Across the globe, the way we choose to name the most mundane things may vary. To others, certain words might sound completely disconnected from what it means.
For instance, you might have come across the term “lift”. While it also means to raise something or to pick something up, it’s also the British English term for “elevator”.
It’s the same for “clicker” or “remote”; these are simply terms that are used to refer to “remote control”. The only difference is that the former is slang and the latter is simply the shortened version.
Quick Navigation
Remote Control
Whether we choose to use the slang or the shortened expression, we’re still referring to the same thing. Basically, the remote control is a device that one uses to operate a machine from a distance.
These days, we have remote controls for almost every electronic appliance. It’s no longer just for the television.
We have remote controls for presentations, airconditioning, audio devices, videogame consoles, garage doors, and some even have remote controls for the basic amenities of their home. It’s amazing how they make use of one remote to operate all their household devices.
Slang
Well, the word “clicker” is more common in Western Countries. So, it might be slightly puzzling for others. Even though one might be a native English speaker, it does not guarantee that they have the full scope of slang terms.
Growing up, we simply used “remote control” or “remote”. I’m sure that if somebody asked me to pass them the “clicker”, I would have been stumped as to what they wanted me to do.
Slang terms are very difficult to pick up, learn, and use correctly. This is because the language of slang is ever-changing and it varies depending on your geography and culture.
For a reasonable scope, we’re sticking to English slang terms. Let’s start with the popular American slang.
Slang in America largely affects most of the world because of how incredibly far-reaching their media has become. Many of their movies and music are enjoyed from coast to coast.
But it didn’t just pop out in this century. It has been developing continuously for as long as American English has been established.
If you enjoy Mark Twain’s written works, it’s quite entertaining to come across words he made up that might come off as gibberish. My personal favorite has to be “slumgullion” which refers to a cheap drink or a watered-down stew.
American Slang Words
| American Slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ace | Very good |
| Beemer | B.M.W car |
| Blow a fuse | Lose your temper |
| Copped | Stole |
| Dicey | Chancy |
English Slang Across the Globe
English is not just a language spoken in the USA; many European countries use it as their native language. Australia, even though it’s nowhere near the West, uses its own English language.
What we must remember is that English isn’t a rigid mode of communication. It is flexible and adaptable to the speakers and their unique colloquialisms.
American Words that have Different Meanings in Other Places
| American Word/Phrases | Meaning and Place |
|---|---|
| Brown Bread | Dead (London) |
| Packie | Liquor Store (Boston) |
| Barbie | Barbecue (Australian) |
| Go away out of that | You must be joking (Irish) |
| Ruby Murray | Curry (London) |
Dialect and Word Choices
As mentioned above, the word choices are different depending on where you are and it’s likely due to dialect. In the vastness of the United States, it’s hard not to develop a unique set of words for certain hemispheres or states.
Coleslaw is made out of shredded cabbage, other various vegetables, and mayonnaise. While they use the term “coleslaw” in the North, the South simply says “slaw”.
Colloquialisms in the USA
|
Word and Place |
Meaning |
|
Slush (Massachusetts) |
A type of ice-based spoon-eaten treat |
|
Yinz (Pennsylvania) |
Pennsylvania’s version of “y’all” |
|
Bubbler (Wisconsin) |
Water fountain |
|
Janky (Northeast) |
Poorly made; low quality; cheap |
|
Hotdish (Midwest) |
Main dish that is served in a baking dish |
American and British English
Perhaps the most disorienting terms come from the difference between American and British English. If you’re not mindful of the setting, you’re likely to be lost in the middle of the conversation.
If you’re someone who speaks American English primarily, it’s vital that you get to know the discrepancies of certain British terms. In this way, you can avoid a faux pas, especially when you’re traveling to London.
Differences in American and British Words
|
Word |
American Meaning |
British Meaning |
|
Jumper |
Someone who jumps to their death |
A sweater |
|
Pants |
Trousers |
Underwear |
|
Pissed |
Angry |
Very drunk |
|
Chemist |
A scientist who works with chemicals in a lab |
A pharmacist |
|
Boot |
A type of shoe |
The trunk of a car |
All things considered…
The English language is a beautiful phenomenon that people can adapt to their unique cultures. Something as simple as “clicker” can refer to something so mundane.
Creativity through language is truly a uniquely human trait.
Vance is a dad, former software engineer, and tech lover. Knowing how a computer works becomes handy when he builds Pointer Clicker. His quest is to make tech more accessible for non-techie users. When not working with his team, you can find him caring for his son and gaming.