10 Everday American Words That Are Totally Inappropriate In Britain

9. Spunk

Nicole Scherzinger recently caused a furore by repeatedly using Americanisms on the British X Factor; "You've got spunk" takes an entirely different meaning in the UK than it does in the USA. This meaning is one which many people will understandably take offense and revulsion at such a sexually laden insinuation. The American language defines spunk as determination and courage, and to be told that one has spunk is a welcomed commendation. In Britain is a common slang term for semen, so to be told you are "full of spunk" is tantamount to being told you are a promiscuous. This insinuated insult led to numerous media attacks on Americanisms permeating into Britain, and Scherzinger became an easy target for these sensationalist and overly sensitive verbal and written assaults. Although the inescapable influx of American media has lessened the extent to which this is deemed offensive in the United Kingdom, it remains a contentious and consistent component of any debate criticising the threat of American culture over our distinct British cultural identity.