9 American Phrases That Mean Something Totally Different Overseas!

Think you’re speaking English? Think again!

I learned the hard way that telling a British guy I “liked his pants” didn’t quite land the way I intended.

His eyes went wide.

His entire body stiffened.

For a second, I thought he was about to either thank me or punch me in the face.

Turns out, in the UK, “pants” means underwear. 

So to him, some random American had just complimented his choice of boxers.

That was my first real lesson in the wild world of English, not the kind I grew up speaking in the U.S., but the unpredictable, double-meaning, landmine-filled version that exists everywhere else.

Because here’s the thing: just because English is spoken around the world doesn’t mean we’re all speaking the same language.

What sounds perfectly normal in the States can make you sound bizarre, inappropriate, or just plain confusing overseas.

From accidental bathroom requests in Spain to an American friend who unknowingly propositioned a Thai waiter (yes, really), I’ve seen my fair share of language disasters.

And if you think you’re immune, think again.

Here are seven seemingly harmless American phrases that will get you some truly strange looks abroad.

1. “Pants” (UK, Ireland)

Why it’s confusing: In the U.S., “pants” means trousers. In the UK and Ireland? It means underwear.

Completely different stakes.

How I learned the hard way: I once asked a British guy in a pub that I liked his pants.

His expression suggested I had just confessed to breaking into his home and rummaging through his laundry.

 It took a few seconds of confusion before he finally muttered,“Er… trousers, mate?”

Lesson learned.

What to say instead: If you’re in the UK or Ireland and want to compliment someone’s lower-half attire, say “trousers.”

Unless you really are impressed by their choice of underwear, then by all means, carry on.

2. “Fanny Pack” (UK, Australia)

Why it’s confusing: In the U.S., a fanny pack is just a handy travel pouch. In the UK and Australia, “fanny” is not something you casually mention in polite company.

How I learned the hard way: A former British colleague nearly snorted his beer out of his nose when I asked if he had seen my fanny pack.

He choked out, “Mate… you might wanna call it a bum bag over here.”

I took his advice and never repeated that mistake.

What to say instead: “Bum bag.” Just trust me on this one.

3. “Table Napkin” (Spain, Mexico, Argentina)

Why it’s confusing: In Spanish, “napkin” translates to “servilleta,” which is fine.

However, in some places, “napkin” sounds suspiciously like “nápkin”, slang for a sanitary pad.

How I learned the hard way: I was in a café in Madrid and confidently asked the waiter, “¿Me puedes dar una napkin?” He blinked. Then hesitated.

Then slowly handed me a tissue, as if unsure whether he was being pranked.

What to say instead: Just say “servilleta” if you want to wipe your mouth and not deeply confuse your server.

4. “I’m Stuffed” (UK, Ireland)

Why it’s confusing: In the U.S., this means you’ve eaten too much. In the UK and Ireland, it’s slang for being pregnant.

How I learned the hard way: I was at a dinner in Dublin, happily patting my stomach after a big meal when I announced, “I’m stuffed!”

The table went silent. One person nearly choked on their Guinness.

Turns out, I had just declared my imaginary pregnancy to a group of people who had only known me for an hour.

What to say instead: Say “I’m full” unless you’re actually making a life-changing announcement.

5. “To Go” (France, Spain, Italy)

Why it’s confusing: In the U.S., you grab your coffee “to go.” In many European countries, coffee is a sit-down experience.

How I learned the hard way: I once tried ordering a coffee “to go” in France. The server sighed, gave me the look of a disappointed teacher, and said “Café, c’est pour boire ici.”

Translation: Coffee is for drinking here. Message received.

What to do instead: Embrace the culture. Sit down, sip slowly, and enjoy the experience. The world won’t end if you take ten minutes to drink an espresso.

6. “Excuse Me” (Thailand)

Why it’s confusing: In the U.S., “excuse me” is polite. In Thailand, directness can sometimes come off as pushy.

How I learned the hard way: I was in Bangkok and used “excuse me” a little too abruptly.

The person I was addressing took a step back, visibly uncomfortable.

I quickly realized that tone matters… a lot. A softer approach and a smile go much further.

What to say instead: A gentle “Khor thot” (ขอโทษ) with a smile is much better received.

7. “Bless You” (France, Spain, Eastern Europe)

Why it’s confusing: Americans reflexively say “bless you” after a sneeze.

In many places, people just… don’t.

How I learned the hard way: In a café in France, someone sneezed.

I instinctively said “Bless you!”… and got blank stares.

Turns out, I was the only one acknowledging sneezes like some overenthusiastic priest.

What to do instead: If no one else is saying it, it’s fine to stay quiet. The sneezer will survive without your intervention.

8. “Put on a Vest” (UK, Ireland)

Why it’s confusing: In the U.S., a vest is a formal or casual sleeveless jacket worn over a shirt. 

In the UK and Ireland?

A “vest” is what Americans call an undershirt. If you ask for a vest, people will assume you’re looking for underwear.

How I learned the hard way: An American friend in London once went shopping and confidently told the store clerk, “I need a nice vest for a dinner party.”

The clerk, looking slightly confused, pointed him toward a rack of plain white tank tops.

It wasn’t until he clarified that he meant something dressy that the misunderstanding became clear.

What to say instead: If you’re in the UK and looking for a formal vest, ask for a “waistcoat.”

Otherwise, you might end up at a dinner party looking like you just rolled out of bed.

9. “Rubber” (UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand)

Why it’s confusing: In the U.S., asking someone for a rubber means you’re either being very responsible or very forward.

But in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand?

It just means you’ve made a mistake on your paper and need an eraser.

Completely innocent.

No raised eyebrows necessary… unless, of course, you’re American.

How I learned the hard way: One day, a British teacher I worked with in Poland casually turned to an American colleague and asked, ”Hey, can I borrow a rubber?”

The American nearly choked on his coffee.

”Uh… I… I don’t think I can help you with that,” he stammered, frantically glancing around, as if he’d just been propositioned in the middle of a staff meeting.

The Brit, now equally confused, waved his notebook. “You know, for this mistake, an eraser?”

Cue the relieved sigh and the American muttering, ”Ohhh, right. Yeah, sure. Here.” Crisis averted.

What to say instead: If you’re American and find yourself in the UK or Commonwealth countries, just know that rubber means eraser and nothing else.

If a Brit asks you for one, they’re probably trying to fix a spelling mistake… not making an unexpectedly bold request.

And if you’re British in the U.S., maybe just go with eraser, unless you enjoy watching Americans spiral into momentary panic.

Are You Sure You’re Speaking the Right English?

English isn’t universal, it’s a collection of regional dialects waiting to trip you up in the most unexpected ways.

One wrong phrase and you could be complimenting someone’s underwear, implying you’re pregnant, or confusing a waiter into thinking you need feminine hygiene products.

Traveling or living abroad means learning to navigate these linguistic landmines. 

But honestly, that’s part of the fun.

Who doesn’t love a good language mishap story?

After 20 years of “English” teaching and examining abroad, I can write a whole book on language mishaps alone…lol. 

Have you ever had an embarrassing language mix-up?