question for the british ladies

[Nikki+2]

I read books that take place in England every now and then and I have a language question. I always thought a jumper was a pullover sweater but a few times in the context of the book, I thought it might be something else also? Also, what is a singlet? Is it a tee shirt? Okay, I think that's it. Thanks for any help. It drives me crazy to not have a clear image in my head when I'm reading.

[fasteddie]

jumper:

a person who jumps; "as the jumper neared the ground he lost control"; "the jumper's parachute opened"
an athlete who competes at jumping; "he is one hell of a jumper"
a coverall worn by children
a small connector used to make temporary electrical connections
a loose jacket or blouse worn by workmen
a sleeveless dress resembling an apron; worn over other clothing
(basketball) a player releases the basketball at the high point of a jump

http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

singlet:

A tight, sleeveless, one-piece outfit worn by wrestlers during their matches.

http://www.newingtonblackhawks.com/glossary.htm

---

This was found on Google by typing in define:jumper and define:singlet.

[Nikki+2]

FastEddie, thank you so much for looking them up for me. I think I'm looking for the definitions in a strictly British context, ways that Americans don't use the words. For example a fag is a cigarette in England but isn't used that way here.

[Nikki+2]

bump. Where are our British members?

[DianeW]

Hello - Hope This Helps.

A Jumper Over Here Is Sometimes Called A Sweater, Usually Made From Wool, Worn In Winter Time, And Usually Long Sleeved.

A Singlet To Me Is Like A Vest (worn Underneath A Jumper Or T-shirt If Weather Is Cold). I Think People Of Different Ages May Have A Different View On The Definitions Of These Items.

Just Ask Away If You Have Any More Words...................

[Nikki+2]

Originally Posted by DianeW

Hello - Hope This Helps.

A Jumper Over Here Is Sometimes Called A Sweater, Usually Made From Wool, Worn In Winter Time, And Usually Long Sleeved.

A Singlet To Me Is Like A Vest (worn Underneath A Jumper Or T-shirt If Weather Is Cold). I Think People Of Different Ages May Have A Different View On The Definitions Of These Items.

Just Ask Away If You Have Any More Words...................

Thank you so much! So a singlet is like an undershirt? In the book I am reading a character is described as only wearing a singlet even though it is very cold. I'm sure I seem silly obsessing over minor details like this but as I said, not being able to picture something I'm reading just drives me crazy- and that's not a long drive.

[sammiz]

I think it's great that you asked. You tend to get a better understanding if you know what the word was meant to convey. I love words. I am an avid reader. Obsessive reader is probably more correct, if I am willing to admit it. When I have a book going on, most everything else falls to the wayside. I will stay up nearly all night to finish a book, constantly telling myself...just one more chapter......

[Dougal&Little]

I love words too! But if you want some real confusion; in New Zealand we can use words in both their American and British contexts. (British because of our recent colonial past and American because that's what's on TV).

Take for example PANTS. It can mean underpants (or knickers) or trousers here.

I'm such a geek about words. At my work we have access to the full and complete Oxford English Dictionary online (that's the one that takes up about 24 volumes in "hard copy"). I'm always looking stuff up on it.

[Nikki+2]

Originally Posted by sammiz

I think it's great that you asked. You tend to get a better understanding if you know what the word was meant to convey. I love words. I am an avid reader. Obsessive reader is probably more correct, if I am willing to admit it. When I have a book going on, most everything else falls to the wayside. I will stay up nearly all night to finish a book, constantly telling myself...just one more chapter......

Oh I understand completely! I am an obsessive reader too and there have been more times than I want to admit that evening rolls around and I'm scrambling because my husband will be home soon and I realize I've gotten so caught up in a book that I haven't gotten anything done all day.

[Nikki+2]

Originally Posted by Dougal&Little

I love words too! But if you want some real confusion; in New Zealand we can use words in both their American and British contexts. (British because of our recent colonial past and American because that's what's on TV).

Take for example PANTS. It can mean underpants (or knickers) or trousers here.

I'm such a geek about words. At my work we have access to the full and complete Oxford English Dictionary online (that's the one that takes up about 24 volumes in "hard copy"). I'm always looking stuff up on it.

Ohhh, having access to something like that could be very addictive! BTW, my grandma call underwear pants so I'd fit right in down there.

[kelkiss5]

Originally Posted by DianeW

Hello - Hope This Helps.

A Jumper Over Here Is Sometimes Called A Sweater, Usually Made From Wool, Worn In Winter Time, And Usually Long Sleeved.

A Singlet To Me Is Like A Vest (worn Underneath A Jumper Or T-shirt If Weather Is Cold). I Think People Of Different Ages May Have A Different View On The Definitions Of These Items.

Just Ask Away If You Have Any More Words...................

Same here in Ireland. Never heard of a singlet though.
Another 1. In America youes have sneekers we have guddies. Also we call jelo jelly. OMG I could probably go on alnight if i sat and thought about the way we use different words for the same things. hehe....

[Nikki+2]

Originally Posted by kelkiss5

Same here in Ireland. Never heard of a singlet though.
Another 1. In America youes have sneekers we have guddies. Also we call jelo jelly. OMG I could probably go on alnight if i sat and thought about the way we use different words for the same things. hehe....

Cool, I had never heard guddies. A new one for me. I actually had an aunt by marriage who was from England and my husband used to work with an English man so I thought I knew most of the English words that we don't use over here but obviously not.

Okay, one more. Am I right that snogging is the same as making out?

[Dougal&Little]

Originally Posted by Nikki+2

Okay, one more. Am I right that snogging is the same as making out?

Sure is. I spent a year in London when I was 18 - so I have intimate knowledge of snogging.

[Nikki+2]

Originally Posted by Dougal&Little

Sure is. I spent a year in London when I was 18 - so I have intimate knowledge of snogging.

Naughty, naughty!

[DianeW]

In England Snogging Is Just Kissing - Is That What Making Out Means?????