do people in the U.S. generally use to refer to a room with a toilet?

In the U.S., people typically refer to the room with a toilet as a 'bathroom.' However, the sign may sometimes say 'ladies room' or 'men's room.'

What is the common term used for a toilet in Singapore?

In Singapore, the common term for a toilet is simply 'toilet.' While 'washroom' may also be understood, it is not as commonly used.

How is the toilet referred to in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, people use the term 'CR' (Comfort Room) to refer to a toilet. Some people also use the word 'bathroom' or 'bagno' in Filipino.

What is the term used for a toilet in India?

In India, people generally use the terms 'toilet' or 'washroom.' Sometimes, you may also see 'WC' (Waste Compartment) written on the door.

How do different countries refer to the vegetable known as eggplant?

In the U.S., it's called 'eggplant.' In Singapore and the Philippines, it's also referred to as 'eggplant,' but in India, it's most commonly called 'brinjal.' Some people in India may also use 'aubergine.'

What is the term used for a changing room in different countries?

In the U.S., it's referred to as a 'dressing room' or 'fitting room.' In Singapore, it's commonly called a 'fitting room' or 'changing room.' In the Philippines, 'fitting room' or 'changing room' are used, but 'dressing room' is rare. In India, it's mostly called a 'trial room.'

How is a gas station referred to in different countries?

In the U.S., it's called a 'gas station.' In Singapore, it's called a 'petrol station,' while in the Philippines, people say 'gas station' but use 'gasoline' for the fuel. In India, it's called a 'petrol pump.'

What is the term used for a movie theater in different countries?

In the U.S., it's called a 'movie theater.' In Singapore, it's commonly referred to as 'cinema,' and in the Philippines, people use both 'movie theater' and 'cinema.' In India, the term 'cinema hall' used to be common but is now mostly replaced by 'theater.'

What is the term used for a roundabout in different countries?

In the U.S., it's called a 'roundabout.' In Singapore, it's often referred to as the 'fourth intersection' or simply as the 'crossroad.' In the Philippines, the term 'rotonda' is used. In India, the term 'roundabout' is common.

What does 'hang a Louie' mean in the context of driving directions in Michigan?

'Hang a Louie' is a term used in Michigan to mean 'turn left.' The term 'hang a Roger' is used in Canada for turning right. These are regional slang terms for giving driving directions.